The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-03-30
JAMES MADISON PORTER.

JAMES MADISON PORTER.
II might puzzle any one unfamiliar with the
philosophy Of ullrasm TO discover wherein the
appointment Of the gentleman whose name ]
have placed at the head of this article, TO the
administration Of the War Department, is so
exceplionable an act on the part Of the Presl-
dent Why has the Globe become lempesluous
on the subject? BY what official Sin has this
intelligent aud genllemanly member Of The Cab
met already provoked the dreadful blast which
gan of faction of the Democratic party Or
does his offence consist in lhis--that he has
not exhibited a willingness to turn his back on
the interests of true Democracy by blindly fol
lowing the lead OF the Globe, and, on the
strength of his faith in its purity and wisdom,
sending in his adherence TO any cause and can
ddate over which it may hereafter unfurl the
soiled and shattered banner Of its protection 2
And for this heinous treason against the maJes-
ty of the Globe, the character Of Mr. Porter is
condemned TO be hanged, drawn, quarered,
nay, even minced nto the minuleSl particles,
aud exposed as far as The political dominion of
ihi. great expounder of truth and error spreads
itself Is this so? Assuming the fact, it is a
happy circumstance that the power Of the Globe
TO execute falls UNNECESSARILY below It's capacity
to condemn; that having been itself accused
and convicted of lraitorous views and devices
against the true principles OF Democracy, it has
forfeited, in the eyes OF all honest men, the
right 10 sit in judgment on the conduct OF 9th
ers The criminal with the rope about his neck
cannot hope 10 be transferred from he scaffo!d
10 The judicial seat His groanin9s and male
dictions are only regarded as the brealhings OF
his despair, and the overfowings Of his agony
leave no stain on the reputation on which they
| are cast.
Every liberal feeling revolts from the course
pursued by the Globe, and the prejudced sour
ces from which ii derives its information
Ii Mr.. Porter be the Insignificant person they
declare him 10 be- why all this waste of space
and ammunition upon him 7 If he has no stand
ing any where, why all this buster and bravado
all this parade OF combusubes-all This pro-
digalily d sound and fury? Why this exhibi-
ton of Falstaf valor-ihis killing of dead
man? The effort gives the lie TO the assertion
ii does more, it proves that Mr.. Porter has
neutrality-suspicious. and infuence-at home
and that his talents and position make him al
object TO be feared by his opponents whether
moral, mental, or political. Mr.. Porter pc ;.
sessed the confidence of the people OF Pennsyl.
vania before the sun of Jack .onism had Matched
The crocodle's egg out of which crawled the ed
tor of the Globe. Amidst large and increas
ing circle of friends, Mr. Porter still occupie:
proud position. He has not forfeited single
claim to their respect; and the unmitigated BIT
terness with which he is as allied i, itself 8
proud tribute 10 his worth. Scarcely has he
placed his foot on the threshold of the War De
partmenl before the dogs of faction are looseC
against him. The mea-hunters are after him
But they have not the power to ntimidate, mucl
less to destroy hun. BY the confidence of thu
President, he has been clothed with the dignity
of official station, and he will neither neglect ii,
duties, nor shrink from its responsibilities
Whatever the clcarness of his judgment die
tates. he will not want the frnness of nerve tC
carry through. The public interests, and tn,
honor and feelings of the service will be safe il
his hands. That his popularity will keep pac,
with his personal and official intercourse, car
not be doubted by those who have had opporu
mites to observe his course and character; anc
when he he is set up as mark for habitusl ca
lumnators, he only pays the inevitable Ia,
which is always exacted Of merit for the enjoy
ment Of distinction. X. S.