E375 LIBRARY OF CONGRESS DDDosoaassT ili'F.; ,^% . ""^ % ,^^ .0^ I. ' t ^o. .4, ^' « o - ^ ''^ <* 4i;o 4 o. .0' ■^^, ^ .^^ -'^^jil^' -» >- - A^ '^ ^^"< -^^ d^- smfe ~^ ^ .V A -^'^/o .^. v^^ ^^ o o ■^.a'^ : ^. /y v^ > •<"^ ^^, ^ 0^ . 5 .^" . G" ^^-'^. •^ o. «> ^ '(?^,/ -^>/% ' ■ o, "^^ <-.^-. ■ ^ ./ V '^^■ A .-5-' '^^ ° '.■> ^o ^"^^ 4 / _ 5 • "^^ 4 ■A^rA>. %/ i ^ ^y-> j,-i^. -■ ^t^ .0- -0' -.H '^ ^ ^ O ^^-^^ r^.- ^€' vO- -.h^ °<. ^Ov^ <0' > ^ %^ ^^ '^■' * ^*'% ■<"• • " fe- ■&' ■ * r-^^if^, ■» .-c.^ V ^^ ^^ . JP.* ^^^ ^^ /-"- ■" o V o » a I DELIVERED BEFORE THE ACKSON CONVENTION OF DELEGATES, FROM THE DIFFERENT rOWNSHIPS OF THE COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND ASSEMBLED AT ^1BL1I>GI;T0X, 3u\5 ^"^j ^^^^- BY ISAAC WATTS CRANE, Esq. COU..U. . u., ™^/w.;^s:r '^^'■■"•"'"'''"" "^ '"' PHILADELPHIA, 1824. _ At the Jackson Committee of Delegates, t'.om the different townships of the county of Cumberland mBridgton, July 27th, 1824: It was unanimously ' "«"anu, Resolved, That the thanks of this Committee be presented to Isaac W. Crane, Esquire for the ratnot.c ADDRESS, delivered by him before the Convention this day ; and that he be renu'ested to lurmsb a copy for publication. Tr.,,>.„o T o DANIEL PARVIN, Chairman. iGSATics Thompson, Secretary. GENTLEMEN, 1.) reluctantly submitting to the request of the convention, I wish it to be understood, that I had on- .y two days to prepare my very imperfect address, and that I am indebted to the celebrated author of Wyoming, lor many of the sentiments— and in some instances have borrowed his very words Me.sr. PARVIN and THOMPSON. "^'^^""'""^ ''°""' ^'^'^^ ""' ^^'^f \ ^©iDiams Rita ctee«-it is a", "bs^^^ii";;; .,r the learned Montesquieu, that in r ^ ..ate every man, who is sup- ceincoin ms u»u & lihprtv and "'"=' ""^r::™ innfmus" publicly reason of every » .^ ^ prfetor appear, bvery ■ j^, it a ne- ta government .^^.looj.^^^ ^^ ^„,^,. SI' oneerns bis interest, be --. '' r lost"'X& "" rit of enquiry an^;";^^;'''^; le are ana to save the .^.^'L been pructis- and intrigues wluchUaveUeen '\^for one do not think it good I, lor on^' p,.csiaent from the policy to take the *^'^^'"^" ,ge the . &eads of D^P-^-^f f ''^Tof pa- practice supports a «5^;;"; ^^,^^1 Pv'ernmeor ?he Secretaries, m selecting the officers dependant on !^lm vvill no doubt choose their fSds and those vvho in their turn eardo the most for the^m. Some;will have more patronage than oth?^«; J^^ Secretary of the Treasury, for instance having nnder him officers, collectors of he customs, inspectors agen, receivers of pnbUc monies and regis- ters If land offices, to the ^"aount of loooin.number all in some measure dependant for t^f t^^^^^^^J/^T^il fices upon his pleasure, and dra\ving ttksftomgovcrnmentdeposites,and tr— thlt be sbonld have nnmer- „„s P="-t'r' r*be een 'dTeaded lias procured >»m so many at Washington. '.' '» ."°' ™^eme„t of intention to spe»k in d.si«rageme '•- ''^^nitb'X^LS^s^f'-™''"- L&d Senaemen U. the «»^^^^ ^:r:;uJ.y ca^^bie of executing «.« T i-Z: nf those departments. 1 hey duties ot those J compensated have been handsomely i ^^ other side. ,/'"'?';,';,.„ „f ,1,5 „at o"- Jackson to the gratitude oUh^, ^_^ If the contest toi tnc ti«^' j (4) among the heads of departments, it is natural to suppose that the chance will be on the side of him who has most to bestow. The selection of a President by a caucus at Washington, is also liable to strong objections. Nothing can be more repugnant to the letter and spirit of our excellent Constitution, which (Art. 2, Sect. 1) declares <' Each State shall appoint, in such manner as the Legislature thereof may direct, a number of electors, equal to the whole number of Senators and Representatives to which the state may be entitled in the Congress; but no Senator or Representative, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the Uni^Jd States, shall be appointed an Elector." The Con- gress have no right to interfere. They were chosen for different purposes, and only in case the question should come before them in a constitutional way, when the vote will be by states, (which was wisely provided to secure to the small states their share of in- fluence, and to preserve the balance deemed necessary to harmony and a good understanding) can they legally decide. For them to undertake to decide in the first instance, is an in- fringement of the rights of the people, and calculated to make of them mere machines. I say, therefore, that the practice of taking the President from the heads of departments ought to be discouraged, because it has a tendency to encourage the arts of intrigue and corruption, and to fix on us an aristo- cracy which may swallow up the most sacred and important rights of the people, which the Constitution evident- ly intended to secure, by providing that (he people should have the riglit of electing their Chief Magistrate. Indeed, I have no hesitation in saying that the practice which has prevailed in some states, and at one time in our own state, of the Legislature appoint- ing the electors, is