Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1841-03-31
HON r Nj Johnson

Read the following address of this gentle
man, on taking leave of the Senate; and con-
trast it with Mr. Van Buren's letter to some
gentlemen in Mobile. Mr.. Johnson speaks
like man of feeling Ike one who has
some feeling for those who differ with
him politically /; he pays a just s tribute
to Mr.. Tyler. Here is no charging that, the
wings and abolitionists have united in opposi-
ton to himself but respectful difference
to the viii Of the people.
we do most sincerely wish, that we could
pay Mr.. Van Buren, the same compliment
which we here pay to Col. Johnson; but when a
man makes the last act of his official life, base
and unfounded charge against his political adj
versaries, we cannot feel for him any other
emotion, than that of contempt Mark the
contrast between the two; the one speaks
ike man who having at the call of the peo-
pie, served them faithfully, and to the best of
his ability; is willing to retire when they no
longer have a use for him; and does not, in
in present discontinue, forget past favor: the
other like political gambler, who, having no
merit ofhs own, has risen entirely by chica-
merry and good luck, and now having made an
unfortunate cast and lost all, he retires ours
ing the fckelness of fortune, and charging
those who have been opposed to him, with
being knaves and swinders. Self respect
would have dictated a different course but it
is a lesson TO to the people and will learn them,
that those who cry loudest for democracy,
are not always those who have most respect for
them.
1.-The following is Vice President Johnsons
Address to the Senate upon his relinquishing
the Speakers chair in that body:
''In taking leave of this body no language
is adequate to express my feelings. | have
been associated many years in the councils OF
our common country, and it has been my
great pleasure and happiness, that my person
al relations have always been kind and friend
ly, without distinction of party. | was elected
to the place occupy by an equal vote OF the
Electoral Colleges, and majority of the votes
of the People.
"After having served my country for thirty
: two years-two years in the Legislature, and
thirty years in the service ofthe Government
lit IS natural that my membranes should
, be awakened to the past. My situation here
has been pleasant and agreeable. Such has
I been the generous and magnanimous course
S of conduct ofal towards me, that it could
not be otherwise,-If in the discharge o
my official duties, have ever failed to NEE
n your appreciation, it has been rather from the
want of ability than of will-Aiy intention,
have always been, to preside with impartiality
e and justice.
J, "rhe place hold is. hereafter to be occu
pied by distinguished son of Virginia, anC
in leaving the place | occupy, it is with NJ
feeling Of dissatisfaction towards any one, o.
n towards the verdict of the People against me
/ have always bowed, and always shal bow il
/ Difference to the viii of the majority. Permi
: me to take this occasion to bid you all an af
e fectionate farewell. Whatever destiny ma,
0 await you both in your affairs in this work
e and in your destiny in the world to come"
Colonel Johnson exhibited much emotion
4 during the delivery of this valedictory. Nj
\ Mangum moved vote of thanks, upon which
> Mr.. Clay of Kentucky, paid a high compli
ment to the impartiality of Colonel Johnson a
e President of the Senate and to his long AM
various public services.