Richmond enquirer. [volume], June 10, 1831, Image 3

About Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867

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true friend, end that too, aoder the uioet dlscourag-1
lug and mortifying clreumtlaocee.
With the highest respect,
I am, youra moat truly.
JOHN BRANCH.
To M«*•:•. Rice B. Pierce. Thom** Gary, lleory
tV. Giry, Thomas W. Lassiter, William H. Day,
John Purnell.
From tho llalifiit (N. C.) Advocate.
CORRESPONDENCE
Between the ci >•»* qf Bertie and Gov. Branch.
Windsor, 14th May, 1831.
Sir: The undersigned, citizen* of the 2d Congres
sional District, reposing entire confidence in your tal
ents and political experience, are solicitous that you
should become a candidate to represent this distiict in
tho next Congress. We do believe that the present
•tate of parties renders it essentially important that we
ahould be ably represeuted in that body. The recent
attack on the adininistra ion by Mr. Tazewell, however
correct the principlo for which he contended, we are
constrained to believe, mainly resulted from n disposi
tion on his part to render odious the then administra
tion We greatly deplore the discord and disunion that
have been produced by the alleged intrigues of Mr Van
Buron, and by the publication o' Mr Calhoun: of the
existence of the former, we are destitute of proof but
the baneful influence of the latter i* too palpable to be
overlooked by any friend of tho President. At the
next session of Congress, it is believed that an effort
(with some, perhaps a last eflort) will be made to
modify the present tat iff, so as to render it less burthen
tome to the south. The renewal of the charter of the
U. S. Bank, may be expected to become a topic of dis
cussion in tlie course ol a few more sessions. We firm
ly believe (bat such an institution has no warrant in our
constitution, and are perfectly convinced that it it wero
constitutional, that its dangers far transcend its benefits.
We have, sir, frankly stated our feelings nnd opinions
We trust that they are in accordance with yours, and
wo are free to say, that if the fact be so,-that there is
no man in this district or Slate whom we would select
lo represent us sooner than yourself.
Geo. B. Outlaw, Robt. B Watson,
L. S. Webb, J. Webb,
Tho. J. Pugh, David Outlaw,
Georgo O. Askew, Jas. S. Jones,
A. W. Mebane, Win. Watson,
John E. Wood, John Haywood,
James Duer, J. Watford,
Thos. H. Speller, Lewis I hompson.
David Ryan,
Hon. John Branch.
EtvrtXLD, May 31*», 1831.
Gi.vtlcmsn : Yours of the 14 h Inst. po*t rnatket!,
Wtodsof, tile 21 I cuci lo hand a fur day* paat.
The confidence which you hive been so kind a*
to expresi in my talent* and po ideal experience, and
the desire you have manifested that I should become a
candidate to represent this District in the n*xt Con
grass of the U. States, together with the frank manner
in which you have given your opinion of certain inen
and measure* wiih a view to elicit mine, merit my re
spectful consideration, and shall receive niy prompt a’
tention. f most decidedly concur with you in believing
that discord has been introduced into the rank* of tit—
administration by iho intrigues of selfish politicians. A
i abort time, I trust, will be sufficient to enable the in
telligent enquirer to obtain the whole tru-h.
Wmil thou, perhaps,if would be the part of prudence
te leave Ihs question open &. rely on the righteous judg
oaeot of the people.—However, recognizing your un
doubted right to know all my opinions, both as to the
prominent men aod leading measures of the country,
1 will, with that franku"** which has ever characteriz
ed my conduct, give you unreservedly my impressions,
under a confident hop* that as you called for them, at s
f period when I must necessarily incur a heavy respon
sibility iu giving them, that you will cx ei.d In me your
generous eharitie* for any error into which 1 maybe
thus incautiously led; for there i* nothing about
which men are «o apt to difl: r, nay to err, as their opin
ions of men.
In the first place, then, as lo the motives which in
fluenced Mr. T in his course in the Senate of tbe
Uaited Sta'es on the Thiki*h mirs-on, I profe** lo koow
nothing. With Mr. Van Huron, I hive had frequent
personal and official intercourse, and the thne was
when he possessed iny confidence. Mr. Ca'h.iun’s
private virtues aod public services, particularly dttrieg
the late war, together with bis high order ol talents,
always commanded my respec'; but hi* latitudmou
doctrines during Mr. Mon.oeb adn.ioi.tratioa, met my
disapprobation. Ifrnce it i* that no one, correctly in
formed, has ever considered me hi* political partisao.
As to myself, 1 can truly say that I have no person in
view for the luccrsiion. 1 am at a Iota to say who
among the prominent politicians I ought to support
ITfrtuuately lor me and the country, ibis question may
yet be advantageously postpone!.
The present roolruversy between General J itk-on
and Mr. Clay, can never divtds Southern politicians to
any extent. The " Amntir.au System,” the honliy of
tbe la'ter, lias but few advocates among Sou'hetn
planter*, end it* author still fewer adherent*. Oc Gen.
Jacksrn, then, who is himself a pi,inter, we must de
pend, with a confident reliance on the justice of Con
gress for rs lief against the oppression of a system <f
exactions. which, if persevered in, must ultimately
lea! to the most rahnutotts mill's. The great and fun
damental principles which divided our country into par
ties, era of momentous concern, and are every way
worthy of the untiring vigilance of Hie American peo
ple. T ie Journal* ol Hr- Senate of the United States,
tor the sic years that I was a member of that body,
will ^b-*l *how my opinions on the Tariff* of 1824,
and ’28, which now threaten ihe repose of the Uuion,
aod the prosperi y ot the Siutherji country. There
sff;rd an earnest of the course whtth 1 shall feel it lo
be my duty to pursue, in reference lo any measure*
which may be calculat'd to repeal or mitigate this
“ bill of abominations," a* it has been emphatically
ca led by one of its piesenl most active and efficient
supporter*.
The next point to which yon invite my atlcntion, is
the Hank ol the United States. I ain unable to per
ceive how 1 can vote for the renewal of the charter
in any form. My opinion in relation to Hanks is of long
standing, and has, in North Carolina at least, become
somewhal a matter of public notorie y. I have believ
ed (hat it was the intention of the framers of the Feder
al Constitution, that the currency of the United Stales
should have been metallic, and I inferred this from the
technical language employed, and the exclusive power
given to Congress to coin money and regulate its value,
with the positive inhibition on the states to do the same
thing, or to emit bills of credit, or to make any tiling hut
goldfe silver coin a tender in payiiu.nl ol debis. Hut the
ingenuity ot man has sought out many inventions, and
• the person would be thought mad, who, at this day
would seriously urge the above opinion, finding that
every State in the Union, has chartered Hanks, and
thereby indirectly regulated the value of money as
effeciuallly as (hough they had (he power to coin it.
A national bank nas b-en rrcom nend .••) >y the P.-r
aident with certain well d-fined poweta. I am persuad
ed that tbe President’* view* have nrver been fairly
presented or undrr*lood. He, I ain sure, never cor
templa'ed the establi*hmunt of such a hideous monster
a* hi* political opt onen's have cot j-ired up. Such an
institution in the hand* ot the *x cu ive, tor any other
purpose, or wi'h any other powe*s than the transrnis
sian o' government fu ds. from one pari of the Union
to another, I «b uld deprecate a* the greateat Calan i
ly that eou.'d bef«| the country.
Thu*, gentlemen, I have respO'^kd lo you fully nnd
freely. I have no co ice*lm»nt in^mli'ies. My prin
ciples remain now a* iu 1798, when they were first
formed at College. They have undergone no change
that l am sensible of. “They have grown with rny
growth, and s reng'hen-d with my strrng'h ’’
I have the honor lo be, with the highest respect,
your fellow cli z*n,
JOHN BRANCH.
