Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1848-11-15
Elaquemr Extract.

Extract from the Protet of Gen. Jack
son, to the United States Senate, on the
resolution submitted by Nj. Clay, brand
ing President jackson as .violator Of the
constitution in regard to |. S. Bank, and
which was expunged fromhe Senate Jour
nal few years since by democratic ma
jority of that body.
"The resolution of the Senate contains
an imputation upon my private as well as
upon my public character and as it must
stand forever on their iornals, cannot
close this substitute for thu defence which
| have not been allowed present in the
ordinary form, without rtnarking, that l
have lived in vain, if it Z necessary to
enter into a formal vindic;ion of my char
acter and purposes from sch an imputa-
ton. In vain do bear bon my person,
enduring memorials of thatontest in which
American liberty was purhased--in vain
have since perilled proerty, fame aud
life. in defence oi'the righs and privileges
SO dearly bought yailam | now with
out personal aspiration,br the hope of
individual advantage, encouitering respcn-
sibilities and dangers, frqm which, by
mere inactivity in relation BIZ single pnin,
| might have been exempt Ifany serious
doubts can be entertained 5 to the purity
of my purposes and moties. II | had
been ambitious, | should II We sought an
alliance with that powerful institution,
which even now aspires toto divided en-
pire. If l had been venal1 should have
sold myseifto its designs. Had | prefer
red personal comfort and Official ease to the
performance of my arduousdnty, should
cease to modest it. In the his Dry Of con-
querers and usurpers, neves in the fire Of
youth, nor in the vigor of manhood, could
| find an attraction TO lure ne from my du-
ty; and now, | shall scarcely find an in
ducement to commence ther career OF am
bition, when grey hairs aid a decaying
frame, instead of inviting toloil and battle,
call me 10 the contemplation of other
worlds, where conguerers case TO be hon
ored, usnrpers cxpiate theii crimes. The
only ambition can feel is to acquit my
self TO Him to whom | mut soon render
an account ofmy stewardship, to serve my
fellow men, and live, respected and hon
ored, in the history of my solntry No I!
the ambition which leads IN. OH is an anxi-
Gus desire and fixed determination to re-
turn to the people unimpaned, the sacred
trust they have conmiaedtc my charge;
to heal the wounds of the constitution and
preserve ii from further violation, to pur-
snade my countrymen, so far as | may,
that it is not in a splendid government,
supported by powerful nonopolies and
aristocratical establish-ne that they will
find happiness, or their lib,rties, protec-
ton; but in plain system void Of pomp--
protecting all, and grantingfavors to none
dispensing its blessings Ike the dews of
Heaven, unseen and unfelt, save in the
freshness and beauty they contribute to
produce. 1t is snch government that
the genius o. our people requires
an one only under which our States may
remain for ages to come, united, prosper
GUS and free. If the Almighty Being who
has hitherto sustained and protected me,
will but vollchsafe TO make ny feeble pow
ers instrumental to such aresult, | shall
anticipate with pleasure thepl to be as
signed me in the history Of my country,
and die content with the belief that have
contributed in some small degree, to in
crease the value and prolong the duration
of American liberty.