97
WRITINGS OF SAM HOUSTON, 1827
has evinced any remarkable reverence for the memory of the dis- tinguished patriot, Samuel Adams? What are the facts? When that revered and pure spirit had ceased to exist on earth, and the last tribute of respect was to be manifested, the Senate of the United States, penetrated with the deep sense of important services rendered to the deceased, introduced a resolution ex- pressive of the feelings of that body, and resolved to "wear crepe on the left arm for a month, in testimony of the national gratitude and reverence towards the memory of those illustrious patriots, Samuel Adams and Edmund Pendleton." The resolution was adopted, yeas 21, nays 10. In the van of those who were op- posed to the adoption of the resolution, of this mark of national respect and gratitude, we find Mr. John Quincy Adams, now Chief Magistrate of the United States. This occu.rred in October, 1803, at a time, perhaps, when party spirit had not ceased to exasperate the minds of men; when the recent overthrow of the father had produced disappointment and chagrin in the breast of the son- had destroyed his hopes of succeeding by "safe precedent." Sir, from these facts are we warranted in transferring any portion of our respect for the memory of the revered patriot, Samuel Adams, to the present encumbrent of the Presidential Chair? However, much respect may be due him on his own account, I will not say; but surely he can claim none from his affinity to Samuel Adams, when he solemnly refused him the last mournful tribute of national and individual respect. Yet, the gentleman tells us, that Mr. John Quincy Adams is a descendant of Samuel Adams, and is one of the most pure and simple repub- licans in the United States; and in addition, he tells us, Sir, that he has passed the State Department. Yes, Mr. Speaker, he has performed his political probation there for six years, and as he gave in his adhesion to Mr. Jefferson, we must needs esteem him a patriot of '76. But Sir, did not the selfsame gentleman declare that the on!y way to prostrate Mr. Jefferson was to join him, obtain his confidence, and urge him to the adoption of pernicious measures, betray him, and thereby obtain possession of supreme power? Is this republican simplicity? The gentleman from Ken- tucky can best tell. But, Sir, Mr. Adams has passed the St.ate Department; and to what shall I liken that Department? May it not, of late years, be compared to a lazaretto, where infected, diseased, and unsound politicians perform quarantine for the &pace of four or eight years, as the case may be, are then in- spected by the health officer "conscience," and are finally ushered
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