To Messrs. Geo. B. Oflaw,
Rorb- C. W»t*on, ftn. fee.
Mr. M Dume’s Speech at the Dinner lately given
him in Charleston, is published at length in the Mer
cury, and we have read it through attentively. 11 is a
matter ol perfect astonishment to us, that a man ot Mr.
M’DuPhe’s vigorous mind, should waste its great pow
ers upon propositions that a srhool hoy of common ca
pacity could prove unsound and untenable. The great
burthen of this speech is a mere reiteration of his cele
brated effort in Congress, to prove that the producer
and not the consumer, pays the duty on the importa
tion*; and that the Southern Planter annually give* lor
!y out ol every hundred hale* of cotton he raises, to the
fJovernmrnt, or rather to the Northern nianufielurcr!
It is true that Mr M’Duffl* varies the ground he then
look In some essential particulars, but the scope ol his
argument Is the same, and we must say that we eon
aider this dirtier speech as more unfortunate in the
endeavor la maintain the »op>i-m, than his former ef
fort. Tnere is to our mind st least, less if possible, of
plausibility in it. 1 here Is more of mystification,—
*®f« of •darki.eis visible," than a man, admiring Mr.
M Duffis a* wa do, could willingly tsclieve to be pj*
•ible, in any thine I e might utter.
Oa the subject of Nullification, he tslks as a man of
intellect m ght be eipeel*-d to talk. He scouts <he idea
that nullification is a contlitntional and p-rific met
sure—but bested by a sense ot the trjustioe of the la
riff system, he manifests his willingness to hazard eve
rj thing in getting iid of II. We can respect at least
the intelligence of such a Null fier as Ibis, however
rnt'Ch we tnav lament the inron-ider lions of any man,
«'c he Mr. M'Dtiffi-*, or he he any oth«r, who can fee I
any I1 ing like complacency In'he idea of plaelrg .
member of this Union in fine |.'e array against all Ih*
rest Mr, M'Ouflie’s sp-ecri will on the who! , n*l
ter rd«l to his reputation as a Statesman, or d'» any
harm to the cause ol moderate prloOpl-a la this st»«e
/•is precisely 1/ that character tha'imrssf be unleMood,
by every m»n who will retd I*; end understood ad- \
tersely to the opinions attempted to be maintained
by the Speaker.
Since writing the above, *v« perceive that the Edi
tor of the Southern Patriot ha* exhibited the fallacies
ol Mr. M'Duffle’s speech in a light too terfrctly clear
to leave It any thance to do mischief. With the cslm
clear headedue** which belongs lo him, the Editor has
in an artirlo of lilils more than a column lu lena h —
unpaid anJ disproved aiosl tfT-eiually what M . M*
DuUii had said in a very long speech—leaving hiiii
out an inch of ground to stand upon.
[Camden S C J vrnnt.
JRICHMOJVl), FRIDAY, JUJSE 10, 1881.
THE B\NK OK THE UNITED STATES.
We are indebted to the last Charleston Courier for
the following strictures :
The Bank of the U States and Iks Richmond Enquirer.
Tho unequal baltlo whioh thin invaluable institution Ins to wage,
>• demonstrated by an article in the above paper of the 20ih till
The Editor begun it by auying tho */arts’ disclosed in certain nr
tide* (which he then published of tho Alhuny Argu* anil Huston
Statesman, aro calculated toevcite profound attention. The reader
will romeiuher the Knquirer make* uao of the word ‘fact*,’ e«po
cmlly when ho see* it insinuated that <(A« Bank is tiling all tho
agency«f the pres* to regulate public opinion;” alio, when ha
•eoi it declared that tho Bank has bad rccoune to in large fundi
to opeuffl upon the preia If for Tact*' the Kditor of the Enquirer
will permit mo to place virtual though not verbal ‘falsehood ’lam
willing; for I will defy him to the proof of uao of tlivio charge!
being founded on ‘fact.’
It n truo, the holder* of Stock may, and doubtless have, mado
uie of the pre**, which I (uppoae i« a* free to thorn a* to others,
Tor the defence oftheir Bank-Stock, as it is to tho holders of any
■peciei ol property. However, the Editor of Ihe Enquirer may bo
lika Afr Ainas’ Whig, ‘»o flnrco lor liberty that ho will lot no one
enjoy it but hints*]If.’ Of this despotism thii very article furniihei
a proof. According to thii dnetrinu, they aro 'o lit down under any
imputation or falic charge*, which the Enquirer, Argui, or Slatoi
man, may thiak proper to make.
But what aro tho charge* made by the two latlor presses? Tho
Argu. complains grievously of Mr Gallatin’s pa|tor* being sent to
the New York Kegnlature.and flatten himielf they have been ’harm
The Bank Share-holders did this; they had a right t< do it;
Bank, as a body, had no agency in tho transaction.
“Utasman says: •A supnostd A^enl' of tho Bank circulated
SU.IKK) copies. Hero tho Bank hud nothing to do with the circu
lation
Again, 100,000 copies of Mr. McDulfio'a report wero circulated,
‘•i l|io Statesman understood,’ at tho con of tho Bunk.
1 agree that it would bo well for Congross to inquire into the
subject. I he result would be, that what ihe Richmond Enquirer
ha* slanderously alluded to as Pact*, aro wicked and malicious
r*L»«Mooo*. WASHINGTON.
We join issue at once with tho author of “Washing
ton”—Let Congress enquire into this matter; anil then
we shall see whether it is the Bank or the share-holders,
who have circulated so many Report*, Extras, &c.
throughout Ihe country.—We shall then know, the per
sons who distributed, hut (he other day,so many Copies of
an Extra, from the National Ga/.etie Office — who
at the trouble of collecting names throughout the United
| States to whom these Extras were addressed, aud who
Ihe postage on them. Upon what authority does
‘‘ Washington” undertake to say, that it was done by the
share-holders in their private capacities—and that what
we have slanderously alluded to as facts, aro “wicked
and malicious falsehoods?” Where is the proof of his
assertions? Why is it left to him in a distant quarter
ot the Union to make the denials? Why has it not
been done by papers in the very presence and under
itr !u.lh°rl,y °i ,l,e Bank it-sell? Why has not Mr.
Walsh done ift—And how coines it to pass, that Hie
Philadelphia Sentinel, which lias taken sides with the
Hank, used but Hie other day (he following significant
language? • °
1 he Bank appears to be perfectly passive. Indeed,
it has always seemed to us that to discuss the subject at
all is premature, at least (ill the Hank applies to be rc
chartercd. for it is not the bank ol the government,
but of the stock-holders: and who knows that they ever
will apply for re-charter? As well as wo understand,
tiie Hank, when the President and Congress brought it
before the people, used the right which surely it has ot
vindicating itsell, by disseminating inlorm.it on among
the people But that is all, Itixvited no contest. It
maintains no contest. It is a non-combatant. With
deference to those who keep up the controversy, it is a
most unprofitable one.”
Here the Sentinel says, the Bank has been « per
fectly passive”—'1 a non-combatant"—and yet it ad
mits that “ the Bank used the right, which surely it
has, ot vindicating itself, by disseminating informa
tton among Ihe people—hut that is all "—AM ! and yet
it is sufficient to establish our proposition, and to rebut
all the contradictions ol tho Author of Washington — It
seems, then, that i*. is not (be Shareholders, but ‘the
Bank ' itself, who have disseminated these reports, &e.
among the People. This concession is made by a "Sen
tinel” under the very beard of tho Bank itsell—and it
is in vain tor a Charleston writer to pronounce such
facts to bo “ wicked and malicious falsehoods.” The
advocates of the Hank take different pleas. One denies
the fact—and the other pleads justification. One as
serts the right of the Hank louse the Press for its pur
poses—1 he other affirms the allegation to be a “wick
ed and malicious falsehood.”— Thus we go—but we
trust that Congress will “ enquire into tho subject.”