repugnant lo the Constitution, both to its letter and spirit. The words are, " Each state shall appoint electors, in such man- ner as the Legislature thereof may di- rect." The framers of our Constitu- tion certainly never could have inten- ded by these words to convey the idea that the Legislature should appoint as the Legislature should direct. It was only intended to give the Legisla- ture the right to prescribe the mode, not to make the appointment. The words, " each state," evidently mean, the people of the state, and the Con- stitution evidently intended to make the liCgislature the agent to prescribe the rule, and the people the actors, to execute the thing to be done, or to make the appointment. It was never intended to interpose not only the elec- tors, but also the Legislatures of the different states, as intermediate bar- riers between the people and their President. The object was, to make the President derive his power from the people, and to be dependant on them. It never was, in those days, understood that the election of or con- tinuance of the President in oflice should depend on his manceuvring to obtain the favorable side of the lead- ing men in our different Legislatures, or that he should so far debase himself as to practise the arts of intrigue and seduction at all ; but it was believed that, like the towering oak among the surrounding forest, he could be de- scried at a distance, and that the peo- ple, faithful to themselves, would elect a man endeared to Ihcm by his servi- ces and paramount qualifications. — General Washinjrton was chosen on account of the services rendered his country. It never was pretended that his talents as a statesman and civilian were superior to those of General Jackson; and the same patiiotic prin- ciple which led the patriots of that day to elect Washington to the Presidency in preference to Adams, who was elee- led Vice President, will certainly levid (5) the palriots of the present (lay, whose dredsofour brethren were found in feelings of gratitude are not merged the Indian camp. Arbuthnotand Ara- in mercenary considerations of court brister were taken and regularly tried, favor, to extol Jackson to that high found guilty and sentenced to be shot, office in preference to J. Q.Adams, In the caseof Ambrister, who I am in- (who in erudition and diplomatic skill formed was a British officer, the stands unrivalled) or to any other of the Court, on reconsideration, saw proper candidates. Under Washington our in- to alter the sentence to 50 stripes and dependence was achieved; under Jack- 12 months imprisonment ; but Jack- son our independence has been pre- son, whose experience and better judg- served, and our nation obtained a rank ment convinced him it would be dan- which the combined efforts of the ho- gerous to allow such men to live, hav- ly alliance, if we remain true to our- ingall the proceedings before him, and selves and to correct principles, can it being only a Court of Enquiry, re- never destroy. Discard all motives versed the second sentence, which of a mercenary nature, renounce the could hardly be called a military one, views of the trafficking politicians who and confirmed the fast, and tliey were draw their sustenance from the bee- both executed. The British govern- hiveofthe Metropolis — let virtuous ment, whose subjects they were, knew principle and national gratitude have better than to complain, and Mr. its proper and legitimate effect upon Adams, the Secretary of State, pub- our minds, and I would ask, where is lished a complete justiiieaiion of the the man to be found who would stand transaction. in competition with the hero of Or- His confinement of Sousa, and Cal- leans? lava the Spanish Governor, until cer- Ile has been censured for ordering tain papers which had been purloined the execution of Arbutimot and Am- with a view of defrauding unprotected brister. It is well known that as far orphans, and w hich had been carried back as our memories will r^'ach, it away contrary to the treaty, were has been a subject of heartfelt regret delivered up, has been censured; but to the friends of humanity, that our Jackson's conduct as Governor in this frontier settlements have beenexposed respect has been fully canvassed and to the cruelties of the savages, who justified by an impartial pubhc. He murder, without discrimination, men, understood the law and his duties women and helpless children, and it better than Judge Fromentin, and has ahvays been believed that the In- would to God that our Judges in gene- dians have been secretly instigated by ral more resembled him, and in their foreign re negadoes to acts of rapine decisions were actuated by the same and murder. The difficulty has been integrity and love of justice. And let to find out these unprincipled wretches me ask, why is it that this brave and — when discovered, it is all-important upright man has been so viliiled, that to our honor and permanent safety he has been charged with using violent that an exemplary punishment be in- and harsh expressions.'