The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-02-16
"THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION.

"THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION
Mr.. Clay it is said, contemplates resigna-
ton of his seat in the Senate-but we do not
learn that he intends, at the same time, to re-
linquish the insignia and the authority Of the
dictatorship. The former, we presume, retains
but few charms for his m1tion long posses
sion has destroyed the strength of its attrac
lions, To attain the latter, if we may believe
John Randolph, all his energies have Tor years
been exerted, but his efforts were, until lately,
unsuccessful Even before he could foresee
that his aspirations after the Presidency would
meet with reiterated disappointment, he che
rshed the idea that until that elevation was
reached TO establish, in the mean time, an impe-
rim in imperio, in his own person, a real pow
er paramount TO the legislative authority. He
was at length gratifed, and by a singular con-
cession from some Of the Representatives OF
free people, he was enabled, by various devices,
stratagems and manpuyres, to command the
thoughts and conduct Of sufficient number to
carry the measures which he proposed. and to
enjoy the rapturous feeling, that he was, in re-
atty, dictator--to know that the legislative
functions were concentered in his hands He
was satisfied. He had reached one great height
to which he aspred-and with certain quafca-
tons, he had glorious prospect before him
undmmed as he thought, by "A single speck.-
But new disappointment awaited him. He
had carried all his fayorite measures but one
they presented no constitutional difficulty, and
received Executive sanction. Thus far the
current ran smoothly, and he was exuung in
the positive success of all his plans, when he
received check by the refusal of the President
to approve the project Of chartered mono
poly He found that the most important int
rests OF the country would not be left completely
under the control Of his imperial nod. The
Constitution had established power which Ii
mited the authority Of the dictatorship. He
was, and is, indignant at the check he received.
He will not surrender any of the power which
he has surrepti,lousy obtained-and still, 1t APP
pears. continues 10 WELD il as unswervngly "a
ever. Though disposed to support the Admin
istration, as he says he is it will be on the con
dition only that the authority given to the Exc
rullVe SuOuu W ulcTSeu III tldt dSSuUltu Wy 'nt
dictator. This is contamination which he
need not t1atter himself will be reached Tha,
he is ''dispo ed TO support the Administration
whenever he cam" to US appears more than
| doubtful. Certain acts of his, on the contrary
! wildly demonstrate that his irritation prompts
| him 10 oppose il in every measure, however I'M
important. His professions and practices by nc
means accord.
/ He intends resigning, but lie will retire with
dignity.
| He contemplates, we learn, two importan,
movcments--one new tariff compromise, and
the other financial plan. These are TO be the
last act, of his Senatorial labors. Are these TO
be the last blows Of the dictdtor2 II they are
intended to be new feelers for popularity, and
| new measures TO thwart the Administration, we
do not hesitate in making the prediction, that
his labor is entirely thrown away. His star is
no longer in the ascendant. 1t has long since
eliminated, and is now descending rapidly to-
tatorial authority, no matter with what antcipa-
| tons he may Hatter himself, will terminate when
wards the horizon. He is understood. His die
his seat in the Senate is relinquished He may
think that he will remain behind the scenes TO
pull the strings-but even that privilege will not
long be left him The sycophants to whom his
opinions are laws, are but few. Though the
courtesy of his colleague has attempted to shield
him by the compliment that he is to be regarded
as the representative, not Of Kentucky but Of
the whole People--lhe People do not respond to
the sentiment, They have again and again re-
fused him their confidence they have refused
to elect him President, and they will not submit
to the dictatorship to which he has elected him
self From his support the President has no
thing to cxpcct-'ron h' opposition nothing tc
fear