“ JelTerson,” in the National Journal, may find the
answer to hi* attack upon the Enquirer, I • turn ng to
the columns of the last N. Intelligenc r. lie will (here
find what we sail of Mr. McDuffie’s Speech, when
we had before us, not an inofficial extract, but an au
thentic Copy of the whole harangue. He will se#
that we pronounce it “ violent in its tone, and ultra in
its doctrines.”
And notv a few words to tha N. Intel'igencer i-celf !
We have protest-d against Nullification—We have
declared our be I i • I dial South Carolina wan'd rot rush
into it—We have over and ov r said, that die idea w?s
absurd of our brii g in the Union and out of it at die
• •me time—We have repeated a hundred liuie* our de
votion to ihe Union—that nothing but the dires
necesdty, an iololerabl* oppression, should induce
u* 'o think ol a dissolution—and liiat every means ol
an amicable arrangement should be ii'at exhamted_
W e have sa:d it m vain I—The Intelligencer charges
us again with nullification, or wba* is equal lo i<_by
perverting our words, and thus giving them a sense of
which diey were not msceptible; viz: (“to call a Con
v-nlien ol ihe AnlhTeriff States, to bring about a re
ttslance ol it by co operation and action.”) We never
• aid dial they would act hy die sword, or that they
would resist in any such way—b it that a special Con
vention may be called, for the purposes of concert—ol
*' a l0,|K pull, and a strong pull, and a pull altogether”
— Such a concert as may he brought about among the
S atee, ei her hy <eparate reroluiions.or by Me*f-nge s,
or a Meeting logether by deputies, to compare Ih ii
c unplaints, to adopt the moat pr^er m-a-mr-r of
Hefortn, and present an ui iled rem-ndrai.ee to Ihe
Congress, r,r m die States, o to the Cnixen> of the U.
Slates. The Federalist, as well a« Mr. M addon's re
port,allows of proper and necessa y measures of cc-ipe
ration to be taken among Ihe Stales. For our own paits,
we are free to say ihal we would greatly prefer a Con
vention of all die 8tat«s,to am r I the Constitution ?n I to
set better drfinrd limits to the action ol die General
Gi v-rnmei.t— inch a Cjnven'ion a* we. proposed tom*
months since—We verily believe, thr| iho Snub will
never submit placidly lo this “ bill of abominations”
dial aa lorg a/ it lasts, they will ba opposed to it—that
the cot! nuance of this system, and Ibe assump
don of such powers, are ralru'ated to roure up feel
ings, that may \ rove mischievous to t* e Union—that
n® ,!^,n' wh> views them as enc oacbment' upon
he/’ons itu i r, will} old up 1 i« aims a d u nft—tba
he who advocst-s t| em, does uot see the dinger which
direatens Ihs Union— and that the only way to make
d prrpetinl, i« by aboliehing such ay.terns, with the
eneroacl |r g spirit wiiich gives rise lo them. Con
tinued usurpation will fester the wound—until it is
impossible to aay when it may end in a gangrene.—
I he extinction ot the public d bt will c.-r ainly make
a ser ous p»u'».
At»o n«:Hitir«(1r-n. we repeat we would have none of
it—but that let the worst eotne to the wore', let the
encroachments of the government become intolerabl ,
then, ns Mr. Ma.ljson declares in his Bison letter, the
remedy should be sought at once by a proposi'lon to
dissolve, or even dissolution I-self, thin in this form._
Mr. Madison h rnself admits, that there are cases of
intoleable and tyrannous oppression, in which the States
may throw themselves upon their sovereignty—but
this is that ease of extreme redre s, which is not with
in the rules of the Constitution, but out of it.
B it the Intelligencer refers to an articls in the E .
qnirer some years ago, propo.ing “to resist the hw ot
• he Umted 8 atea by the legislation of the S ate”—ard
*• "•» "in thi» tcry cat- of the
Tariff. Toe arlirle referred i0 was not Editorial_I:
was a "Commui iia'ion,” and we did protest «gs nsi
its doctrines—and it had not the slightest squinting to
wards the Tariff, So much lor the vera iotis lute II
gencer—But speak of ourdoclrnes! What would be
the fruits of ihe doe-rines of the lntellig-t e »? They
are the rank doctrines of the old Federal party_worse
evrn than they are—They would plunge (he States in
to consolidation—and convert this limited Federal C^n
ftil'itlon, Bit ’ one splendid, ov. rwhelming government,
with executive powers partaking ol a monarchy_
Such a* Mr. Msdt-on has depicted in biscelebreed re
port as the trnti ot those federal »ncroichmen-s.
MISREPRESENTATIONS CORRECTED,
Z?** *•*' Waatiin* o t Globe, under Ihe l ead ol
Mt»rerre*entaHon* Corrected." quo •« Ihe following
from the Baltimore PafrltM : -Awairs at Wash
I ihoton.— Wa learn from a high source at Washing*
too, Out In tbo |T.-sen! perilous stile cf afTI-e there,
every offer made by O-n Jstka.u to iudlvidua!*, ol the
War Office, lire been d c lined, and that ai tart and at
the General’s most earnest aud beseeching r qtiesi.
Judge Wli'te ha« very reluctantly consented to take
charge of the offi<*e tiil further arrangementa can be
male. Mr. Dia,ton of S. C., to whom fie bait wa.
lest offered, Instantly rej eted i .”
The Gh.be says iliai “T is de’all o’ facta stated In
the above pin graph, w> k*h «v* qnol-I om -he Ha'll
more Patriot,t, untrue — The War Deportment has
never been offered to any other individual than the
Hanot able Hunk L. White—LV. 1).avion, we hr
lieve, is Koktd to br the coun ry on* In who •• I'
would rli •erlnlly eon tide anv Do .iruneut i f ttias G >v
srntnei t. Whether the W<r Dep.Mi.eui wit be
tendered to him we kno-v mi.”
The B»! im i».- K *i ubl|can »»y*. that •»* is new sup
posed iliai Judge White, alter deellni g the W«r U
partment, on account of *ev-re d-.tu^s ic affliction*
will testify bis long and devotc l liiemkhip to General
Jack'oo, ny »Verc'sirnrir Me private distresses, to take
part io the new cabinet.”
Wo stated in our Iasi, lu what way this application
baa b'rn lenewed to Judge While—not in 'he way
which tl e Baltimore Pa'riol article insidnously s'ates
it- but it was in c. ntcqueuce of a letter rec ived from
a near relation of Judge White by Gen O.—now m th
Seat ol Government—It is hoped, that Judg. W. wll*
‘gree to serve, not ss the P.tiiot has it ••until further
arrangements can be made,” but aa the regular aud
continuing head of the Department.
MOVEMENTS OF THE ENEMY!
It is Ti>rs to Arousk.
Albany,June I.—The National Republican Cou
vcntiou convened again at the capital yesterday morn
ing, to hear tlie reporta ot the committees appointed on
Wednesday.
I tie convention on Wednesday, passed a resolution
inviting General Stephen Van Kensellaer, and Judge
Spencer, to attoud thsir sitting. General Van Hen
salaer, it is understood, declined the honor, assigning
as a reason that ho had done with politics. Tho
course of Judge Spencer, however, was very different.
— He not only attended the convention, but sought tho
opportunity to make a speech, which for extravagance
and bitterness, would vie with the productions of the
Rhode Island calumniator. The Judge is reported to
have uttered the most violent and reckless denunciations
against Gen Jackson; in the course ol which, be alleged
that the General would plunge a dagger into the heart
qf every man who dared to vote against him/ This
was tlie idle rant with which the grave Judge Spencer
amused the thirty or forty restless politicians who endea
vor to pass themselves olf upon other states, as the re
presentatives of the two millions of people of this
state; when they are in truth the volunteer agents of a
small traction of politicians, on whosj acts the people
have placed the seal of condemnation long since.
