The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-07-20

these extraordinary labors, he was summoned
again by MIR. Van buren, 10 the CHEROKEE coun-
try to effect the removal of that unfortunate peo-
pie across the Mississippi. This, probably, was
the severest trial Of his fife. But he was bound to
obey the order of his Government, and he doubt
less felt that he could do il in mercy. great and
semi- savage people were removed from the graves
Of their fathers and the hearth stones of their
homes without one drop of blood being shed. The
admirable self command, prudence. forbearance,
and tact Of General Scott, achieved that which the
bayonet would have failed to accomplish without
the destruction Of one half the Cherokee race.
la the next year, we find him again under the
frontier pacifying the disturbances respecting
the boundary, and arresting the hostiiities, for
which adverse troops were actually encamped,
burning with mutual hatred and revenge Again,
by the diplomatic talents Of this general was the
country saved from war.
The iast opportunity Tor the exhibition of his
qualities as a statesman, was presented after his
conquest OF Mexico. In the midst of hostile pop
ulaon and the most frghtful disorders, he organ
lied civil administration that gave peace and
protection to the inhabitants and restored order
and responsibility. He devised and established
system of finance, through military contributions
and expenditures, which saved millions to the
country. The last act OF this description was his
plan--so characteristic of his great soul-of mill.
tary asylum for the disabled and WORKOUT soldiers
founded by the proceeds Of their own conquests,
which he insisted belonged to them. ~. e.
And now, fellow-citizens, you have before you
some of the evidences Of General Scott's capacity
for civil government There others, which
from their nature cannot be public. As COM
mandng the army, or divisions Of 1t, and much
at the seat of Government he necessarily often
consulted by the Presidents and their Cabinets.
They thus became thoroughly acquainted with his
energy, his sagacity, and bis 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 employments which have
The success which has invariably attended all his
civil abors, affords still stronger testimony to his
great ability. After this, il looks like holding up
a iarthing candle to illuminate subject all glori-
GUS with light, TO add any individual evidence.
Buttrval as il the authority, it may be satisfac-
tory 10 some who know me TO hear the resuts of
my own personal observations during period Of
endorsement on General Scotps paper, but GER
tainly will not dishonor it. more scrupulously
honest, honorable, and just man, never came in
contact with me- The instances and proofs were
constant, OF daily and hourly occurrence. Per-
sonai enemies he had. although few; yet never in
bis administration of the affairs Of the army could
the slightest indication Of the influence of enmiy
or Of favoriism be discovered in his official con-
duct To the contrary, instances have fallen un-
der my own observation where preference was
given to an officer known to be inimical over one
equally known as his most devoted friend.
Matters OF the gravest importance, necessarily,
became often the subjects OF consideration and dia-
cussion. On such occasions have been struck by
the comprehehsveness and justness of his views;
II
an eminence and calmly surveyed the whols hori-
zon before him, discerning the least indication of
u cloud, and watching the counter. currents and
estimating their direction and force with a sagaci-
rience in public affairs and n knowledge of our
own as well as European politics, derived from
profound study.
This. fellow.citiscns, is my testimony; take it
for what ii ia worth. rejoice in the opportunity
Of offering it, as the discharge of duty. 1t 10 at
least disinterested. My political life is ended.
neither wish or expect ev.r to hold any office to
which any pecuniary compensation is attached.
Still, my friends, however qualified, patriotic,
and deserving our candidates may be-whatever
the debt of gratitude we owe them--it is impossi-
BILE for national parties to be organized and main
tanned merely for the support of individuals They
must be based on principles common to all who
belong to the party, and must have in view the
good Of the whole country. Otherwise, they be-
come factions of the most dangerous character.
Aware of this TRUTH the two great political parties
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
"Rssolved, That the Constitution docs not confer
upon the General Government the power to COM
msnes and on general system of internal
Mark the vagueness il not the duplicty of this
resolution. The convention did not dare, in the
as und ss az d
sens, as we'll as all others-to deny the power of
the Government to carry on some internal inn.
Provements. And it did not dare to provoke the
wrath Of the people at sweeping declaration
against all such works A middle course was
adopted, denying the authority of the General Go.
vernment to carry on general system Of internal
as II the Constitution permitted
some, as might be dictated by caprice or favorit-
ism but prohibited the regulation and exercise of
this important power by general principles of equal
and common benefit to the whole country.
posed to be, governed by general system; ,ss
imposition Of Duties appropriations for public ser.
vices, the establishment of post offices and post
roads, coasing licenses, intercourse with foreign
and every other instance of Legislation by our own,
or any other government, are conducted upon q
general system-governed by general principles,
Is it not subversion of all theory of government
to maintain that internal improvements only are 10
be made without reference to general system.
The declaration of the Wing Convention on this
subject is as follows:
''6. The Constitution vests in Congress the power
to open and repair harbors, and remove obstruc-
tions from navgable rivers; and 1t is expedent that
Congress shall exercise that power ,oheneper such
improvements are necessary for the common defence,
or for Ge protection and facility Of with
foreign nations or among the Statcs; uchimprove-
ments being, in every instance, national and gen
eral in their character" ".
Daily witnesses of the distractions of our noble
river, which impede the commerce of some dozen
evasive, jesuitical declaration of the conven-
ton, or tail heartily to applaud the open, manly,
explicit, and constitutional argument of the other?
Asif, however, to give distinctness aud mean
ing to their resolution, the Democratic Convention
have nominated for the Presidency gentleman
who. during bis service in Congr ess, was distin.
guished more for his nveterate hostility to all APP
preparations for the improvement of harbors and
rivers than for any other political act. Even the
limited appropriations which the majority of Dem
ocratic Congresses voted, and, which Gen. jackson
sanctioned. were opposed by Gen. Pierce. IL il
not amazing, that candidate with such senti-
ments, who would be bound by his convictions of
duty TO veto every bill of that character, should
be presented for the suffrages Of the men who, go
recently at Chicago, either personally by their
representatives, demanded the exercise OF this
power by Congress, as one not only clearly given
by the Constitution, but a duty imperatvely re-
quired by that instrument? The citizens whose
annual losses by the want of harbo,s counted
by millions. and the families who have been be-
reaved OF fathers and brothers by the same cause,
together with the multitude of traders, merchants,
forwardcrs, and producers, whose business is ham
pered and embarrassed by the obstructions of our
navigable rivers-are emphatcally called upon to
cast their votes at the ensuing election with refer
ense to the certainty that the existing evils of
which they complain will be continued by Gen.