The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-06-16
THE "COLLAR" MEN.


This beautiful soubriquet was applied during
the late Presidential campaign to certain advo-
Gates of Mr.. Van Buren,, who followed their
leader blindfold wherever the interests OF the
party required it. Since the appearance OF the
Vet6es of the President, we have heard nothing
said of these "collar" men, although plain,
thinking observer would think that many might
be found acting as such on both sides, just now.
When we speak of sides, we mean party sides,
not having any disposition to classify ourselves
as followers of either Mr.. Benton or Mr. Clay,
in what they may think proper to dictate to their
drill sergeants, as proper course of movement.
If we ever wear collar, (Which God forbid y
we wish it to. be one that it should be the duty
of every Republican to wear-a submission to
the will of the People We do not consider
that will now represented IN either branch OF
Congress-for the most superficial observer can
discover that party managers-those selfish
leeches on the public welfare the only ones
who are now benefited by Legislation.
1t is little funny, however, to see these every
particular friends'' cheek by ]owl after the thou
sands Of hard words that have passed between
the editors of the Louisville Journal and Wash
ngton Globe-not to speak of the military chief
tain in New Fork, who has flown to the 'collar
men, lock, stock and barrel! 1t goes strongly
to show the truth of the old proverb, that ga
fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind" But
who would have put such strong faith in the re-
mark few short months since? Not the best
prophet of modern times. If we could ask
fair expose of the private opinions these men
entertain of one another-or, like Asmodeus,
look into their secret plottings to put down the
President-what vast amount of the seven
deadly sins might be brought to light! The old
scenes of bargain and corruption Ebony and
Overwhelmingly and Massachusetts-wo
be mere daubs to the picture that might be
painted. These things must all come out, how
ever Coalitions between such extremes are
little likely to stay as long together as oil and
water. One must float uppermost, and we may
then look for an exposure from the party kept
under. We only trust the disclosure may be
made soon enough-it is well understood here
now, but the items are necessary, so as to let
him who runs, READ. -
We have, for long time, watched the move
ments going on beneath the surface. That they
are such as no honest politician would counte-
nance, we are fully satisfied. The unholy per-
secution waged against the President because
he would not submit to dictation, has called
forth the sympathy of the honest Of all parties.
1t has, in fact, created support, as every day
bears witness.
Look at the independent press Of the country
We mean that class which comes to the deal
table of the poor man, as well as the mahogany
of the nabob-the "penmy' press, as it has been
called in derision. Have they lost by taking an
honest view of things? We think not, for you
will find them everywhere. They at this time
are making fortunes, while the most conspicu-
Gus of the opposition in the Imperial City of the
Empire State, is in the hands of trustees !
Bankrupt! For others, nearer home, we will
not speak-their situation is too well known to
need comment Does the necessity, then, OF
making an application between the "Collar"
press and the ''People's" press exist? We
leave the question to themselves, and when de-
cided, we shall then be better able to know who
are the "Collar" men. Whoever they may be,
we disavow all connexion with them-Claytes,
Bentontes, Mangumites, or Van Burenites-
For ourselves, we will only say,
ssHere shall the press THE PEOPLES rights maintain,
Unawd by influence, and unbrbed by gain;
Here glorious Truth, her noble precepts draw,
Pledged to Religion, Liberty, and Law"