The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1824-10-22
From The Constitutional Uhig.
UNITED STATES SENATOR.


From The Constitutional Uhig.
UNI TED STATES SENATOR.
No. l.
! GENrLEMEN-Thed death Of the celebra
ted John Taylor of Caroline, has left Il
vacancy IN the representation of Virginia
IN the Senate Of the United States, which
II will devolve On the next General Assem-
bly, Ia supply. AS that body will he called
on al an eaiy day of it's session to choose
! his successor, an enquiry into the qunlif
Gallons and pretenslous Of the various gen
lemen whom the public voice in different
parts al the State have nominated 10 sue
ceed him, through the newspapers, may
assist in directing that Judgment, which
after the meeting "f The Legislature, they
will have SO little time to form. This
course is nearly unprecedented in Virginia
where all elections have either been
made by pa't. in the Legislature, whose
viii was decisive, or upon the basis Of pub
lac opinion, either PIE declaled, III well
understood. The uncertainty of public
opinion in relation 10 Col. Taylor's sue.
cessor, and the doubtful superiority af the
numerous individuals whose names hav.
been successfully mentioned as worthy of
succeeding him, render a deviation from
this course, 1T this time, peculiarly ueccs-
sary, as under all circumstances, il would
be beneficial 10 the public. These are my
inducements for Introducing all the gentle
men whom have heard proposed for that
distinguished office, in the following brief
- - - 10y -
the humble instrument Of awakening fur
Their and minnter discussion, aud remotely
OF conducting TO the elcctau of that lndlrI
dual, whoever he may be, the best qnaiif
I'd TO represent the great Interests of Viz
gina in the Federal Senate. II my re
marks partakr Of greater freedom than we
are accustomed 10 in Virginia, LET rejecting
persons admit my apology in the impor
lance of the subject, and the interest
which all have in il, | mean offence to no
man.
LiHleton UMitr 1n-eWeH.
There is class of individuals in the
State, who are accustomed on all ocCa
SONS, to deplore our intellectual deterIo
ration, and " hose whole solicitude IS direct
ed 10 the objec, of retrieving the ancient
superiority of Virginia in the National
Councils. lmpelled by this wish, they are
prepared in its accomplishment, to sacrl-
Gee principles, consistency, nay the very
object which they profess Ia feel 50 deeply,
the honor and interests of Virginia. Pro
vide d they can secure the election of
man of talents, one whose powers of
speech may qualify him 10 shine as a de
batter, and reflect back on his state some
Of the lustre with which cloquence NANTES
The posseSsor, they are indifferent 10 the
more important qualifications of political
attachment BY men who thus reason,
Mr. TaZrweIl Is asserted TO possess super
or claims ; and WAS there no consideration
of higher or graser inpment tO direct Y Sc
lection, than the ability 10 make II fine
speech, hls prctensions could scarcely he
exaggerated by his culogsts. But il would
indeed he dcporahle falling off from that
high and sacred regard 10 principle, which
has allied Virginia To the steadmcss and
masnanimity of the Roman name, could
her lcgi stature be Influenced 10 abandon
thrir old landmarks by motive so vain
glorious. The brightest genius IS frequent
~ allied To the worst qualities, and natarc's
choicest gifts are often associated with
characteristics which render them 1i4r .css
Ur destructive To society aud their r5sses
SCR. Had the people of the Cnltl,d States
been governed solely by req ~ 60 talents,
Gen. Armstrong would, ard DIR. Monroe
would NOT have been Pr1 81 .1cnt OF the IT,
States-did they now consult only, the al
frmatiys qualifications of the aspirants To
that high Office, Without tahing into the
reckoning, his HI ehreacltss ambition, his
desertlon of Us early opinions, his Gun
tempt for lat sacred instrument through
which TIE people have distributed the
various powers with which they have
parted--Mr. Calhoun would harmonizc
the sutliages Of the people, Us he has in
great degree, their opinions of his extra
ordinary talents. These observations are
entirely Illustrative, and not designed by
any means 10 compare Mr.. Tazewell with
any person .l.c, or TO impute 10 him any
of the detects which have consigned the
two Z, at men named the one to oblivion,
'e Other to an approaching expulsion
/ from the gUyernnrm Of his county. For
Mr.. Tazewcips character AS ii man, | have
the highest esiccm-for his genius, the
greatest admiration-but for his political
opinions, neither the one or the other.
1t is a singular circumstance that whilst
in the Legislature of Virginia. Mr.. raze
well did moi possess the SMALLEST weight in
its deliberations. Too great abilities pro-
duced in his example, the same result,
which attend in others their total absence