The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1842-04-02
BEAUTIES OF MR.. LANE, OF INDIANA

time to silence the hunders of the Globe against
the Administration, and to effect that purpose sent
MIR. Weaver to employ the editors of that paper to
print certain census papers, and that Mr.. Weaver did
so employ the said editors but that the editors did
not choose to support the Administration, and then
Mr. Webster repudiated the contract and hired the
editor of the Madisonian to print the papers;
| and then let me suppose that Mr.. Weaver was sum-
moned to go before committee of this House to tes
tify in relation to the matter, and that Mr. Webster,
upon Learning the fact that Mr.. Weaver to give
his evidence before the committee, told him to beware
what he did And then suppose that Mr. Weaver
a clerk in Mr.. Wsbsters Office and that he con-
strued Mr.. Websters language into threat to dis
miss him from Office if he told the truth and that
Weaver, like honest man, Immediately resigned
his office. If this supposed case is founded in truth,
what confidence can we have in Mr. Webster's re-
concentrations
The above remarks are extracted from Mr..
Lanes speech, on the 2Sth ult, as reported in
the National Intelligencer.
Attacks on the Administration, or any of its
members, if they must come, can hardly pro-
coed from less dangerous source than the Hon.
Mr.. Lane, or be made in more harmless man
ner than this.
The Hon. Mr.. Rayner, a gentleman Of con-
siderable personal responsibility, though with
out much experience in affairs, had he been
able to make case against Mr.. Webster would
have been an assailant to be regretted He, how
ever, made SO unfortunate an attempt-exposed
himself in such lamentable, and at the same
time laughable manner, that even those against
whom his fury was directed with such suicidal
rashness and such perfect looseness," with
SO great, and in a legislator reprehensible igno-
rance, must feel rather pity than resentment
while contemplating the ludicrously mournful
result Of his coup d'essai. Everybody indeed for
the sake of the honor of the " Old North State,''
must hope that Mr. Rayner will do better next
time, and that when he puts his lance in rest
for another tilt, he may fairly splinter it against
something substantial and tangible, and not,
like Don Quixotte in the wine vault, waste his
strength on an imaginary giant, while he is do
ing vast deal of damage to his own eventual
discomfort.
Mr.. Lane, however, is entitled to no such re-
CARDS. He is more of a Sancho than knight
and chooses different modes of assault and diff
fe rent allies from those of the North Carolina
champion. Mr.. Lane mounts donkey with
Mr.. Weaver and the Globe men, and uniting
his forces with these honorable friends, tries his
luck in throwing stones and filth.
Mr.. Lane attacks by suppositions, in the way
of illustration, as he says. ''One's fancy" need
not be greatly racked to furnish forth suppo-
Lane. 1t might be supposed that he
was angry and very silly, that he was very
fond of what most people would call low
abuse, perhaps addicted to coarseness,
and that it was real pleasure to him
to indulge, after the fashion of his new al
lies, in pouring out slang whang, and FURNISH
ing up old and branded SANDERS against his bet
tiers, to crafty an inculcated hate. The region
of supposition is extensive, and Mr.. Lane will
find that many beside himself can draw resources
thence.
Mr. Lane has shown his taste in the matter
of his complaint, in the object Of his defence
and in the manner of conducting it.
We congratulate the Globe and Census men
upon their congenial defender and advocate
Mr. Weaver's case is an excellent one for Mr..
Lane to defend-counsel and client are well
mated:
&C Sure, pair were never seen
More Justly formed to meet by Nature
Mr. Lane, however, supposes some things
which he need not have done; to be sure we
have initiated him, for they are admitted facts,
and others, which he had best not have done,
for they come under different category.
The evidence before the committee of the
House shows the manner IN which, and the
consideration for which, Mr.. Lanes friend, Mr..
Weaver, was to give Messrs. Blair e. Rives the
printing Of the Compendium of the Census,
and the manner in which, and the reasons for
which they did not succeed in getting it,
There was no need of suppositon for this part
of the business.
Again: Mr.. Weaver loas summoned to tes-
tity before the Committee, and like enough Mr..
Webster did caution him to tell the truth, and
nothing but the truth. These may be facts If
the caution were given, it was friendly one
and such one as ought always to be taken in
good part, and remembered, and we hope Mr..
Weaver bore it in mind Mr.. Lane, however,
may put this among his other suggestions.
Again: Mr.. Lane supposes that his friend,
Mr. Weaver, was clerk in the Department,
and that, on receiving this caution, he resigned
''like an honest man." 1t is true, Mr. Weaver
was clerk, and did resign, how closely, in imi-
tation Of an honest man, not being there to see,
we can't say, to the life though ,oe suppose,
and this, too, Mr.. Lane may put among his sup
positions.