* Did not flietcd. These men had abandoned Washington use language equally civilized society, and had identified harsh and offensive to Lee, when he themselves with the savages and fugi- disobeyed his orders at Monmouth? tive negroes, and had furnished them and has the spirit of our fathers so with arms and supplies to carry on far deserted us, that it has become a the horrid work of human butchery, crime to express ocr indign:^tion Jackson was ordered to put a stop to against the enemies of our country, these atrocities, 'i'he scalps of bun- although secret and insi(!ioiis foes lurkinft within its bowels? (6) Why was it, that Crawford covert- ly aiui Clay more openly endeavored to asperse the conduct of our hero, in the Semhiolc war? — Why would tiiey desire to degrade a man who had encountered every privation and hard- ship for the safety and glory of his i'ouutry, except that he stood in the way of their views of self aggrandise- ment? They knew that he had too fast a hold on the alfections of his country, and therefore it was they raised (he cry, ''crucify him, crueify him." 'I'he result of the investiga- tion before Congress, proved that there was nothing restrictive in the orders to Jackson, commanding him to give peace to the Southern border, but that every thing in relation to mode and oianner was left with him. — The remonstrances ol'the Spanisli Minister, and the malevolence of those who wished to pluck from the warrior's brow his well-earnerd a screen behind (7) ^hich (reason might stalk unmolested. He did it to make the example effec- tual, and to obtain through fear, that security which could not be had through love of country." The reflecting men of the country have admitted that without these strong measures, New Orleans could not have been defended. If it was right to declare martial law, it belong- ed to his prudence and caution as a good general, not to repeal or abolish it, until informed from the proper source that the danger was removed. It is worthy of remark that this charge of violating the constitution is made by the friends of Mr. Crawford, who see nothing improper in his loan- ing out one or two hundred thousand dollars of the people's money, for his own benefit and that of the banks, although the constitution declares tliat " no money shall be drawn from the treasury, but in consequence of ap- propriations made by law." It is not my business to impugn the motives of Mr. Crawford; they may have been honorable. He has, no doubt, had a difficult task to perform. But I do say that if Jackson erred, it was from motives of patriotism and regard to the public good; not to assist himself or his particular friends, but to defend the liberties of his country. In one of his Indian wars, where he had to contend with mutinyin his camp, the means for subsistence for the army Inaving been almost exhausted, mark the energy of his character. Having in vain addressed their patriotism, and appealed to their bravery and the noblest feelings of the human heart in behalf of their unprotected brethren on the frontiers, exposed to savage barbarity; and finding that no argu- ments could prevail to prevent their return, he threw himself in front of the columns, pointed them to the artillery posted in a defile, through which they were to pass, supported by two companies who aloue remained faithful, and declared thiit only through carnage should they retire. Siicceias attended him, and they returned lo their duty. His conduct to Weathersford, a distinguished warrior of the Creeks, shows the magnanimity of his soul. — This chief had lighted up the war and led the assault against Fort Mimms, where many women and children had been butchered. — Jackson had deter- mined that he should atone for this rash and unprovoked deed — and when the Indians, almost destroyed, came to sue for peace, the surrender of their chief was required as a condition. Under these circumstances Weatliers- ford made his way undiscovered and gained admission to Jackson's tent. "I am AVcathersford," said he, ''who led the attack against Fort Mimms. — 1 have come to ask for peace for my country: my warriors are all slain, and I can ficht you no lonsrer. 1 am a soldier, and in your power, where of my own accord I have placed myself: — do with me as you please, but give peace to my country." Struck by his noble conduct, Jackson extended to him pardon and an assurance oi* safety. There arc many incidents of his history, of which time will not allow to go into the details, which shew that his heart is the seat of the most tender and refined feelings, and of the most benevolent virtues. In one of his conflicts with the In- dians, an infant found resting on the bosom of its mother, who hid been ac- cidentally slain in battle, was brought to him ; he instantly received it, be- came its protector and reared it. Those who live in his vicinity bear testimony to his benevolent exertions in the cause of virtue and to his nu- merous acts of beneficence and philan- thropy. I will mention one case which interests us nearer home : — A few years since while the General was taking an excursion m ith his lady at a (8) cons'ijlei'ii!)