The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-05-03
"MR. WEBSTER"


habit of expressing dissatisfaction when the
name of this distinguished statesman is men
toned in connection with the administration Of
Government affairs. We wish 10 say few
words upon this point to the People Of the coun-
try, and in doing so may we ask them to cast
towards Mr. Webster for one moment4 we
appeal equally TO their justice and generosity
What is Mr.. Webster's present position? tor
this is the aspect in which we look at pubic
men, in order to appreciate their political rela-
tons for good or for evil towards the country =
No matter what may have been politicians
former opinions on questions of constitutional
principle, or of administrative policy, If his
present sentiments are those of an enlightened
statesman, and exhibit a character impressed
with lofty patriotism and general popularity
for honesty and usefulness, it appears TO US that
this is all that the country should or willrequire
If men were judged alone by their past acts or
opinions in politics. there are certainly only
very few persons in political life who could
stand the issue successfully. Take several In
stances. We all know that at one time, and
that not very long since, Mr.. Buchanan, now
was an avowed Federalist.-We know that at
one time he acted with MIR. Clay, and we dare
say that Mr.. Buchanan would not like to appear
before the country exactly in the same attitude
in respect to policy which he occupied no
longer back than the year 1910. We rather
81 thn
standing army proposition and his low wages
doctrines. We do not mention these facts TO
denounce Mr.. Buchanan; on the contrary, we
approve of the sensitiveness which he now ex-
hibts on these and other ponts-and merely
mention them to sustain our position. Has not
Mr. Clay turned to every point of the political
compass, during his long and eventful, and, we
will add, in some respects (hough not in later
times) useful life. Look at Mr.. Mcpherson
Berrien, one of the leaders Of the efhgy
Mr. Clay was nominated as Secretary OF State,
by Mr. Adams, was the first man to vote against
him, and was at that time in deadly hostility to
Mr.. Clay and all ofhls political doctrines. Now,
we perceive these worthy persons, 'cheek by
jowl," in close and loving fellowship, lying like
knotted snakes, in the same nest, in the instinct
i've embrace of kindred sympathies and kindred
purposes, and employed every hour in Kissing
CTS all they can dog their venomed breath at
the President, and all connected with him, in
private public relations. And such men as
these, and others of similar character, talk Of
Il >c tb<, yofS totn Il
endeavor to poison the ears of the Republican CT
tizens of this country Nth prejudice, about Mr.
Webster's past positions.
But to take another instance, and one of a
we will refer to the present attitude of Mr.. Cal
houn, and ask, that has present affinities and
principles be contrasted with those he has enter
tanned in past times. Every body admits Mr.
Calhoun to be man Of unblemished personal
and political character There seems TO be com-
mon consent almost in admitting that his views
have been those of unsound judgment of the
head rather than of the heart. AT one time he
was arrayed on the side Of Bank and Tariff,
logical and powerful in the advocacy OF such OPT
nions--now he is in the most uncompromsing
position of hostility to each Of these measures.
At one time he was denunciatory of every thing
connected with the Jacksonian and Van Buren,
Democracy, 1.-TWO very different things, by the
by,) and now he is Rugged in close protection
to their breasts. Again we repeat, we do not
mention these things either in consideration OF
Mr. Calhoun or the Demo ratio party, but to
III xxyIin h h
is reflected and to ask the Republicans of the
land, if Mr. Webster is to be excluded absolutely,
vi Ell araais, from occupying Republican ground,
or to be charged with duplicity fhe acknowledge
any change of political sentiments, when others
for doing the same thing are not only commend
ed, but rewarded with thanks and gratitude,
and sometimes even with something still more
substantial.
| In truth there are but very few men in any
land, who can say, like the President of the
United States, that since entering upon the
threshold Of the capital, through long and
evenuu career of nearly thirty years, common
cling almost as beardless boy, and ending thro
successive gradaions with an elevation to the
Chief Magislracy of the Union, that his bril-
liant and eventful career has been increasingly
onward and upward upon the old JefersonIan
road, tempted by no flowers to rove, and led as
tray by no fleeing visions Of interest or vain
glorious ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, from the straight-for-
ward path marked out and illumned by the steps
of our Republican Fathers.
Now, len, we ask once more, both Of Wing
and Democrat, we do not mean 'effigy" men, OF
agrarians, but we appeal to the Republicans o.
the land, and require of them an honest, plair