The Whig standard. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1843-1844, 1844-01-30

W.T.. uhlDEAh Salu ne uld not rise Tor the pur-
pose OF making an argument upon the subject
under consideration but, if he could divest him.
self OF the embarrassment under which he was
laboring, TO state merely some Of the reasons
that would influence him in the vote he should
give. lie said, perhaps he owed an apology Tor
claiming the attention and indulgence OF the
committee at SO early period, even for few
moments; but he felt il due TO himself 10 state
why he could not sustain the bill. Ii had been
remarked that this is party question but stll,
il we are 10 Judge from what we see and from
what we have heard, it is greatly TO be feared
that this is its only true character Were this
bill merely to do justice 10 a patriot and hero,
none, he presumed, could be found TO oppose IL.
IF, indeed, il accorded but tribute of respect TO
the inmate Of the Hermitage, without assailing
others, no remonstrance would be heard. II
there was no question of legal and constitutional
right growing out of the history of the case, all
that could be asked would be cheerfuly award
ed but it is otherwise. We have heard of re-
trenchment and reform; of administrative econ
omy of early adJournments for special purposes
Now, how are gentlemen TO be understood who
talk thus tayorably of what the country may ex-
poet from Congress, and then call up a subject
after lapse OF twenty five years, for legislation
as if any vote of this House could change the
facts Of the case or the judgment of the nation
in regard 10 them. Sir, this is not question
question demanding the legislation of The coun-
uy-no interest is suffering that this bill will
remedy. The wants of none are crying for re-
lief 1t is not fit subject for legislation. Shall
we now attempt to arrest the verdict of the ma
tion and Of the world /; TO go back and revise the
pages OF history, and inquire of the past what
are now its responses? Shall we raise ques-
ton between the living and the dead If we
have come here to legislate for the country, for
the al ont and ifU Of tho
ment and its interest, why not look to the pre-
sent, to the future! Why go back TO the past,
and stir up its remembrances Sr, it is wrong.
Is this admin trative economy! Can you alter
the past-change the Judgment of the nation,
whatever it may be? Does that judgment ask
or need the ratification and seal Of this House
The passage of this bill will disappoint lis author
and its friends. No false issues are to be Joined
here: no denunciation can be provoked. No one
can be found in this country who does not gladly
accord to General Jackson all the glory he has
SO nobly won for himself and his country but,
sir, that glory belongs to himself and his coun-
try. But now are not his supposed friends legis-
lating upon it, and endeavoring 10 appropriate it
as they would the dollars and cents in your
Treasury? 1t is wrong sir. This is not an APP
propriate subject for legislation. Sir, the people
of this country not TO be led off in this way:
they are not governed by impulse. They think
and form their own opinions; they know what
is proper and whar improper: they know what
is done ia sober enrnest for the COED of the coNf-
Try, and what is done By Disguise in the name or
the country for other purposes, perhaps fatal and
ruinous. sG aas@s 8asn aa3
Sir, if this fine were ordered TO be refunded,
would General jackson acceptit2 Never. Has
he asked for it :? No, never. Does he in fact
need il No, not at all Why NOT, then, Law
the bill upon the table, and give I'D this pro-
tracted idle effort ? If this fine were refunded |
and accepted, then, indeed, would an eclipse
have come over the brightness of the hero's
glory; for the zenith of that brightness was
when he stood amidst his victorious soldiery,
10 be refunded. We have often SO heard from |
his old, his true, his tried friends; but now he
has new friends, and we must reverse the awards |
of the past. @ @ st8 tII
Mr. G. said he thought those who had done
honor to themselves and their country, prompted
by the genuine feelings of patriotism, drew upon
the inward speakings of their own hearts and the
congratula ions of their countrymen, and there
they found a rich reward. Such was once the |
temper and tone of this country and such is now |
doubtless the feeling of General Jackson. His
fame is undisputed--it is spacious. 1t is said
"the measure of his glory is full - but sir it |
belongs Gas he had sad) to himself and to his |
country. 1t belongs to no party. His fame has |
been appreciated: the country has done him many
honors. Ills influence has been felt; but why,
at this hour almost of his retirement from this
world, wake up this question Is it that the
mantle of his mighty fame may spread its folds
over the shoulders and the prospects of some
other person! Is it that a borrowed influence
might be created in favor of some one asking
popular favor! Sir, if the present friends of Gen.
eral Jackson felt as he did upon review of the
battle and the desolatioas of war, when this fine
was offered to be paid or refunded, they would
think Of the widow and orphan Of that man who
fell bearing the standard Of his country in the bat
tle-strile. Where these! May they not ra-
Their appeal to your sympathies and your justice
But the true question involved, when we take
our Jndgmentseat far back in the past is, Shall we
adhere to the Constitution and its iniunctions
Shall we surrender the sacredness of the writ of
habeas corpus! No matter whether in reference
to the past, present, or future the principle is in
volved and we are asked to decide What is the
judgment of the House! Who is ready to con-
sent to the arbitrary suspension of law, of the
IF bahoa IF -bo( 'rp "a.