!^ (iistasice from Nashville, Judges of the Supreme Court, and all the place of liis tesidence, he stopped other officers of the United States, at an inn. The latuUady was a wo- whose appointments are not herein man possess»*d of superior accomplish- otherwise provided for and which shall mcnts, andtiad lost lier hushmd. On be established by law. But the Con- enquiiy he found hei- (o be the daugh- gress may by law vest the appoint- of his old fs'ieud und coujpanion in nieut of such inferior officers, as they su'ms, Captaiu C/wu/i, of Bristol. He think proper in the President alone, introtlueed her as such to his lady, and in the Courts of law, or in the heads an arran:i;ement took place, by which of Departments. He shall have pow- thiough the Generars anspices, this er to fill up all vacancies that may lady was removed to a station at the happen during the reeess^of the Senate head of a female seminary,in the neigh- by granting commissions which shall borhood of Nashville, in which she be- expire at the end of their next session, came eminently useful and her circum- He shall from time to time give Con- stances affluent. — In a letter to her gress information of the state of the father, she told him of her good for- Union, and recommend to their con- luneand to whom she owed so much, sideration such measures a&he shall This brought on a correspondence be- judge necessary and expedient. — He Iween the parent and the General, may on extraordinary occasions, con- which Anthony Taylor of Bucks vene both houses, or either of them. County, Pennsylvania, who read the He shall receive ambassadors and letters, informed me, was extremely other publii ministers, shall take care interesting and highly creditable to that the laws be faithfully executed the bead and heart of our hero, and shall commission all the officers it has been objected, that we want of the United States." him for a general, but that his talents What duties enumerated here, h are not adequate to the duties of the not Jackson as capable of performing office of President. On looking at as any of the candidates? His eor- the constitution I find. Art. 2. Sec. 2. respondence with Mr. Monroe, lately and 3. that the President shall be published, and his despatches and Comnrander in Chief of the army and other writings shew that he possesses navy of the United States, and of the comprehensive, sound and statesman- militia of the several States when cal- like views of our national interests, led into the actual service of the Uni- and that the administration already ted States. He may require the owes him much. It has been said, in opinion in writing of the principal objection, that as it belongs to the Fre- oilicers in each of the Executive sident to receive ambassadors and Departments upon any subject rela- other public ministers, that General ling to the duties of their respective Jackson having been educated in the offices: and he shall have power to interior, cannot be sufficiently acquain- j:;rant reprieves and pardons for offences ted with the etiquette and ceremonies ugainst the United States, except in which appertain to the intercourse of cases of impeachment. — He shall have different courts. This can hardly be power by and with the advice and con- thought a serious objection; and if it sent of the Senate, to make treaties were, it is calculated very much to cir- provided two thirds of the Senators cumscribe the people in the their present concur: and he shall nominate, choice of a Chief Magistrate. Few and with the advice and consent of go to Europe for their education, and the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, of those who have gone as ambassa- the public ministers, and consuls, dors, the best, and they who have ac- (9) quitted themselves most to the public satisfaction, have been more distin- guished for plain sound sense, than for the accomplishments of the ball room. I would ask, whether manners, plain, frank and undisguised, such as peculi- arly distinguish the General, do not better accord with the spirit of our re- publican institutions, than the gaiety and frivolity, the etiquette and ceremo- ny, which characterise the courts of Europe and are often at war with the luaxims of truth and sincerity. The pride of an American ought justly to revolt at the idea of such a dependence on foreign customs, as much so as at the idea of importing a prince of the blood or German Baron to rule over us: but those who are acquainted with General Jackson bear testimony to his polite accomplishments j and his cor- respondence with the polished com- manders of the British army shews that either in diplomacy or at the sword, he was fairly their equal. As commander in chief of the army and navy, and of the militia., he is pre- eminently qualified. In recommend- ing measures to Congress, his princi- ples and judgment afford the strongest assurance that he will be actuated by the most