H e hope ths toolings which Judge Speuccr ascribes
to Gen. Jackson, do not rankle in tho bosom of tlie ho
nourable Judge himself, in consequence of his defeat
in this congressional district, by four or five hundred
majority, at tho last election The Judge is evidently
fitting himself, by his violence and extravagance, to
run as Vico-Piesidcnt to‘‘war, pestilence and lamias;**
and he will be sadly mortified, if after all his efforts, he
shou'd at last be eclipsed by a RusA-light.
The following gentlemen are appointed Delegates
to the National Conventi »u, which, we believe, is to
meet in Baltimore in December next.
State Delegates.—Ambrose Spencer and Peter B
Porter.
O’ Here follow the names ol 35 Delegates, to the
Convention, appointed for the Congressional Districts ol
the State.
This New I ork Convention have adopted an ener
getic orginization of their party—a Stale Corresponding
Committee—Corresponding Committees forthwith in
each county—a Correspondence with other States. In
their last resolution, they express the highest confi
dence in Henry Clay, and "earnestly recommend him
to the Electors of this State, as a candid te for the Pre
sidency of tho U. States.”
MASON ICS.
1 here is a spirit at work upon this subject whose In
fluence upon the Opposition can no longer be concealed.
Mr. Adams lias lent his sanction indirectly to the Anti
Masons. Mr. Rush has oponly come out in Iheir fa
vor. Mr. Clay still lags behind.—The Anti-Masons
are beginning to catechise him and to call for his creed.
Already we hear whispers ol Iheir intention to run
Messrs. Rush and Granger as their candidates for the
Presidency and Vice-Presidency. Already are sug
gestions thrown out, that they cannot support Mr. Clay,
unless lie give soiiib token ol adhesion to their cause.
I lie Providence American has a long article upon "Hen
ry Clay”—in which it calls upon him to come forth.
—"It is thus (says this paper) by iheir treachery and
obstinacy that the masonic presses in Mr Clay’s iotr
rest, have placed hi* election in jeopardy. The a&li
inisonic party goes lor a great an.l absorbing principle,
ami while they do Iheir duty to iheir coun'ry, they cau
not atop in their course, because it may affect this or
that man * political advancement. It is H eir uncom
promising honesty which renders them so formidable
lo iheir opponent*. _Tbey hive been deceived, as we
believe, by gross misrepre*enialions ol Ibe masonic opin
ions ol Mr. Clay. The power to undeceive them rests
wth Mr. Clay himself.—Ought a citizen of his firmness
and eminence, to shrink from an open avowal of bi<
opinions on the subjectsof a public nature, affecting hi
claim to the confidence o a respectable portion of his
frllo w-citizenr? Should he then hesitate, if called up
on,to give his frank op.nit n of Masonry as it now exists?
He would not beii’a e a mninsniio any o her case, and
why should he in this ? We do not know that he dies
hesi’ate, aiid we have 00 high au opinion of tlie fear
lea* independence of that high minded citizen, that we
believe, U properly called upon, he would give as
frank an answer, a* if questioned on any measure of
natonal toluy —We ea e not about hi* renouncing ma
soi ryf but he should let the world know that he is
bound by no oa.h and no lies that have not lor th^r
highest aim his country’s welfare, his whole country’s
go:;d. Another y-.-ar will not pass b<-(ore we shall tee
Ibis, or H<*my Clay is not ihe frank tod fearless n.an
he has ev-r shown himself.”
And surely Mr Clay will not hesitate about it. What!
though he has been a high dignitary in the Society—
what though he hns attempted to establish a national
Ins'ltution through the U. S.—yet he can be scarcely
more devoted to the Masons, than to the Tariff—and yet
we have been assured by two ot bis Organs, that he is
too good a Republican not to sacrifice some of his ta
rill principle* to the “ wishes,” or even to the 11 prt
)unices of the Sou.h.” He is desirous ol seeing the
good people «* happy and satisfied with their Govern
nlf™1, *s l*,e ami unbending spirit,
winch has been ascribed by bis minions to Mr Clay >
Is Ibis the man •« who would not flatler Neptune for his
. , e"1 ~Y.e*~,,e t* now •• ratting" about tho Ta
rill He is willing to modify his principles, to propitiate
the people —and upon (he same calculation, we may
see Inin “before another year passes,” giving (he Anti*
iVI asonic pledges which are exacted of him—and aban
domng the Lodges to a general proscription. Why;
should he not upon his own principles? What! cannot
he repeat that “he is a republican, and admits that tho
first object, and the cardinal principle of republicanism,
is, that the people should be happy, and satisfied wi h
their government”—and, therejore. as they are dis
satisfied with the masons, he will abandon them with
Ins oaths?
’Tis true that he cannot take a step of this descrip
tion, without due consideration. He is placed between
two fires. If be denounces the Masons, be forfeits the
confidence of many of his Opposition friends in the
noi(hern State*. Air. Kush has already drawn down
upon his hapless head their bitterest denunciation and
suspicion*. For example, the Salem Gazelle says of
him;
“Various significant indications have led us for some
tune to expect this grand movement from Mr. Kush, at
the opening of the Presidential campaign. It is at once
the sign and the effect of a treacherous desertion of his
old friend and colleague Henry flay, and will nnques
lionably iccure for Mr. Kti9h the expected reward ot a
nomination to the Presidency, by the Ami-masons. It
w ill secure him nothing else, however. Political lead
ers will always gain more evcnliially by an adherence
to mor.il principles, than they can by appealing to any
ignoble local feeling, or by adminis ering fuel to the
madness of a temporary popular excitement. They
may, perhaps, obtain a brief ascendancy in small por
tions of the country, by mounting on Ihe bubble; hut
they will lose elsewhere more than will countervail all
these momentary advantages. Aspirants for office are
loo apt to forget the moral effects,—the influence which
•uch unworthy appeals to popular excitement, for the
purposes ol ambition, will have on (hose who are free
Iroin the contagion.”
Hi re s harmony among the Coalition with a ven
geance!—Even Mr. W.|*h fa||, pell-mell „p0n Mr.
Rush In the following strains: “Enormous exaggera
tion Is the principal trait or leven ol his l.etter: in the
tempest and whirlwind of his passion, he has fallen Into
palpablo inconsistencies and sophisms; and, as s nation
al poli'ician, he serms to hare wholly forgotten Ihe in
fer cats of Mr. Clay, nr deemed them utterly insigni
ficant in comparison with other objects. As far as his
present declama ion may he operative, In the contest!
between the merit Jackson-party and the National RrT
publicans, it must he Injurious to the cause of Ihe laf
ter, which i* now (he most important of our poetical
concerns. W e have never admired Mr. Kush a* a po
litical economist, a statesman or a writer; but we have
been accnaiomed to view him personally with much re
sped, and we therefore, in common with many of his
acquaintance and well-wishers, sincerely regret Ihe ex
traordinary leap which he has just made upon a stage
suitable only for a different description of actors ,P
Mr. Walsh too taking car* of tha interests of Mr.
City ^ by; tbit rquats Mr. Rush's fi\f'a> onadt.'—
Wh»t revolutions art these! Mr. Rush desertiug Mr.
Clay, aud Mr. Walsh ready to join Mr. Clay’s banners!
—Mr. Kush lias truly thrown a hard grenade among
his own political friends; for which they w ill return him
vengeance ten-told. —Hut will Mr. Clay go along with
him in his denunciation of Masonry—or will he treat
Mr Kush as a traitor to his own interests?
t hai'h ston Ctltbrafiont - I'he “Uuion snil Stair
R'gbu’ I’m” h«vr ii,et and id -de arrangements for
• l* cel. lira oi of the 4h of Julv— At It,*u r<qi.eat
Co Win Drav*< n is to deliver m O.-sdon.
