Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-08-05
MR.. ARCHER.

II
| We thought We knew the man well enough 4
predic, his course. We have not been mistaken
His conduct has commanded the appreciation cf al
our whig friends in Washington. and will in,pM
JOY to the whole whg party orthe State. A virsini,
Senator never fail OF the support and applause
OF the Virginia people, in resisting arbitrary power
and maintaining the free institutions Of the coun
| try.
Correspondent writes,
WAsHisaroN, August ls49.
Mr.. Archer has made, TO day, one OF the mos,
impressive speeches that have heard in tho Senate
for many q long week. Il was not an elaborate
effort, evinsins the preparation of days and nights.
but apparently, an Off hand effasiou Of patriotic
ardor. MIR Buchanan had moved TO strike from the
Revenue bill the distribution clause, and had en-
forced his position by brief speech. lie was fol
lowed by Mr. Crircnden and Mr. Tallmadsc. and
the question was about to be put, when Mr. Archie,
rose, evidently oppressed with i'll health Of body
but with mind glowing with patriotism.
He commenced by disclaming all partizan feel.
ing on the occasion. He had endeavored 10 act. on
this subject as national question, and although il
might, at first blush, seem, that he had been some
what inconsistent in his course on this subject h.
thanked God, that he could reconcile his conduct to
hrs conscience. On former occasion, he had en-
deavorcd, for the sake Of harmony, to separate III.
subject Of distribution from the Revenue, and after
voting Tor an amendment TO strike out the ds,rbu.
ton clause, without effect, he had finally voted for
the bill including that provision rather than lose
the bill. Blu. such had been the enctoaehnlents of
the Executive, upon the Legislative power, tina, he
had now resolved to stand by the Legislative de.
partment at oil hszards. II had been argued. tha,
the credit OF the Government was in peril. bu, he
considered that the very sristenes OF the Govern.
ment was 10 jeopardy. A distinguished Statesman
had apprehended, that the tendency Of Executive
preteniion aimed at the iniiisiirs prerogatve, in
Legislation. The fact was, that i, tended TO n usur.
patton OF all the powers of the Government. He,
for one was disposed to resist the sncroachmen; at
all hazards. We had heard the expression-"p perish
credit, perish commerce." and he would say, no.,
only perish credit, perish eommsree,"-b u, perish
hs ConsdE iien, aud perish srsry iiiHg sooner than
he would lend hand TO sutveli the liberties of the
country; and ir the most imprisoned strains OF
eloquence he called God to witness the sincerity
and honesty Of his intentions. He did not pretend
TO any extraordinary patriotism, and he felt unwor
Thy Of giving direction TO The course OF his asso-
GATES, on this floor Blu, he still felt justified in
declaring his opinion, tina, il was the duty OF every
Senator, to indicate the rights and prerog aves OF
the legislative branch, asains; the encroachmen,s
OF tbs person who welded the Executive authority
However predisposed he had been, to coneiliate so
far as to promote the passage OF Revenue bill, he
had now become convinced that it was his duty, 10
sustain at all hazards the Legislative dignity of the
nation and he should therefore go for the ds,ribu-
ton clause, as 1t stood in this bill.
But am unable to do Justice to the remarks of
Mr. Archer. This is merely the drift Of his reason.
ING and conclusions, but words will convey no ade.
quate idea OF the manner. His speech was listened
70 with profound attention, and it made deep i'm.
p'es'ion on the Senate, OF all parties. hope that
he will take the trouble to write it on, for the INTEL
hseneer, and that you will have an opportunity 10
present to your readers. Whatever differences Of
OPINION may exist, as 10 the correctness Of his con
elusions,-snd there are two sides to amos, every
ques'ion,-none, who heard his eloquent appeal TO
The reason and patriotism Of the Senate, will doub,
the sincerity Of his intentions, or be Indifferent TO
the siteet OF his mastery effort. II mistake not
1t has settled the fate Of the clause. Meanwhile
The subject is TO be continued to morrow
Ever YOURS.