The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-10-30
"THE NEW SECRETARY OF WAR"

Under this head the Albany Argus of the 22d
criticises the public career of Mr.. Spencer. We
do not perceive, however, that it in any essen
tial particular invalidates the brief historical
sketch which we published, although it sets out
with the declaration that was lin many respects
erroneous" As, however, the controversy which
The Argus would provoke involves matters of
history and opinion rather than of principle, we
prefer quoting the reply of the Evening Journal
to writing out any impressions of our own. The
Evening Journal says:
"The Argus comedies respectable talents, more
than ordinary requirements and uncommon industry
to Mr.. Spencer A liberal or even just opponent,
would have at least added strict integrity pure NOR
ais and high character to the category of his merits
and qualifications But let that pass. The burthen
Of complaint against Mr.. Spencer is his alleged want
of Democratic consistency
Mr.. Spencer educated in the Je1ersonian
school of democracy He made his political debut as
the private secretary Of Gov. Tompkins. Upon his
admission to the Bar, he established himself in Canaan
dagua then the principal place of business,
the head quarters for Western New York, where
the residence of many distinguished and influential
Federalists, among whom were Oliver Phelps, Ma
tional Gorham, Nathaniel w. Howell, Myron Hol-
ley, Sc &c. For several years, Mr. Spencer was the
only Republican lawyer in Canandagua, and, until
the late Gideon Granger moved there the only prom
nent man in the village who was Republican. But
like the youthful David he forth to battle against
the Golahs of Federalism. Long before the Cros-
wells of the Argus had escaped from the swaddling
clothes of Federalism John G. Spencer had rendered
more good service the Democratic party than they
are capable Of rendering during their lives
In those days RepubIcanisn meant something
Federalism, in distinctive, embodied form, had
isence. From 1910 to 1876 the conflicts etween the
Republican and Federal parties of Western New
York were tremendous and convusive. In all these
conflicts Mr. Spencer was Leading master spirit
His indomitabe energy, watchfulness, industry and
talents were felt throughout the old Western Senate
District which then extended far this way Oneida.
We speak Understandings, We remember the po-
tent and pervading Influence which Mr.. s. exerted in
defence Of Gov. Tompkins's Propagation of the Lee
gisature in the spring Of 1912. That was a fearful
crisis for the Republican party and for the State The
Six Million Bank was working its way through the
Legislature by of bribery and corruption Gov.
Tompkins who defeated the measure by propagation
of the Legislature feTcey assaied and denounced
for that exercise of Executive power. In western New
York, John G. Spencer sustained the Governor with
all his faculties. His voice and his pen were actively
employed. Powerful articles were written by him. in
defence of the prorogation for all the Western Re-
publican papers. He was for many years the editor of
the Ontario Messenger, (aways rendering the service
gratuitously) which the organ of the Democratic
party in the West. He wrote constantly during the
war; Of the editorials for half dozen other Re-
publican papers. We were, in 1871 apprentice in
the Onondago Lynx" Office, Republican paper
which received its editorial matter from Mr. Spencer
The articles in he Manlus Times" Federal pa
per, which required to be noticed, were enclosed to
Canandaigua and the return mail was sure to bring
Mr. SIS reply. So much for Mr. Spencer's RepublI-
canism in " times that tried mems souls"
When did Mr.. Spencer's delinquency, as a Repub-
lican, commenced In 1919, says the Argus. But
what are the facts2 The candidates for Governor
were De Witt Clinton and Daniel D. Tompkins-
They were both Republicans Mr. Spencer went
with the Democracy of the West in favor of Clinton
whose election required to carry on the Canal,
then bitterly opposed by his opponents. fit was an
ti-repubcan for Mr.. Spencer to support Gov Clinton
in l5l9 was it less for Mr. Van Buren, TO procure his
reelection in 1926
Butthe Argus alleges that Mr.. Spencer ran of the
Republican track in 1924. Is this sol The candi-
dates for President were John Quincy Adams and