disinterested patriotism and ,, love of country. In making appoint- ments, standing aloof as he does from tlie political atmosphere of the me- tropolis, not committed to any one, un- der no promise and under no influence of the leading jjien, the interest he feels in his country's welfare, affords a sure pledge that his motto or rule of conduct will be '' that merit shall be the road to preferment." Although, like Washington, he is no dealer in words or maker of speeches, yet he has given ample proof that he is well acquainted with the checks and ^ balances and well poised principles of our government, and that he is as ca- pable of judging of the effects of a treaty, as those on whose eloquence listening Senates have hung with rap- ture. The following extract from an ad- dress of General Jackson to his army, soon after his marine force on the lakes had been destroyed, and when his prospects were as gloomy as those of Washington, previous to the turn- ing of the tide of the war at Trenton, may justly vie with the best models of Grecian and Roman eloquence. " You are contending," said he, "for all that can render life desirable; for your pro- perty and your lives; lor that which is dearer than all, your wives and children; for liberty, without which property, life and country are not worth possessing. E- ven the embraces of wife and children are a reproach to the wretch who would de- prive them by his cowardice of those in- estimable blessings. You are to contend with an enemy who seeks to deprive you of the last of these; who avows a war of vengeance and desolation, carried on by- marked cruelties, lusts, and horrors un- known to civilized nations. ^^JVatives oftht United •Stafesi the ene- mies you are to contend v/ith, are the op- posers of your infant political existence; they are men your fathers fought and con- quered, whom you are now to oppose. £)escenda7its of Freyichment Natives of France! they are English, the hereditary, the eternal enemies of your ancient coun- try, the invaders of that you have adopted who are your foes. Spaniards! Remem- ber the conduct of your allies at St. Se- bastian, and recently at Pensacola, and rejoice that you have an opportunity of a- vtnging the brutal injuries infiicted by , men who dishonor the human race. Lou- isianiansl your General rejoices to wit- ness the spirit that animates you. Com- manding men who know their rights, and are determined to defend them, he salutes you as brethren in arms, and has now a new motive to exert all his faculties, which shall be strained to the utmost in your de- fence. Continue with the energy you have begun, and he promises you, not on- ly safety, but victory over an insolent foe, who has insulted you by an affected doubt of your attachment to the constitution of your country. Your enemy is near, his sails already cover the lakes, but the S (10) brave are united, and if he finds us con- tending an)ong ourselves, it will be for the prize of valor, and fame, its noblest reward." If there is passion there is also reason in this address. But we are told that he is rash and intemperate, and would be more likely to embroil the nation in difficulty; and although in time of war he will make an excellent Gene- ral to command the army, yet that in time of peace it will not be safe to trust the government in his hands. The amount of this objection is, that in time of war, when life is at stake, and the fortunes of every citizen at ha- zard, when the reputation of wives and daughters is open to assault, vio- lence and ruin; the constitution and e- very thing dear at peril, then we will have coniidenee in Jackson — and while he shall ligiit our battles, we will sleep securely, not doubting of his judgment and discretion; but danger over, we will consign him to retire- ment, and seek for some fire-side pa- triot, who may call himself a repub- lican, and who the leaders, having an eye lo their own advancement, may say is a very discreet and prudent nian. This mode of reasoning, based in ingratitude worse than the sin of witchcraft, is calculated to take away one of the strongest incentives to great and noble actions. If l*e were your slave, your language would be the same. You tell him that he has fought so well, that if you are again attacked, he shall have the honor of fighting again; but that the highest honors in time of peace are awarded to those who contrived to keep out of danger, upon salaries of nine thou- sand dollars per year. Pitiful, ridic- ulous subterfuge ! — I trust that the spirit of Jerseymen will rise indig- nant against a sentiment so base and selfish. The hero who risks his life for his country, knows that a na- tion's gratitude will be his reward — he feels that ''it is sweet and honora- ble to die for one's country;" but ex- tinguish the lovo of glory; take a- way this noble incentive; and when your country is invaded, your only re- liance will be in mercenary legions. Your liberty and independence will be no more. Jackson's Farewell Address to the army breathes sentiments of the most