He may have met with men who sank under the astonishing popularity of
General Jackion, who despaired of the Republic, and who therefore shrank
from the expression of their opinions, (t must be confessed, however, that
the author is obnoxious to the charge which has been made, of the want of
perspicuity and distinctness in this part of his work. He does not niean
that the press was silent, for he has himself not only noticed, but furnished
proof of the great freedom, not to say licentiousness, with which it assailed
the character of the President, and the measures of his administration.
He does not mean to represent the opponents of ^e dominant party as hav-
ing thrown down their weapons of warfare, for his book shows throughout
his knowledge of the existence of an active and able party, constantly op-
posing and harassing the administration.
