Alexandria Gazette

In the course of a debate in the Senate, a few days ago, Mr. Forsyth took occasion to say that Elihu Chauncey, Esq., the Chairman of the Philadelphia Committee who lately made a report of their interview with the President, was one of the most bitter and cantankerous politicians that ever existed. The epithet was misunderstood by Mr. Clayton, who called Mr. Forsyth to account for terming Mr. Chauncey a cankered or rancorous politician. Mr. Forsyth replied that the gentleman had grossly misrepresented him: that cankered was a very strong phrase, and he had not employed it. The expression which he had employed was that made use of by Tony Lumpkin to his sweetheart—he had said that Mr. Chauncey was a cantankerous politician. He had known Mr. Chauncey for many years, and knew that no man was more amiable in private life. Nevertheless, he was a cantankerous politician.

It seems, therefore, that cantankerous is a word which a man may apply to his "sweet heart" or to an old and amiable friend without intending any offence.—Balt. Gaz.