88
WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1827
takes this measure to mark us with his displeasure. It is well. We can live without great men's smiles, and we shall not shift our course at their nod. Mr. Adams is no more fit for the Presi- dency now than when Mr. Clay and ourselves were. united in opposing him. If Mr. Clay has changed his opinion, we have not changed ours. Perhaps we have not heard the same convincing arguments." Here is a complaint, and I should deem it cutting, too, in its character. It contains facts, and they are incontrovertible. Would this complaint have been made, if the public printing had been of no value? Surely not. During the last Administration, the course pursued in refer- ence to this matter, was essentially different. None of the sweep- ing and sudden movements took place. And why? There was no need of them. There was then no political dynasty which needed to be sustained by adventitious aids like this. That Administra- tion was created by the voice of the People: the present has been created contrary to their will. An honorable gentleman from Kentucky, [Mr. Buckner] alleges that the resolution of my friend from North Carolina has originated in a desire of producing political effect. And he further states, that long reports were made, at the last session of Congress, in the Senate, printed and distributed with the view to the same object. If such were circu- lated, and for the purpose of producing effect, they were not neces- sary in the section of the country in which I reside. The minds of my contituents have long since taken their direction. They require no stimulus; they will judge for themselves. But, while gentlemen talk of publications for political effect, I will claim leave to refer them to a certain publication, entitled the "Torch Light." Yes, Sir, the flambeau- political flambeau. How many copies of that redoubtable production have been printed and circulated? I am informed, Sir, that the number is twenty thousand. Several messengers of .this House were em- ployed for weeks in a room of the Capitol, to fold and prepare them for distribution; that several hundred quires of public paper were consumed. Twenty thousands franks were prostituted for the purpose of sending this "Torch Light" to every part of the United States, where it was believed its circulation would produce political effect. Yes, Sir, and what is the character of this far- famed "Torch Light?" I do not know, I have never seen it, but the character of it which I have received from others, is not such as would recommend it to any who are not over curious. It is "' l:: . i l -
Powered by FlippingBook