humble piety and devout gratitude. Not like the Babylonish Monarch who exulted in " the might of his power;" but like the humble stripling who « in the dread name of Israel's God," with a sling and a stone, brought the boast- ing Philistine to the dust, he as- cribes all the glory to ''the God of bat- tles, to the wonderful interposition of Heaven," and ordered public prayers and thanksgiving to be offered up to the God of Heaven, who had granted them the victory. Can those of us then, my fellow citizens, who believe in an overruling Providence, be char- ged with presumption in supporting to the Presidency, him, whom Heaven has chosen as the humble but signal instrument of our preservation. The genius of our people and our government would render futile and contemptible all attempts at usurpa- tion, like those of Julius Caesar, Oliver Cromwell, Napoleon Bonaparte and I- turbide, Jackson an usurper! Pitiful, ridiculous pretence, that an old man whose whole life has been devoted to the preservation of the blessing of lib- erty, and for whom the incense of a nation's gratitude, has more charms than crowns and sceptres, should wish to enslave his country. You may as well call Washington and Franklin u- surpers. Should the people be so foolish as to offer him a kingly crown, he would trample it under his feet. It is a wild chimera of the brain, to sup- pose that he who disdained an embas- sy to the court of an usurper, with a salary of 18,000 dollars per annum, would tarnish all his laurels, by re- nouncing the Rights of Man. ''Should (11) you thrice offer him a kingly crown has been called (o a discharge of the he would it thrice refuse." duties of civil life. He has lilled with The idea entertained by some, that ability the various civil offices of Sc- because Jackson is a soldier and knows nator and Representative in Congress, how to fight, he will be more likely to Attorney General, Member of tlie embroil the nation in war, is prepos- convention which framed the consti- terous. It must be remembered that tution of Tennessee, Judge of her Su- the President is chosen for four years, preme Court, and Governor of Flori- and that our goyernment is wisely da. In all the offices which he has provided with cheeks and balances, filled, both civil and military, he has No good General loves to fight for shown himself capable and faith- the sake of fighting. If such had been ful. In the Congress of 1797, 1 find the character of Jackson, why, after on examining the votes, that he was giving safety to the city of New-Or- opposed to an augmentation of sala- leans, and repelling the enemy with ries, and in favor of economy, so all- slaughter, did he not pursue them with important to the preservation of a re- blood and carnage? The truth is, he publican administration. Having, had attained the object most benefi- like Washington, fought for liberty, cial to the country, and that was all he knows its value and how to appre- he wanted. His prudence and cau- ciate its blessings, tion are equal to his courage and bra- This making a President by the very. Congress at Washington, who are ca- Those who advocate him as Gene- ressed and flattered by the candidates, ral, but not as President, ought to has an ill-boding aspect. 1 protest consider, that as President every part against it from principle. It will lead of our country would be benefitted to corruption and aristocracy, in which and derive protection from his mili- the rights of the people will be svval- tarytalentSjhis sagacity and vigilance, lowed up. Tyrants have predicted i Can such a man, fellow citizens be the downfall of our republic, and the ^ unfit for the office of President? Will friends of liberty have not been with- it be unsafe to confide the destinies of out their fears and apprehensions, that 1 the Republic to his hands? — Have we it will proceed from this source. As- y not the best reason for the opinion pirants for the office, it was apprehen- that " he that avenged the wrongs of ded, would be found, and the people, his injured country in time of war, forgetful of their own interest, would will govern her with wisdom, honor suffer themselves to be parcelled out and justice in time of peace ?" Histo- In favor of different pretenders. ry proves that the same talents which The minority of a party deserves no qualify for an able general will qual- better name than that of a faction. It ify for an able statesman, and that in is casting a reproach on our republi- Europe, the most distinguished gov- can government to admit of the prin- ernors in peace, whose reigns have ciple of a caucus, composed of the mi- been most prosperous, have been those nority of a party, when all the candi- who were most renowned for milita- dates are professedly of the same par- ry qualifications. The reason is, that ty. The Presidential question cannot to make an able General requires be considered as a party question, in mind and qualities of the highest or- our State.— J. J. Wilson, now deeeas* der.