The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-06-13

Mr.. Dawson then brsnehed out into general
remarks on changes in public men, the influence
of party aud political motives, making frequent
illusions to the selfseekng of political demagogues
the self-aggrandizement constantly kept in view
by agitators and sectional declaimers, giving the
whole such an application, in connection with the
documents he had read, as to favor the presump-
ton that Mr. Hale, in changing his views, had
been actuated by a sordid ambition, regardless of
the peace or welfare of the country He did not
charge this upon him in so many words, but what
was the burden of his speech That in 1885,
Mr.. Hale was violent anti-Abolitionist in
1850, he is vehement anti-slavery man; the
documents showed it. MIR. Hale, then, had
changed his position. Whyl Either from hon
est conviction, or from motives of self-interest.
Would Mr.. Dawson have occupied an hour in a
studied speech, discoursing of patriotism, and
denouncing sordid selfseeking, and in general
terms assuming change to be proof of profigacy,
with the sole purpose Of proving that Mr.. Hale
had become an honest convert to anti-slavery
principles2 No; his intention was to suggest,
without formally charging, that Mr.. Hale, in
becoming an anti-slavery man. had been actuated
by low motive of personal aggrandizement. To
make the charge openly would be violation of
the order of the Senate; would be 80 palpable as
to disgust men OF fair minds would be inconsst-
ent with that sweet courtesy and notable magma
nimity which the Georgia Senator so greatly
affects But insinuated SANDER is decorons
impeachment of integrity, by inuendo, is in
order; suggestion of scoundrelisn is consistent
with the warmest profession Of personal respect /;
to take his brother by the beard and say, art
thou well, my brother7p while he plants the
dagger under his fifth rib, is in the style of the
highest chivalry.
But we have not done with this apparently
preconcerted exhibition Of Senatorial vengeance
was protracting the close of his remarks in a
tedious way, as if to give notice to the Senators
that the spectacle was over, and they now might
go. On every principle of fair dealing, Mr. Hale
was entitled to be heard in defence; but, reader
what think youl Mr.. Clay rises in such a way
as to attract general attention, and moves an adj
tournament Yes, the high.minded Henry Clay
whom we have been accustomed to regard as above
any petty baseness, sat by, listening with delight
~'.'d;Ad attack nDop -Senst0,-
aging the assailant by his ordinations, and then
moved an adjournment so as to deprive that Sen
ator of a chance to reply! The immortal Captain
Rynders would not have been guilty of an act like
that. The protestations were SO earnest against
the motion, that he was obliged to withdraw it
but, saying that he would adjourn himself, he
walked deliberately out of the Senate Chamber
| Up rose Daniel Webster at the same time, anC
moving about as if to draw followers after him
took his hat and disappeared Mr.. Cass followed
with similar formality, Mr.. Badger left hi
seat, and other Senators seemed half inclined t.
initiate these magnanimous leaders. We canno
but infer that all this was preconcerted with
view to mortify and abash Mr.. Hale, and leav
him to make his defence to empty seats
We have described and denounced this shame
| less, unproyoked attack on Mr. Hale, not becaus
he needs our sympathy or support-he is a mattel
for all his enemies--but that the people of tn
free States may understand what means are use,
in the Capitol to crush the spirit of freedom, t
brow beat its special advocates, and keep in coun
tenance those Northern men who have resolves
to defy the solemnly expressed will of their con
| stituents.
A word to Mr.. Dawson. Some scavengeI
hunting for materials to crafty weak malic
against Mr.. Hale, found certain documents i
New Hampshire annals, showing that Mr.. Hale
some fifteen years ago. was strong abolition
ist They are put into Mr.. Dawson's hands, VIII
vorkETrcvn 10 usc fuem uExrust nj
brother Senator.
That is one kind of Senatorial magnanimit,
We will show him another kind
Some time during the session. somebody, ana
ious to use Senator as the instrument of hi
spite against Mr.. Seward, put into the hand
of Senator of Mississippi speech formerl
delivered by him at Cleveland expecting that tn
gallant member would jump at the advantag
thus offered him. He was disappointed TIL
Senator carried the speech over to Mr. SewarC
stated how it came into his hands, and told hir
that he did not feel at liberty to avail himself
such means of attacking him. The Senator
bold and severe opponent, but an honorable one