The "S **e K>al>>a and Fr-e Trade 1’ii‘y” >eere al»o
to meet u the 4th lost, “lor the pu*p s i>f i Itu g into
consider*'! n the pr. p iety of tnekiu* arrar g-u.ri.is for
t ti un'trd, e«rdial, and patriotic rel-t »» ion o* itie a; •
preaching Anniversary of American lndtptndmce "
1f.U«a day, tv.itth shoulJ lie cevoled to .he great,
common pr uriplea of Amri. in lndep«*tidrtire, la *o
become the occ.'iio'i frr di.pi*yl"K the e nt<in*nts ol
be 'wo poll iral parties, wfci-h divide the S:a e of Siu.h
Carolina.
Gborui k— Extract „f a letter, dated Is? June.
“ w ® »'« tolerably still in this State — tin inimous 'or
Jackson—and appreciate the motives which induced
some ol tlie Members of h s Cabinet to resign, and con
•lemu the manifestation of others alter resigning. — We
look with confidence to Ids re-election, as the most ef
fectual means of perpetuating our Union: For, the
lact need no longer ho disguised, that il Ifenry Clay
should succeed, and carry w th him his Ultra princi
ples, tho I aiitr, lute.nil Improvement, file, the South
cannot and will not stand ft. When I say so. I speak
w'ltfi a perfect knowledge of the Southern feeling and
character. The tooling of lire South will not manifest
itself, un'il they see what relict Cougress will alfbrd —
but we liavo no idea ol remaining the hewers of wood
and drawers of water to avaricious Nortl ern Manufac
turers.’’
A Word to Mr. Heztkiah JSilesf
” c arc preparing to enlarge our paper—Our arrange
ments have been delayed by circumstances, which were
beyond our controul.— It will give us “verge and scope
enough" lor the discussion, which Mr. N. has invited
upon the principles and consequences of the Tariff_
In the very first Number we shall put forth tho Pro
positions, which we should wi.-h to discuss. As *oon
as Mr. N. shall agree to that course ol discussion, we
will forthwith proceed to enter upon it —’I his arrange
ment will bo accompanied by somo delay—hut it will
have the advantage ol briugi.sg us nearer to the ses
sion of Congress—and o( avoiding some of the heats ol
the dog-days.
In the meantime, wo invito Mr. Niles (o ro-consider
the opinion lie expressed in 1823, upon the present “Bill
of Abominations''—\' e should like to know, whether
he still retains the same favorable opinions of this amia
ble measure! It is a writer in the “Banner o the
f onstitution,” signing hi• • sell “A Mansr acturkr,
but not an advocate of High Duties” who refreshes
our memory with the following extract: “Ihe act of
1828,” (says Mr. Niles.) “tho act ol 1828 was pro
jected, arranged and passed - and we confidently be
lieve—on principles disreputable to a Congress ol the
United States. These is no manner of doubt, in our
mind, from much ptrsinal observation, and some pri
vate knowledge, that it was the result of a Political.
COMPROMISE OR BARGAIN.
EDITORIALS.
We have received th- b-st No of •* The F.rmville
Advocate, edited by Mr. M. A. Dawson It promt e» I
be a valuable laborer in the Vtn-yard. Tb» Fdifor
avows hifiM-l. to be • attached from a thorough con
viction ol itsjusiirc, to the R-publican party of the io .n
tty, as Ihe opinions ot that party are modified and lunf
vd by the Virginia D.rtrioes, cn question, ol ecns l
tutional cont'ruclion. I i relation to ihe*e doctrine* he
rejoiced in the elevation of our prsscnt virtuous and
patriotic rbiel rusgwtrate to the Presidency, Hnd Iks
spproved the *enrr*l course in which he his conducted
the policy ol the Government. It will therefore be his
duty and his pleasure to sustain his administration and
to advntate his el-nijn for the seiorid term to his pre
sent high office —In relation to State polity he Is con
vinced that the proipsrity 0( Virginia vitally dcprn J«
on the difluiu.ion cl E lura ion and the improvement ol
hvr resources for commercial intercourse.”_Such a
course, Sierr-d by turii a pilot as Mr. Diwson, is < n
titled to the support ot th - Ciczftn* of Virginia.
The ‘Culpep-r Gaz-l.e” Ins thanged hinds—The
potation cf i's new Edilor gives Iho brightest hopes ol
succes We hail him as one of our brethren Th •
Wrrrentjn G.z tte »ayr. “It will be obs rvrd by -he
publicum of the Prospectus in this paper, h.tthcGi
z-tte published at Faitftv, Culp per cntin'v.ba. chang
ed hand*, Mil is now conduct'd by R. W. Tbnn.p on,
E q , a member ol the bar. We hsve received ihn fi-.i
paper issued by Mr. Thompson, which Irotn its neatness
and •»Iccinns jromi.-. well. It will advocate he re
election ol Gen. Jackson. The Editor is ton of the gen
tleman who some years ago was a m m’er ot Cong, ess
from that County; am] bn conihiUv* we »re tol | all ibe
popu ari y of hi* lather, with a cons derabte abate ol
-•lent. H • has our best with*, ‘or succe*«.”
INTERNAL 1MPROV EMENT.
Tho Committee of Thirteen have not yet made their
Report to the citizens of Richmond—hut it appears, by
Ihe two following arlicles from the Compiler, that they
have been discharging their duty with great assiduity,
and that they are expected to make their report in u
very few days:
The Committee of Thirteen.
We understand, that ag.eoably to the noiico of their
Chairman [Chief Justice Marshall] the Committee of
thirteen met at the offi e of the Second Auditor, last
• veiling, at 5 o’clock. Kveiy member was present.
The Committee was in session more than three hours.
A resolution was adopted (with hut one dissenting vote,)
recommending that a subscription be opened to rai-e
a sum ol money, in aid of the nppropria.ion made by the
Legislative, lor procuring the services of an Engineer.
And then the Committee adjourned, to meet at (lie same
place, this evening, at 5 o’clock, for the purpose ol
considering in detail the resolutions of Mr. Scott re
ferred to them—and other propositions. It is expected
lhat the Committee will ho able lo report in the course
of two or three days at farthest. [ Compiler, June 7.
H o understand the Committee met last evening ac
cording to their adj lumment, eleven members being
present.—Hy arc unanimous votc.it was agreed: 1 hat a
report and resolutions should bo drawn up and submitted
to a inee ing of the citizens, to be called early in the
next weak, expressing the deep interest that (lie citizens
of Richmond leel in the improvement of the James
River by the Commonwealth; but especially the connec
tion of the Eastern and Western waters through the val
ley of the James—and (lie gratification at the evidence
given by the last Legislature, of an intention to re-com
inence this work, by directing new surveys and obtain
ing further information; accompanied with the most re
spectful expression ol opinion,#ihat should the Legisla
ture deem it injudic ous to appropriate the means of the
State, to (lie further prosecution of this work, and
should think it adviseable to receive individual contribu
tions hy a joint stock company or otherwise, lire citi
zens 01 Richmond would willingly subscribe to the ex
tent of their means. It wa* further agreed, that a
committee of correspondence should lie appointed, to
collect information to call from time to time when denn
ed expedient, meetings of the citizens of Richmond, and
to adopt other measures for advancing the improvement
referred to.—Ry request of the committee, the Chair
man is to prepare the report and resolutions conformably
with tiro principles thus agreed on; and the committee
adjourned to meet at the same place h( 5 o’clock on Fri
day evening, to receive and adopt the final report.—It is j
supposed that hy Tuesday evening, a meeting of the
citizens can be had to act on the subject.
