Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1853-09-03
NOTES UPON THE FOREGOING SPEECH,
BY TIE EDITORS

N This alusion to the hand Of afriend &C. ssxpGined
by the fact that this speech of Mr. Randolph almost
certainly drawn out BY speech Of Mr. MACON the pre-
ceding afternoon in which he took part directly 0ppo
site to that taken by DIR. RANDOLPH upon the wer ques
ton From the time that Mr.. r. first entered Congress
up nearly TO the period Of this debate there had existed
between these two gentlemen not only great personal
friendship, but almost constant political association
The speech Of Mr. MACON to which have alluded,
it is reported in the National Inelgencer of that day,
of very unusual length for him, and of elaborate
composition showing that his whole heart engaged
in the cause. The language of Mr.. RASDoLrH gives
suppose that he took exception part Of
Mr.. MAcoNs speech although it is perceived taat
any thing in it reflected personally upon him.
~ The which Mr. RANDOLPH here speaks Of
lates a memorable incident which occurred in the
House of Representatives the 29th day Of May, 1872
On that occasion Mr. r. had risen for the purpose as he
said, of submitting proposition which would affect vital
the best interests Of the nation That proposition fol-
lowing irregular practice which had almost become
custom he proceeded discuss without sending it to
the Chair, in carefully prepared speech, condemnng
the anticipated recommendation of Declaration of War
against Great Britain In this strain of argument he had
continued for the best part of hour when question
raised by Mr.. CALHOUN whether in order for
member deliver speech upon proposition not before
the House.
Upon this point of order some conversation took place.
but finally the SPEAKER decided that the question being
raised the standing rule Of the House must be enforced
which required that every member desiring to submit
motion should first reduce it writing and forward it to
the Chair to be propounded the House and that if
required by any other member of the House. the pre-
minary question should be put whether the House will
proceed to the consideration of the proposition
Mr. r.. then, required by the Speaker submitted in
writing his proposition, in the following words
"Resoued That, under existing circumstances, it is
nexpedient to resort to War against Great Britain"
The question being demanded and put on the consdra
lion of this resolution it decided in the negative by
70 votes to 81 and Mr. RS speech and proposition
both fell to the ground This it was that Mr. RAN
DoLpn, not without reason regarded implied
if not direct the part of the House upon his
in this matter
O Interference in this passage to the Presidential cleo
ton to the which had then very recently
minated, in which Mr. MADISON had been reelected for
second time the Presidency by 1913 electoral votes 3d.
over De Writ CLINTON the candidate presented for that
Office by the Opposition to the reelection of Mr.
MADISON
( JOEL BARLOW then United States Minister Extraor
binary France here referred TO- was better known to
the American Public the author Of great National
Poem entitled the Columbad than by his civil services
But he was an eminent statesman well disn-
guished patriot Being engaged in negotiating at Paris,
as Special Envoy from the United States reciprocal
commercial convention with France, in which he hoped
that all differences between the Governments might
be arranged the Emperor then his way Moscow de-
ermned to transfer the negotiation the hands OF the
Duke of BAssANo at Wilma for which purpose Mr. BAR
LOW his urgent invitation, departed from Paris for
that place the Goth Of October, 1872 Nothing was
known of his decease when Mr. R. delivered this speech
though he tken in his grave He fell victim to the
rgors of the climate which he had braved in the discharge
of his public duty. He died at Zarnaw, town within
few miles of Cracovia in Poland the Goth Of Decem
ber 1872, Ons from Wilma of an Inflammation of
the lungs, which attacked him suddenly and pro-
crossed rapidly deprive him Of the opportunity
Of arranging his public private affairs Towhat point
he had brought his negotiation not pahcy known If
it had led any definite results it would of course
have remained unknown.
(sJ Meaning the Presidents House Mr. RS lodgings"
being then at the Union Hotel in Georgetown
O There is nothing in the whole of this speech that
is more worthy of the readers attention than this
sage which it would be yet difficult for most readers of
the present day unravel without clue to it. Mr. MoS
at the time of this speech Secretary Of State had
been the associate with Mr.. PISKsEY in the Commission
at London, in the negotiation and conclusion of treaty
with Treat BRITAIN winch, on being transmitted IN due
form to the United States, promptly rejected by Pre-
sent JEFFERSON without waiting to take the
of the Senate upon it. Against this rejection Mr. Mon
had earnestly protested and upon his return
after to the United States publicly indicated himself from
what he considered harsh proceeding the part of
the Executive, and implying undeserved reproach
upon him as Statesman and Minister. Among those
who eynced a decided feeling against the Executive in
this controversy was Mr. RANDOLPH himself, who became
in some sort the leader of party making
with Mr. MONROE and carrying his zeal to the extent Of
seeking to place that distinguished citizen in the field
candidate for the Presidency upon the approaching
expiration of Mr. JEFYERsoNs term Of service. Even
tuay, however things took different turn Before the
election came on Mr.. MADISON became the sole candi-
date Of the Republican Jeersonian) party and, long
before the election actually took place. Mr. MADISON and
Mr. MONROE were brought together, during the summer
vacation at Monticello elsewhere in Vrgnia-through
the nsrumentay was then generally understood of
Mr. JEYFERsoSand whatever Of GOODNESS existed between
them was entirely removed by amcable explanations
We do not know that the friendship Of Mr. RANDOLPH
Mr. MONROE by this latter incident turned to enmity
but it was sensbly abaed Nor it all restored by
the acceptance by Mr. MONROE Of the Office Of Secretary
Of State offered to him by President MADISON midway
of his first Of the Presidency, FIJI the vacancy
which occasoned by the resignation Of Mr. Secretary
SMITH, in the spring Of 1911.
The passage in Mr.. R,SDoLPHs speech upon which
are now remarkng was hardly intended in kindness to
Mr. MoSRoE-perhaps not in hostile spirit-but GER
tainy be taken convey reflection upon his