Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1852-07-24


that which the bayonet would have failed to accomps
without the destruction Of sne-haf the Cherokee
In the next year find him again, under the order
Mr. Van Buren, on the Northeastern frontier, pacfyin
the disturbances respecting the boundary and arrestin
the hosttes for which adverse troops actually en-
eamped, burning with mutual hatred and revenge. Again
by the diplomatic talents Of this General the count
. saved from
The last opportunity for the exhibition of his quae
as statesman presented after his conquest of Mexi
CO. In the midst Of hostile population and the mos
frightful disorders he organized civil administration
that gave and protection to the inhabitants and re
stored order and responsibility He devised and establish
ed system Of finance, through military contributions
and expenditures, which saved millions to the country
The last act Of this description his plan, SO charac
teristic of his great SOUL of military asylum for the
disabled and soldiers founded by the proceeds
OF their own conquess which he insisted belonged to
| them
And now fellow-czens, you have before you some Of
the evidences of Gen. SCOTS capacity fer civil govern
ment There Others which, from their nature can
not be public AS commanding the army or divisions OF
It, and much at the seat of Government he was necessa
ry often consulted by the Presidents and their Cabinets
They thus became thoroughly acquainted with his ener
gy his sagacity and his prudence. Madison, Monroe,
jackson, Van Buren,, and Polk have given testimony,
which may not be questioned without impeaching Them
OF their estimation of his qualities by the empoyments
which have enumerated
The which has invariably attended all his civil
labors affords still stronger testimony to his great ability
After this, it looks like holding up farthing candle to
illuminate subject all glorious with light to add any
individual evidence. But trivial is the authority it
may be satisfactory to some who know me to hear the
results OF my own personal observations during period
OF great official intimacy am ashamed to put my en-
dorsement on Gen. SCOTS paper but certainly will not
dshonor it. more scrupulously honest honorable, and
just man never came in contact with me- The instances
and proofs constant of daily and hourly
Personal enemies he had although few yet in his
administration of the affairs of the army could the
slightest indication Of the influence of enmity Of favo
ritism be discovered in his official conduct To the
trary instances have fallen under my observation
where preference given to officer known to be
nimcal over one equally known as his most devoted
friend
Matters Of the gravest Importance necessarily became
often the subjects of consideration and discussion On
such occasions have been struck by the comprehensive
ness and business OF his views with what fidelity he
planted himself as it eminence and calmly
surveyed the whole horizon before him, discerning the
least indication of cloud, and watching the counter
currents and estimating their direction and force with
sagacty which could be acquired only by long expe-
rience in public affairs and knowledge of our
well European politics, derived from profound study
This eowcitizens is my testimony take it for what
it is worth | rejoice in the opportunity of offering it
the discharge of duty. 1t is at least disinterested
My political life is ended neither wish expect
to hold any Office to which any pecuniay compensation is
attached.
STILL my friends however qualified patriotic and de-
serving candidates may be- whatever the debt of graft
ude them it is impossible for national parties to
be organized and maintained merely for the support of
individuals. They must be based principles common
to all who belong to the party and must have in view the
good of the whole country Otherwise they become fac
tons Of the most dangerous character. Aware Of this
truth the great political parties Of the country have
recently by their respective promulgated the
sentiments of EACH On two points of great interest they
have directly taken issue.
One of them is thus presented by the Democratic Con-
vention:
Re,oped That the constitution does confer upon the
General Government the power and carry
general system of internal Improvement"
Mark the vagueness if the Implicitly of this resou
"a l.~ tLnr Al
history of the Government under all administrations
Jeersons Madisons and Jacksons well all others
to deny the power of the Government to carry in
erna improvements And il did not dare to provoke the
wrath of the people at sweeping declaration against all
such works. A middle adopted, denying the
authority of the General Government to carry general
system Of internal improvements as if the Constitution
permitted some, might be dictated by caprice or ia
yortsm but prohibited the regulation and exercise Of
this important power by general principles Of equal and
common benefit to the whole country.
Every other subject Of legislation is is supposed to
be- governed by general system the imposition of du-
ties appropriations for public services the establishment
Of post Offices and post roads, coastng licenses inter-
course with foreign nations and with Indian tribes pen
sions these and every other instance of legislation by
own, any other Government, conducted upon
general SYSTEM governed by general principles. Is it
subverson of all theory Of Government to maintain
that internal improvements only to be made without
reference to general system
The declaration of the Wing Convention this subject
is as follows:
g. The Constitution in Congress the TO
and repair harbors and distractions from navgabe
rivers and il is expedent that Congress shall exercise that
power whenever such improvements necessary the
defence for the protection and facility Of commerce with
foreign nations among the States such improvements
being every instance, national and general in their cha
| racter"
Daily witnesses of the distractions of noble river
which impede the commerce of dozen States, how
can any among sanction the evasive, esuitical
declaration of the Convention fail heartily APP
plaud the open manly, explicit and constitutional argu-
ment Of the other
AS it, however to give distinctness and meaning to
mated for the Presidency gentleman who during his
service in Congress- distinguished for his in
veterae hostility all appropriations for the improve
of harbors and rivers than for any other political
act Even the limited appropriations which the majority
of Democratic Congresses voted and which Gen. JACKSON
sanctioned were opposed by Gen. PIERCE Is il not
amazing that a candidate with such sentiments, who
would be bound by his convictions Of duty veto every
bill of that character should be presented for the su
frages of the who recently at Chicago either per-
sonay by their representatives demanded the
else Of this power by Congress, not only clearly
given by the Constitution but duty imperatvey
quired by that instrument The citizens whose annual
losses by the Of harbors counted by millions
and the families who have been bereayed of fathers and
brothers by the cause together With the multitude
Of traders merchants orwarder and producers whose
business is hampered and embarrassed by the obstruc
tons Of naygabe rivers emphatcaly called upon
TO their at the ensuing election with reference
the certainty that the existing evils Of which they
plain will be continued by Gen. PIEroE.
On the subject Of the protection of own industry
against the power Of foreign capital the Conventions
also at issue. The Democratic resolution assumes