WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1827
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shall stimulate future Patriots ancl nerve the arms of unborn free- 1nen in driving the vresumptuou~ invaclers from ou1· Country's soil." This, Sir was the language of the Secertary of State in 1817, in relation to General Jackson, and his glorious achievements. How does it comport with his letter to Judge Brooke, pending the late Presidental election, where he interposes his influence to save the country from the government of a "Military Chieftain?" How does it comport with his Lewisburg speech, where he is pleased to designate General Jackson a "mere soldier," How does this comport with his declarations to a gentlEman who waited on him for the purpose of paying their respects at the time the Senate was deliberating on the propriety of the Panama Mission? The Secretary replied with warmth, "You people of the West are determined to have your lands and the Hero, although you are making so much noise about General Jackson's being President, you do not believe him qualified." The reply he received was, "Tha.t is a charge against the sincerity of General Jackson's friends." The Secretary repeated what he had said, remarking, that, "Here is the opposition to the Panama Mission in the Sen- ate; if the Administration were against the Mission, you would find this very opposition acting directly on the other side and in favor of the Mission." This, I am informed is substantially, if not literally, the language of the Secretary. Thus, we see the charge of corruption brought against nine- teen senators. Is Macon charged with corruption? Is he cor- rupt? Oh no! Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in Askelon ! If he is corrupt, Sir, that corruption is manifested in a practical adherence to the principles of '76. The Secretary may as well attempt to arrest the sun in its course, as to fix upon Macon the charge of corruption. But, perhaps, this is necessary to give suocessful operation to "safe precedent.'' The gentleman from Ohio, (Mr. Wright) in imitation of the Secretary's illustrious example, has attacked the reputation of Jackson and has attempted to run parallel between him and Cati- line. His efforts are vain. The reputation of Jackson is the nation's gem, and consecrated to their keeping by his own il!us- trious deeds. It wiII adorn the proudest, brightEst pages in American history. The gentleman from Ohio in adverting to the history of Catiline has said: "I am not enough skilled in the plans of operation and motives of the opposition to determine, or !
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