, (lb. June 8.
first JVavigation by Meant of the Jiiver Pamunkey.
We are informed, that the Steam float John Morris
C’apt. Hibbert, owned by Mr. Jones of Cbickahoin ny’
‘elt Norlolk, last Saturday at 6 o’clock, A. M. on her
first trip to the Piping 'free, where she arrived in 12
hours and a quarter, (not including stoppages,) a dis
tance of 144 miles. At York she was visited by two
ferry-boats lull of Ladies and Gentlemen. The sight
of a large and beautiful Sifeain Boat, brought great num
b'rs on he shores of York and Pamunkey Rivers: they
shewed their satisfaction by firing of guns, Jtc. Al
though the Boat was not prepared lor the accommo'a
tion of passengers, the few, who had the good fortune
to be admitted, were much pleased with the attend n
and civility of Capt. Hibbert and ol Mr. Jones, (hey
wish success lo their undertaking. Many anecdotes
have been related of the astonisdment of the Indians and
negroes, who had never seen a Steam Boat, \]b.
In addition to tho Steam Boat John Morris we learn
that there is another steamer preparing to run between
Richmond and Ihe Cbc«apcakc ami Delaware Canal
She will not touch at Baltimore —and consequently the
trip bet ween Richmond and Philadelphia may be made
some houra sooner.
The fate of Fayetteville ! — The melancholy scene
at Fayetteville, appeals to all the * sympathies of the
American people. Never has any town in America
experienced a more fatal calamity hy fire, in proportion
fo its size—Never, perhaps, has so large a portion of
the inhabitants been turned out houseles , stript of
clothes, bread, and almost every thing. Wilmington
ha* made# handsome contribution to their relief—And
so has Raleigh.—A public meeting has been called at
Philadelphia, and the name of BI«hop White h< ads the
call. A proposition is made to have a meeting in Balti
more.—The Mayor of Norfolk has invited his Fellow
< itizvns to meet for the benevolent purpose of adminis
tering to the neeessi'les of the sufferers.— And shall we
Sleep at such s time f Will Rirhm' nd do nothing '—
Will no contribution he made by her Common Hall sr
by private subscriptions.» We earnestly hope that
something will be done
f TRIAL OF J. W. MARSHALL.
TK* trial ot J. W. Marshall ot Kentucky, for mali
ciously and unlawfully shooting Mr. Wm.Calt of this
( ity, with intont to luaitn, disable, disfigure, or kill,
came on the 8th instant before the Criminal
Term ol the Circuit Court for this county—Judge
May presiding.—The Commonwealth’* Attorney,
Mr. James Lyons, appeared lor the Prosecution
—and Messrs. B \V. Leigh and Chapman Jo n
son, for the pri oner.— It w ill be recoil-cted, that
the rencontre oiiginatcd in a quarrel between the par
ties at a ball, which took place at Tcrpsichoro Hall, oil
the night ol the 23d Febru ry, and that Mr. Galt was
sho> on the morning ol the 21 h.—The Testimony l»e
lore the to rt w us confined to he rencontre ilsell — ttie
Xttoiney lor th-> Common wealth objecting to iht-pio
duction ol any other, an 1 the Counsel lor the accused
waiving any i'i cussion ol ttie point thus prevented to
die Court.— Five w itnesses only were examined—the
hountc1 lor J. W. Marshall declining to call any ot
their own witnesses.—1 he argument took up five or
six hours—the t ounsol lor the pr soner principally rest
ing his case on the ground ot self-defence—viz: dial
Mr. Galt had struck him before he shot Mr. G. -The
Ju.y were out la or 2l) minutes—and their foreman re
ported that they were unahl* to agree upon any verdict.
I he Judge directed them to bo kept together till the
next morning.
(TJT "*e understand, that Philip P. Baibonr, Esq
lias declined die Office of Attorney G _-iioi.il of die U.
Slates.
CLERKS.—Appointed by Jwfge Alay
Henrico—J -hi. R 'unfon
Berkeley — Col. J -t-n St-o her.
Dinwiddie - J hi P C uuip
Nottoway -F< n-i- Fi zgrrsld.
Amelin—John T. Leigh.
Petersburg — Hitry B Gsine*.
Bums rick—H -her* Tu-tibi ||.
Prince (Jeoigc— R chard G. Dar.n *
Sussex — Ln Irtco Lanier.*
*Svw appointments.
Nc a nu v * tor he Common weal h are to he appoint
cl un i> the (ad com ts.
C I. John G S nan has he*n elee'ed CNrk of tbe
county court ol K ng Go nee by the ras io* voir of h •
High Shot iff over th- I -m Cm- k, M-. J |j. .qluj j,
NO.VIliN a I IO-NS.
Ho'erl Aii»n K q. it a csvi' d t e for Cong'»«« in the
Disiictof Shsnatido ih .ml Fr derick—Mr. J •! n i,
Smith of Hardy, I'r'hs Stnodd D trl/i o' S .ena.o
do. It Sic. — Mr. Wright Gatewood for th • co.it ty ol
Sltrnatid ah—a. d .Mr. Wm. M. Kub-rtron for the
(VMintv of Page —Me-r«. H nry Herry, Edward H.
b y, and John S. GalJaher aro c nd dates to. the coud
tv ot J ff rson—And Col. A a Dupny for t * county
ol P ipce-Edward.
To the Voters of J*unquiet unit Uuift'pcr :
1 he attitude which i am about to assume towards
you,is ns unexpected to in* as i may be lo many of you.
No pride, no vanity, no ambition of mine has prompted
tliu step : it is dictated by the wishes ot niauy gene
rous electors; persons who have tooofteu sustained mo
with their suffrages, not to command my acquiescence
itt a measure, deemed by them to he highly impor
tant, and which proposes so distinguished au houor
lor me. It is their act—not my own. I cannot, there
fore, dulay to anuouuco to you, that 1 am a candidate
lor a seal in the House ol Representatives of the next
1 ongress.
I “"t solemnly Impressed with the dignity and re
sponsihiliiies ot the station, and upon such occasions
as shall appear to me to be apposite, or, as may be in
dicated by the public ol the district, I will, with a be
coming candor, lay open my principles, and expose
my views ol .(national policy to you Until some fit
moment shall present itself. I ask for a suspeusmof
your decisions, that this grave and interesting canvass
may be settled and decided by the operations ot the
judgment alone, banishing far away from it. ail conside
rations but such as are connected with the public
weal.
Tito recent developments of hostility, in a hhrh
quarter, to the present Administration of the Govern
ment ot the United States, seem, however, to form at.
exception to the general rule which I had ptopssed
tor myself. In regard to this subject, I will now say,
that 1 upprove of th* principles on which the Govern
ment has been conducted since the election of General
Jackson, and shall give him as decisively my support at
the next election, as I shall oppose that of Mr. t alhoun
or Mr. Clay. 7 he princ pies ot the former will insure
the continuance ol the greatest blessings of our happily
constituted Government; while those of Mr. Calhoun
would daily, and houilv, and every moment weaken its
bauds, until dissolved by gradu I decay, or destroyed
by suddeu violence. I am also opposed to the expan
sive range ot the principles and policy on which Mr.
Clay would administer the Government.
Your Fellow-Citizen,
JOHN ROBERT WALLACE.
F>luquicr, Gth June, 1831.
FOR THE E.YQU1RER.
At a uumarou? meeting, composed >1 u.e rn.z-n-of
Mdthrws conn y, and ot the n. m'wr* of lirba-, at
th* ruurt-Louss, on Monday, Hie 9th day ol May,
ltSl.fcr the purpose of express ng ths istimali n it!
which they hold the rh-rauer and nr ices of Jan es
Sample, j . K-q in Hie discharge ot hi* offi.-i,I duties
as tat J 'dge ol tf-is judicial Cl.’Cti .
