The spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1840-1844, 1842-11-04

gu Ny iIesluenl III all anu
particularly and specially noted by him on an
amendment TO bill submitted to his consideration
by member Of congress during the discussion of
the matter.
| | do not deem the Occa 'iOn a fit one TO enter
into an examination of the various statements and
controversies that have arisen on this subject. The
foregoing explanation Of The immediate occasion
of the open outbreak which ensucd between the
President and the greater portion of the represent
tatives in congress of the party that elected him,
is deemed sufficient But should do injustice to
my own feelings, if did not express the deep con-
viclion produced in my mind from thorough
investigation of the subject and from having be-
come familiar with the statements of all parties,
that there was much of mistake and misapprehen-
sion between those who were honestly willing to
understand each other, some Of accidental, and
more of intentional. misrepresentation OF the Ian
guage of the President in the varons conversations
held with him; and that throughout he manifested
sincere, honest and steadfnst adherence to the
great constitutional objection which he had for
years, repeatedly in public and in private, announ-
ced ms Fundamental article of his political creed.
Nor can Ipermn myself to doubt, that if similar
rankness had been exhibited by others, if IL spirit
of peace and harmony had prevailed, and ila small
portion Of the bemlity and iorbcalancc for dssen-
as the attribute of the party, had been exercised
towards the President, the violent scenes we have
witnessed and which have scandalzed free govern
ments, would not have occurred; and the relations
between the President and the representatives. who
had heen elected on the same ticket with him
would have been such as 10 produce peaceful
vigorous and successful administration of the gov
eminent, and accomplish all that the interest oil
the country required.
In proof of The absence of all selfish, interested
or ambitious motives on the part of that President
in the course which his convictions Of duty prOmp-
ted, may now advert TO fact long known to me
which has been promulgated in the newspapers OF
the day, vouched for by at least one wing editor
stated by representative in congress from Nlassl-
chusc,s in speech lately delivered at Newbury-
port, upon authority, and hitherto not denied
That fact is, that previous to returning the second
bank bill to congress with his objec,iohs, in full
view of the assaults to be made upon him, and
with the purpose of removing all cause of ugila-
ton, as well rs to secure hmsef against minus,
imputalons, the President submitted 10 his then
cabinet, whether he should in the message then
abou, TO be transmitted 10 congress, announce Il
resolution TO retire from public life at the expira-
tion of the existing term; and that against his do
ing so, all the members of the cabinet then profess
would not have effect TO produce pence or quiet,
but would only change the direction of faction that
no one had n right TO expect such II step from
him, as he had not been elected President, and no
obligation existed that should in,erposc any barrier
between him and direct vote Of the people
| In connection, ard vet in contrast with the pre-
ccdins is another fact Of an extraordinary charac-
ter which though known by many, has lately been
distinctly promu gated 1t is Swallowed in n letter
of Mr. Ewng's in the Statement, by him of a propo-
si,ion having baen made TO the President, that the
majority that had passed the first bank bill, would
consent 10 posip0nL the second TO the next session
of congress, if they could receive assurances that
in the mean time no hostile movement would be
made on the part Of the President Thu full mean
! ing of this statement has now been developed hy
the declaration Of a member of congress, that u
message was carried from the whig leaders in con-
gress to the President. to the effect that If he
would engage not to disturb any members of his
then cabinet in the enjoyment OF their office, the
second bank bill should be postponed The an
swer to such proposition may be easily concey-
ed. The effect of that proposition was to prove
the identity flhe members Of the cabinet whose
places were deemed in jeopardy with the hostile
members of congress, and the design was 10 pre-
cpiac matters, it was most eiiecual.
You will require no aid to determine which Of
the actors in these scenes exhibited u LOFTY disin-
leresied patriotism, and which cvinccd any lenaci-
ly for place or desire Of power. These facts are
full Of instruction, ard furnish key to many
mysterious transactions.
After the outbreak referred to, The President re-
modelled his Cabinet, and from that time his nd .
mns,ration may be said 10 have commenced. 1t
began and has been continued thus far, without
rI put ~ n.l. mn lodi, IL,
political chief, or bound to him by those political
associations, which under every preceding admin
s,ralon had enabled the Executive to look at least
for favorable prcdiSposi,ions in large portion Of
the members Of congress 10 sustain his measures
The same course of events which deprived him of
this usual aud accustomed aid Of an administration
also liberated him from those mere party influences
and party obligations which become reciprocal
from party service. lie was at full liberty to CON
suit the interests of the whole people, of the great
est masses, without reference TO the extreme views
of the blgots OF amy party. And he determined 10
do so. An examination Of the measures adopted
by him and Of those recommended 10 congress,
will show how far no has succeeded tie pursued
the even tenor of Lis way amid the conflicts ofcon-
tending parties, adherng scrupulousy to the prin-
cpes that he had always a,owcd so Ear us they
were applicable TO the questions that presented
themselves.
The annual message at the opening Of The last
session Of congress, and the message during that
session, furn Sh chart of the measures of the nd
minislrnon, aud enabled us 10 discern the policy
of the presldcn, from the most authentic and un-
questionable sources. An enumeration Of these
measures and the fate Of the recommendations by
which they were urged upon the aiicnllnn of con-
gress, will enable You 10 perceive how fal that
policy has been carried out, where il failed, and
the cause Of such failure.
LIST. The first point 10 which the President call
ed the attention of congress in the annual message,
was the danger to which the country was exposed
by want of suitable provisions in our judicial code
to enable the general government 10 perform the
duties with which it is charged. of maintaining
peace and preserving amcablc relations with all
the nations of the earth and he suggested the pro-
prety of providing by law for the removal from the