The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-04-27


"Nihil quod tetigit non ornavitn
How has it happened that this name, which but
lately shone with such brliancy in the constellation
of political elevation, should SO soon become over
cast with the dim and sicky shadows of doubt susp-
cion, and distrusti 90 How is the gold become dim
how is the most fine gold changedm
II Is impossible for any man, who loves his coun-
try, and rejoices in her prosperity TO withhold his
just reprobation against the course which has been
pursued by political asprans towards the present Sc
cretary Of State. 1t an affecting spectacle to hon
orable and yrtuous minds to witness the gnoble uses
of the press, and the descent of some towering minds
10 the low and degraded employment of calumny in
relation TO this distinguished man. 1t is indeed painful
see individuals, eminent for their public services and
distinguished for their political wisdom, openly array
ed against such man Daniel Webster. Indyidu-
ais who profess to be patrots-whose characters are
marked with the weghty impress Of high moral quail
ifcations and stamped with the powerful attributes
of lofty and commanding intelligence. Indeed,
can never believe, Mr. Editor, that such men will
consent to be made the willing and plant instruments
Of any niqutous fellowship which may have been
instituted for the political prostration of such tried
and faithful servant Of the American People Delu-
sion with all its arfu witchery its begullmg subtle
ty and its Crcean charms, has oyerpowed their judg-
ments and dcthroned their That disastrous
twilight which the great poet has thrown around his
fallen spirits has yelled their minds, and, in the pre-
sent political connections shut out the light Of that
moral intelligence which gives animation to virtue and
lustre truth In the fearful dissensions which
agitate the Government moral eclipse has oversha-
4, I'm
wished, that when the evil passions those angry ee-
ments Of the mind, shall be sted, and the clouds of
doubt and distrst be eaced that such will dis
their and return, by the path of duty, to
the virtue Of that acknowledgment, which is the Off
spring Of enlarged and honorable minds. In view of
the course pursued by the enemies Of Mr.. Webster
would address myself to that distinguished con-
tederacy which, in the honest maintenance of their
political opinions, invested, in lo4l, William Henry
Harrison with the highest Office in the gift of the
American People. 1t is from the most distinguished
of that party that charges have been preferred On
political sense) against the present honorable Secre
tary of State. Aud what is the nature Of the great
and " objectionable SIM which the said Secretary oil
State has committed In which of the various posi-
tons of public life to which he has been justly elevated
iui In which OF the balances Of public favor has
he been weighed, (" and found wanting" Where, IN
the wei shty responsibilities Of Office has his gigantic
int lect been employed, and found unequal to the de-
mands which patriotism required, and honesty exact
ed leave these heterogeneous to be answered by
the unprejudiced OF all parties, while undertake to
state the great offence committed by Mr.. Webster
against the American People
He has dared, in the first place, contrary to the
opinions and policy of those with whom he was for
merly associated in the duties of the Government to
remain at his post and discharge the best Of his
Abilities the trust committed to him by the President
Of the United States. He has had the moral
courage, amidst the contendng elements Of political
ambition to think Tor himself and to for the good
Of the country; and this, too, when that country
needed most his and the sacrifice of all party
considerations to her honor and her interests
''The very head and front of his offending
Hath this extent-no more !"
And what rewards, what honors, what triumphs,
now await him Alas, the curse of Swift is upon
him, 4" to have been born an American and TO have
used it for the good of his country
In the determination Of Mr. W ebster to remain in
the Cabinet of President Tyler, must seek for the
motives which influenced that determination. Was
IT for the consideration of cmolument Who among
the American People will be willing to believe that
Mr.. Webster could have been moved by such CON
sideration? With less ardent duties and fewer bind
ing engagements than are inseparable from his pre-
sent official duties he could have realised BY the com
mandmg influence OF his professional experience and
his legal ability, much greater annual income than
is afforded by the salary of his present office With
out any previous information whatever on this sub
ject, the conjecture may be hazarded that in all pro-
liability, it would be double the sum now affixed to
the office he susiains.
Was it for the honor of the official station that he
remained;
1t doubtless very high encomium OH the worth
and merits Of any individual to be selected from the
great body of the people to administer the affairs OF
state, and to give yigor and efficacy to its various de-
partments. 1t is an honor, very high one to en-
ploy the best powers of the mind in the services of
Government which secures freedom, and preserves
peace, and administers justice and gives happiness
to seventeen millions of ireemcu And it neces-
sary that Daniel Webster should have been clothed
with the official dignity of his present position TO
merit well as to receive such an honor Has he
not long since, as statesman, civilian, and patTi-
OF received honors weighty those which now
hang around the chair of state Ay sir doubt
not but that his present honors are, Addison Justly
observes, ''burdens to him." when compared with
those which were spontaneously .heaped upon him
when, in the republican simplicity Of his manners,
the dignity of his character and the value of hi.
couLsels, he was the object of universal respect
among all classes of the People, both in his own
country and in England. In the course pursued by
Mr.. Webster, and the stand he found necessary
make at that eventful crisis which dissolved the cab
net Of Gen HARRISON il cannot be doubted by unpre-
JUDGED minds that motives of mperious duty TO the