Cod. Christopher Tmi.pkn* was appointed Chairman,
sod I turn as R V a * m i n, Secr-tary.
The object of the meeting having been ex. laloed by
w m. H. Key, b*q , tins following resolutions wire u
n*t<imou«1v adopted:
Resolved, That we feel the strangest a*»urat cei and
anticipations, that the du i s ,f the judicial >ru-t v ill
be satisfactorily disrh-rze.i by our respected MIjw-ci
t ze 1, Win. Browi e, K q. who liar been rppontedby
the last Legislature, ss ha successor :o Ju. ge H mpl»
in the judicial . i cuit in which this county has been ar
ranged
Resolvtd That it i« (’tie to our own fielirg*, ard to the
merits ol an edd at:d laid) fill public servant, tvfo h.s
been thus displaced from rffi.-e, to give dis , ublir ex
presiion rl them on 'ids occasion ; and lo n.rnd-st cm
approbation ot the ability, taithfulnesj, ar.d *ndrfa ;g Me
isridni'y with wh rh he discharged the duties during
the wind* period fiom his entering on them >o Hie r
clos*; and to efLrd liim in t i« retirement, die assur
ance of the uoahaed esteem which ll.-e iudiiiduils ot
this meeting, and ihe people of ihi* «oun'y, e tartaip
(or hie private vir'uee, an l their co: bdeuca m the ju
ri v and ft ness ol hi* public cha-acter
Resolvtd, That the Edi or* of the Richmond Enqui
rer and ot tie Consti ution. I Whig be reque-ted to pub
lish the procei dins s ol tins iiirelii g. Amt that a Com
mittee be a pointed to commui.ic u copy of them to
Judge S-rr pits.
Aod in ro forrully wi'h thilast resolution, Will m
H. Hoy, J dm Ddrigerfirld, j-. Win. Todil, Tiuir.a.
K. Yeatmsn, Jo' i. I). Jar i , Thoms- Hudgins, Cha fes
Alkiuion ar il Thomas E (wards, E-quires, were, ap
pointed d"-curiiii.iiee. And the M-*iipg a'j-iirned
CHRISTOPHER TO Ml KINS. Chairman.
Thos. R. Yea tat an Secretary
Mathews Court-House May 10 h, 1881.
Joans Semple, jr Esq :
Dear 8m—A a late numerous me»firg of the b;r.
and tit.Kens of Mathews ror n y, we, «li - undersigned,
w-re appointed a cnminittr e to commit! i-ate to j on II p
accompanying resolutions unan mously pa » d ot; that
occasion. We take great pleasure in performing the
duty assigned ur, and are gratifi-* at ao favoura'.le an*
opportunity of expressing ; tiblirly pur ini'iudiia's. nti
mi-n * of respect ai d esteem. Tie's of th* crtnn iltee
w:ir,froin their prolersiin*! a veer t ons, have b if die
rrt.ist frequent opportunity r.f judgirg, b-ar w ||j, K ift.
tiinr-ny to yottr fsirblnl discharge of dut'e>, ai d • li < a
bility and x H which li s *ver narked your judicial
career
With sentiment* ol he hiche*t r gard,
We remain very r-specifu I) , .
Your obedient re vmts,
WM H. ROY.
JNO DAINGERFIELD J .
WM. TODD.
TMOS It YEATMAN,
JNO. D JARVIS.
THOS. HUDGINS.
('ll Mt ES ATKINSON,
TIIOS. EDWARDS
Wti.uamsbuso, May 2-llh, 1»3I.#
Gcnti.kmcm: A our communication, covering rer.
tain Ht-solu'ion* adopted unanimously on the 9h inst.
at a numerous meet ng ct tnposed of the citizens of
Matthews Cotin'y and of ttie Members of the Mar, did
not, in consequence of my ab* -nee from Williamsburg,
reach me until a few days since.
This piddle and unanimous expression of opiqion by
the citizens and Bar ot Matthew#, I with truth assure
you, affords to their ‘ofif snd faithful servant’ the most
sincere gratification and has made a deep impression on
his mint!. I lie wants ol a numerous family, many of
whom are yef upon my hands, uneducated and unpro
vided for, must carry me back to the Har; and in re
suming tiic practice of the law, this public lestiim ny ol
‘the ability, faithfulness and indefatigable assiduity,
with which I have 'di*charged the duties’ of my late
office, 'during die whole period, from entering on
them to their close,' may bo referred to with confidence,
to remove any unfavorable impressions which iny ‘re
moval fmni office,” may haie. created.
There is, however, gentlemen, another considera
tion of much deeper interest than the one just alluded to.
V hen, about 22 years ago,I abandoned a > ery lucra
tive practice for a seat on the Heneh, which I had a
right to expect to fill during good behaviour, I took tip
on myself the burthen of the office under a deep sente
ot the importance of a faithful snd punctual fdmin *•
tration of fustic#, and with a thorough d#t#rmination
to permit uo personal cousi leratiou ol au ordinary
character, to prevent the fuithfu! anti punctual discharge
of them lu the General Court and in the Circuit to
which I was assigned. That these determinations
were carried honestly into effect. Is demonstrated by
the lact. that alter about seven years. 1 resigned
with a view to my transfer to the first Judicial
Circuit, ami that by the readiness ol the Executive
and Legislative department, I wa* re-appointed and
transferred according to my wishes. In my letter
of resignation, I made no difficulty in expressing my
willingness to be re-j| pointed, and I avowed my fixed
determination to withdraw from the liriith, whenever I
slit uld become Iroin any cause unable to d ech.rge all *
my dudes with punctuality. Since that time, I have
presided as Judge in ten Courts in the First Judicial
t ircuit.aud no personal consideration has caused the
loss ol a -ingle Term: and I had hoped that all my du
ties had been discharged to he public satisfaction.
I hat they have been so discharged, the voluntary
testimony ol the ci'izent ami Har of Matthews County
assures me so strongly .that no inquietude can ever oil
that ground, rest on my mind. It is in (bis view that
the Resolution* ol iho Meeting are so dear to me. It
ia quite clear that the power ol di-pensing justice, must
occasionally pro 'uce disappointment and vexation to
suitors and o'hor*, and sometimes a cciixequent ill feel-*
[ing towar 'he Tiihnn^ of Justice. That I have, at
all limes, escaped this, I do not pretend 'o believe. Hut
I am proud ol the high and honorable bearing and en
lightened public < pinion displayed by tiie citizens and
the Har ot Matthew's, in discharging all selfish leelings,
aud of their “affording me, in my retirement, the as
surance ot the unabated esteem, which the individuals
of the meeting and the people of the county enter tain
tor my prlva'e vit tucs, and iheir confidence in fl-e tidies*
•“’d purity of my public character;” and while I cannot
hope that my judicial manners have been always unox
cep lonable. I can respond to ti e opinion of “purity in
my public clurjctcr” with » consciousness of rectitude,
admitting of no shadow ot doubt.
When I first went among the people ol Matthews, (
was treated with the hosplta’lty for which they are »o
highly distinguished. Subsequently they have treated
me with affection. Their kindness towards ina I qan
never iorget, so long as on* spark of gratitude lingers
with iny cxi-teuco
I’erinlt ine, gen lemon, through you to express to
the c tizetis ol Matthew*, whose interest I most ardent
ly desire to see promoted, my convictions that their ex
pectations in reference to the discharge of official du
ties by Judge Browne, will he hilly realized.
You will bo pleased, gentlemen, to accept for your
selves, my thanks for the very polite and kind muiiner
in which you have expressed yourselves towards mo
in communicating the Resolutions a'opted in Matthews,
snd I b"g leave to ussure you individually of my uu
diminished regard and friendship.
