The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-07-04
MIR. CRITTENDEN.

MIN SINl EiNDEiN-
When the Representative of the Union"
abandoned the halls of Legislation to seek the
consultations of peaceful retirement, in passing
from the Senate Chamber into the walks of pri-
yate life, he dropped the mantle of authority
AMI dignity on the shoulders of the :" late At
torney General" How well the diclatorial
robes become the person and character Of the
late Attorney General" may be seen in the
language and position assumed in the discus
sion on the Veto Message, towards the Presi-
dent of the United States, in whose Cabi-
net he has so lately served. "This act"
exclaims the viceroy of caucus dictation and
power, in allusion to the Veto, "might have
been better endured from julius Cesar or an
Andrew Jackson, great and heroic if tyrannl-
cal, when there was dignity to redeem the
insolence of the act" Instead of the classic
robe, one would rather imagine that the Sena'
tor wore on his back the poisoned shirt of Mes
sus. There is nothing unnatural in this suppo-
siton, if the doctrines of the HomGpathists be
correct, although is evident that the failure to
effect cure is decided, which always has a
tendency to dggrdrate the disease. 1t would
at least require the shirt of Nessus to serve as
a homeopathic antidote, poison Of equal viru
lence, with the malignant bane of the gentle
mans passions, if his speech be any indication
of his heart
But why this oupouring of the vials ofwrath
by the late Attorney General, on the devoted
head of the Chief Magistrate? Let us review
the facts of the case
1t is not denied in discussion, that the Presi
lS4l, if the 20 per cent clause had not been
introduced as sine qua non.
1t is not denied by any sane man that that
feature was sought to BE- violated by the little
Tariff bill
1t is not denied by any sane man that the lit .
tie Tariff bill violated the principle of the Com
promise act.
1t is not denied that the President has done any
thing farther than to sustain tloo sacred Com
promises, almost as sacred as the Constitution
itself.
1t cannot be denied but that in this mea-
sure he has reflected the wishes and princi-
pies of majority of the people of the country.
dent He has maintained his consistency as a
Republican. He has solemnly protested against
the preparation of fraud on the Distribution
act and the Compromise act, and he has ex-
pressed the opinions and principles of large
portion, if not ola large majority, OF the citizens
of the country.
Now look on the opposite side of the picture,
- - ~ h..
observed figuring ''as large life, and twice
as natural"
He has been the acknowledged reciI lent of
Mr.. Clay's authority as caucus leader OF the re-
sponsble jority in Congress.
He does not deny that in his opinion, there is
| nolp no law by which revenue can be collected.
1 He does not deny that Congress has now been
in session seven months.
He does not deny that they might have legis-
lated upon the Tariff before this if they had
chosen and by assent that he is responsible as
caucus leader for non action.
He does not deny that the President has, I'M
der the Constitution, the negative veto power
unquallfedly.
/ He does not deny that the Constitution gives
the President ten days to consider bill,
4 whether 10 approve or disapprove it.
He does not deny that all legislation was put
off 1--WE say it was put off by design up to
week Of the expiration of all law, in his opin-
ion, TO collect the revenue; and that the little
Tariff bill was presented about three days before
the 3Oth June, for the Presidents signature.
Thus, in the first place, showing a design to
DO mischief, or an utter indifference towards the
country, by Congress.
Thus, in the second place, showing that the
President was even denied the ten days con-
sutulonal-grace by Congress.
What say you, Mr.. Critenden. Is it not a
beautiful picture, illustrative of the ''headng'
L operations OF yourself and coadjutors ;
Where is your justi6cation2 The ques-
lion is in a nutshell. Do you think the People
such fools as to be imposed on by oratorica
hummery, and insane denuncations of the
President
Beware-even Kentucky, as fast you think
you have that noble State in your tolls may
resolve TO do the President justice. If so
~ where will you be2