— -General Washington in our own ed, formerly member of the U. States country, is an illustration of the re- Senate, became attached to Mr. Ad- mark, and Jackson presents an equal- ams, Secretary of State, and was an ly conclusive example, so far as he avowed advocate of that gentleman for (12) the Presidency. Mr. Dickerson, also member of fhe U. S. Senate, bef?ame attached to Mr. Crawford, and was his strenuous supporter in the minori- fy caucus. Some of our eastern mem- bers, it is said, Jiavc expressed their predilection for Mr. Clay. — And liow is it that Mr. Crawford has become the minority or caucus candidate? In- trigue and management have become the order of the day, and Crawford, it would appear, has his congressional friends betterdrilled. The candidates, with the exception of Jackson, have been found electioneering and in- triguing to worm themselves into the confidence of the members of Con- gress, to obtain their friendly support, and through them the support of the nation. Unless the people rise in their majesty, and interpose their constitu- tional prerogative of judging, they may in time lose the power altogeth- er, may forfeit the name and charac- ter of freemen, and become the hum- ble gondaiiers of some^contemptible Doge. And why does not Jackson pursue the same course ? Because he has a soul which towers above intrigue, and is too devoted to principle to suffer himself to roam in quest of favor and patronage. — Hetired from the busy scenes of public life, where in the most perilous times he has been so actively employed, he reposes on the laurels his valor has won, and on the affec- tions of a grateful people. I am in favor of Jackson in prefer- ence to Crawford, because, if Mr. Crawford were otherwise unexcep- tionable, the method taken to force him on the people, whether they will or not, affords a well grounded jeal- ousy, that a blow is aimed at the very elective franchise itself, on which the I'reedom and purity of our republican institutions depend. — ^The practice of selecting by a congressional caucus is repugnant to the principles of our con- stitution, the intention of the fraraers of which evidently was, that the three independent branches of our govern- ment should be kept separate and dis- tinct. — As Jerseymen, citizens of a small state, our interest in the scale of the Union depends on a close adher- ence to the constitution. I am in favor of Jackson, because I believe that before his stern integrity and virtue, intrigue and corruption will stand abashed, and the Augean stable will be thoroughly cleansed ; because be is an advocate for domes- tic manufactures ; because I believe that he will favor the plans of defence and of internal improvement recom- mended by the present administration, and so necessary to the maintenance of that high and digniiied character which has exalted our country among the nations of the earth, and jthat he will fix, on a sure basis, the stability ofour Republican institutions, so dear to him, and for which, he with our fathers, fought, bled, and conquered ; because I believe that he is actuated by the most disinterested patriotism, having done every thing for his coun- try and nothing for himself, and be- cause I believe that he will make such a President as the crisis calls for — at a time when the monarchs of Europe are endeavouring to put down all free governments, and to establish the prin- ciple that " Kings shall rule and the people obey," we may find some secu- rity in having a President whose deci- sion, firmness, and military character are so well known and highly respec- ted, both at home and abroad — At this time, so big with the fate of Europe and America, we want no fmurf politi- cians in our cabinet, for *< fear admit- ted into public councils, betrays like treason." — Against the holy alliance, the name of Jackson alone >vill prove a host, for his country ; and in the hour of trial^he will stand by her "to shield her and save her or perish there too." lam in favor of Jackson for Presi- dent, not from any mercenary selfish (13) ^ tsonsitlerations, but because there is a to the gallant La Fayette) concurs to principle interwoven in the ligaments demonstrate, that gratitude is due to of the human heart, and which the his- the defenders and benefactors of their toryofall ages (not to mention the country, and that Republics, when left generousenthusiasm with which Ame- free to express their sentiments, are ricans at this time are making prepa- always grateful, and that they are rations to welcome to our shores, and never ungrateful, unless under the pour forth the homage of their hearts trammels of party, or of party leaders. NEW JERSEY INDEPENDENT REPUBLICAN ELECTORAL TICKET, Unanimously agreed upon at a Convention of Delegates, from tlie differ- ent counties, assembled at Trenton, friendly to the election of GENERAL ANDREW JACKSON, to the Presidency, and JOHN C. CALHOUN, to the Vice Presidency of the United States. John Buck, Joseph Kille, John Beatty, jr. Joseph W. Scott, Isaac G. Farlee, Daniel Vliet, James Parker, Peter Wilson. ^3 ur Ktf»5VS«'