Your uiost obd’l ierv’t,
JAMES SEMJH
To Messrs. IVm. II Roy, Jno. I').iingcrfield Jr. IVm.
Todd, Thomas II. Yeaiinan, John D. Jarvis, Thoma*
Hudgins, Charles Atkinson, Thomas Edwards.
FUR THF FjVQV/R FR.
Gentlemen :—The public laws passed at tfie last
Session of tho Legislature, have ju«t come to hand. It
lias become my duty to examine them particularly, and
more especially the list ot lee* allowed Cleiks of Coun
ty and t orporation C urts, th-t I mi'ght be enabled to
make out a bill ot costs, when required so to do.—Now,
Gentlemen. I do not compla n,because my motto is, lot
the majority govern, until altered or reformed ; but re
ally 1 ilo raise my voice in beliall ot the country, and
in justification ol an honest, faithful and capable public
officer; and I do hope there are some among the many
Clerks of Courts we have—(though several Members
ol (he last L-gislature would bavc insinuated other
wise,) and-ay (he Guardian* of tho People, in gradu
ating the fees of Cleiks of Courts, have made them en
tirely too low, and so much so as to compel a man, re
ally disposed to do his duty, to abandon the employment
in which he bus been raised, and perhaps the only cue
with which he is acquaint d, for some other way to sup
port his family. Do not understand me. Gentlemen, as
advocating tho principle, that public officers should
glow rich out of (ho people's liu^f*. No, lar from it —
but then, whiie you iuduce a nun to qualify himself for
a particular occupat on, lie should be enabled by that
to live above the trownsof tbe world.
1 he reason given by some of the Members, that the
Clerks ot largo Counties were making too much money,
was a had argument, anil the only answer necessary to
give to it is, that the Clerk performed and caused to he
done by others, duties corresponding with the lees. If
lor instance, lie made his $1,000 and I my $1, lie had
a thousand times as much business to do as I in my
sin >11 couniy. Permit me, Gentlemen, (though not
speaking arrogantly,) to say, it is had doctrine to drive
from the < lerkship o' the Co nly Courts men qualified,
and to fill them w th men who do not know tlreir duty.
If ever a body or tribunal ot men wanted a good offi
cer, it is the County Courts. The people’s properly
and rights are not sate in ihe hands ol an incompetent
Officer of (lie County Cour'. Not so with higher
I Courts; the Judge can instruct the ( lerk in his duty,
[ hut tho County Couit cannot; and I really do fear, that
n any of the Counties will be deprived of a competent
Clerk, (unless lie should ho determined to make the
most of his Office, and hid defiance to Ihe law.) Such,
I hope, will not he the case. Permit me, Gentlemen,
hero to say, that the fees of my Office are less titan
$1,000, and that it requires three persons to disehargo
tho duties as they ought to he, and 1 insist upon it, that
no Clerk, if he discharges his duty, is more than paid.
I am free to confess, th«( some lew fees vr rc too high,
while many others were too low. The fact Is, the fault
lay in this,that the old list of lee* ns t fell as the new.was
and is so ambiguous, that different constructions were
and will be, placed on them by different t lei ks: my
rule was awl trill be w hen doubt existed or shall exist,
to take the smaller sum: I do not mean to argue this mat
: ter. 1 will only add again, that / do rot com
plain, for / am above (lie how ns of the world, (not
though acquired by my office) and that it is a matter of
; very little difference with me what the fees are, for 1
hold myoffire more lor amusement and gra'ilicatinn than
profit, and I will candidly say that I w ill again he thank
ful to the court of my county in June for the office, if
it is only a gratification of my pride, tor we all have
some pride. So it is only in behalf of my country and
'many of my brother clerks, who aro poor, tiiat 1 give
(his hint.
Before I bid you farewell, permit mefo mention ono
or two facts: at page 83 of Session Acts, 'Mor making up
a full and complete record for every thirty words 2 cts.”
Now, gentlemen, who is to make tip this record from a
court of law? None hut a qualified officer, and perhaps
it will take him a day to do i'. He will (hen hand it to
one of the hoys to copy which will take him another
day, then it is to examine and correct, and after it is
all done, the fee is less than $1. Can you live at rate*
like (Ids? Again, tlie whole lee on judgment, &c. &c.
or a forthcoming bond, is only 30 cents. What has tho
clerk to do? He has all Ihu work to do which will
take several hours, Including every thing, whilst the
lawyer gets his $2 60 tor merely asking the court to
order the clerk to enter judgment,&c., &c. I would
only here ask why ih^* forthcoming bond law was not
enlhely repealed? Hie answc.r is plain, and I will give
it, let it lit those whom it may: It would have depriv
ed llie bar of may 15s., arid an inducement is now held
out to Ihe unfortunate defendant, upon the grounds dial
(lie clerks' and sheriffs’ fees are lessened, to execute ia
all cases forthcoming hos.ds. Now let die Legislature
go with me. I have always been lor repealing (he
forthcoming bond law.. It is only a Irap to the defen
dant and a grace of 40 or GO days at a most enormous
expencfl. Therefore, repeal it, and save the unfortu
nate defendant all, even Ihe 15s,
Mat/, 1831. A CLERK OF A COURT.
IJ^UBLIt: HALE OF MANCHESTER PROPER
'I'Y —Pursuant to a Decree of the Superior (.’surf
ol C isnrery, lor tt e 1< chmoml District, pronounced
on Ih- 14 h day of February, 1831. in the cate o( Bur
• •ot, T. M vs. H'lrioo* L. and others—an1 of an a
nirndtnent thereto cf the la; of .Inna following, I ahall,
on I'u »day, >he 12 h day of July, 1881, on the premi
ses, off r lor sale, at public auction, to the highest bid
der, on a credit ol 1,2 and 3 year*, the following real
|irop-riy belonging >o the e* ale of Matthew Rurfoot,
deceased, to wits The lot containing four acres, with
'he improvement' ther-ou, a-jining the property of
M les Bolt aud oitiers, near Manchester, in the county
of Ch-Sler field. The l ouses and lot in the town of
Manchester r ow occupied i.y Mrs Sarah Rattgh, and
adjoining the property ol Paler F. Smith and others;
and snd Burfoix’s in'ere*', in the Factory in Manches*
ter, held by Fallen on I B'lrfoet. Bonds and security
required, and the title nlamed tin'll (he bonds are
paid
Sale 'o commence at I ’rlork, P M. al the Facto
ry t n tt e main street.
SAMUEL F. PULLIAM,
Cummiftianer.
May 10. ^ _ 9—1
MB aKSHAI.’N >ALK Pursuant to • decree ol the
JyJB, Hope ior t'oiirt ol Chancery, fer the Richmond
diurirt, ironotincrd on the 20 h d»y of February, 1827,
in h ca<e* ol PI e arns, vs Mitchell'* adm’or. and
Mill h II'* h'irsve. Pleasant*—I shall, on Saturday the
2nd day ol J sty. 1831 al 11 i.Vock, A. M. In front of
the Eagle Hotel, in ha cry ol Rirhmtnd < ffar for sale,
at public attciln, *o the h'ghert bidder, on a credit of
0 12 and IS month*, a tract of one thotiraod acres of
land on the v a;*r- ol the Ohio, in Ala on conn y, tn
the Stale o’ K tifns.ky, and a tract ot 'tom fko to 100
•ere* »>i land in Heitfl o rrun y near Wes'ham and ad
join ng tie t*nda of .les— fhnith and utters, of which
land* Wit||*m Mitchell died teixad snd possessed.
N- go 'table no»er w ib ro< d endoricrs required and nils
• aisle»d. JOHN CUERHAN T, m see r. d.
or cn> of bis Deputies
Ji.ns 10, 0—ids