The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1842-04-09

nau heen lfeeiy Sh0Wereu upon me, ana
when stood. as il were, in the darkest
moments of human exis'ence--a andon-
ed by the world, illuminated by large
portion OF my countrymen, she threw
around me her imrenerable shield, and
bore me aloll, and repealed the attacks Of
malignity and caluniny, by which ! was
assallcd. Sir, 1t is to me an unspeakable
pleasure that am shortly to return to her
friendly limits; and that shall finally de.
posie (and it will not be long before that
day arr, esq my last remains under her
generous soil, with the remains of her
gallant and patriotic sons who have pre-
coded me.
Mr.. President, recent epihet. q do
know whether for the purpose of honor
or of degraion,) has been applied TO NE;
and have been held up to the country
as dictator. Dictator! The idea of die
ratorship is drawn from Roman insliu-
tons; and there, hen it was created, the
person who was invested with this tre-
mendous authority, concentrated in his
own person the hole power of The Sale.
He exercised unlimited control over The
property and lives of the citizens OF the
Commonwealth. He had the power of
raising armies. and of raising Ievenue by
taxing the people. If have been dicIa-
tor. what have been the powers with
WI! have been clotheh2 Have | had
the distribution of the patrona.e of the
Government? Have !, in short. possessed
any power whatever? Sir, il have been
dictator, ! think those who apply the ep-
tibet to me must at least admit two things
In the first place, that my dictatorship
has been distinguished by no cruel execu-
tons, sIained by no deeds Of blood, soil
ed by no act of dlshonor. And they
must no less ack' cwledge. in the second
place, (though do moi know when its
commencement bears dale, but suppose,
however, that it is intended to be ayelred,
from the commencement of the extra ses-
sion.) that have been invested with, or
have usurped the dictatorship have al
least voluntarily surrendered The power
within shorter period than was assigned
me by the Roman laws Tor Its conlinu-
ancc.
Mr.. President, if to have sought, at the
ezra session and at this, by corporation
with my friends, to carry out li"&e great
measures which the majority Of $40 de-
siren to see adopted and eXecuted-Il to
have desired to ser the currency aud ex-
changes of this country once more regu-
lated-if to have desired to repIenish the
empty Golfers Of the treasury, by an i'm
position Of suitable duies-ii to have de-
sired to extend relief to the unfortunate
hankrnpis Of the c untry, ruined, in a
great measure, by the operation of the
previous policy of the Gov rnment-iI
t" have desired, by cooperation with my
friends. TO limit and restrain aud regulate
the Executive action. because it became
dangerous towards the other departments
of the Government in my Opium, and In
the opinion, o. the majority of lS4O-il
to have desired to preserve the ho nor
and credi, Of the country unlarnished, by
adequate and suitable provisions for re-
venue, sufficient for filling all the public
engagemenls-iI' the faithful purposes Of
executing all the measurrs-iI an ardent
desire to carry out and redeem every
pledge which was fairly made by my
friends when struggling for the acquisition
of power-if say these efforts and
this cooperation constitute my dictator
ship, then ! suppose ! must bear the obi
UNI or the honor of the epl,hel which ever
it may he considered.
Mr.. President. that my nature is warm.
my temper ardent, my disposition in the
public service enthusiastic, am ready To
own. But those who suppose they may
have seen any proof of ticalion in my
conduct, have only mistaken that ardor for
what | at least supposed to be patriotic
exertons for fulfilling the wishes aud ex-
pectalions by which hold this seat; they
have only mistaken the one for the 9th
er.
Mr.. President, during my long and ar
dous services in the public counsiIs; and
especially during the last eleven years
in the Senate. the same ardor of tempera-
ment had characterised my actions, and
has no doubt led me in The heat of debate
in endeavoring to maintain my opinions
in reference to the b,st course 10 be pur-
sued in the conduct Of public affairs, ]
have often used language offensive and
susceptible of ungracious Interpretation
towards my brother Senators
II there be any who entertain feeling
of dissatisfaction resulting from any cir
Gums ance of this kird, beg to assure
them that now make the amp!esl ap 'lo-
gv. And on the other hand, ] assure the
Senate, one and all without exception and
without reserve, that leave TIL Senate
Chamber without carrying with me to
nv retirement single feeling of dissais-
faction towards the Senate itself or any
one of its members. 60 from il under
the hope that we shall! naturally consign
. .orna,n,I nbliyi,n a. hatayar Of parsop-