Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1830-03-27
HON. THOMAS NEWTON.

him 70 cxpress their appreciation of his conduct
.,d tbe;r reoret at the termination OF the contest
between him and Mr.. LOYAL. The Address
was delivered in very warm and imprisoned
manner To it. Mr.. Newton made the reply
which follows:
Mn. CHAIRMAN: Permit me, Sir, to offer to
vo,, and this Committee my sincere gratitude Tor
the Kind and friendly attentions you have, on my
nneypected and unlocked for return to my home
and TO YOU. bestowed on me, and for the honor
Won have done me in the fiatterlng review you
have taken of my political life aud acts, as your
late Representative in Congress. Through you,
beg leave to convey to my fellow-citiZens whom
YOU represent, also, my gratitude Tor the distih-
suished honor they have, III the spontaneous ehu-
sions of their hearts, conferred on me, on an oc-
casion which, for the good of the nation, and Tor
the sake of the purity, of the justice, and dignity
of the House of Representatives OF the Unlted
States, it is hoped may never again occur, TO pro
duce the like mingled emotions OF hdiSha'ioh
and deep concern.
Your presence. your manners, the style OF your
address-in all of which eloquently and feelins-
" exhibited sentiments, not only OF lofty patriot
ism. but expressions of affection and friendship
for one whom YOU have long known as frlenu'
and as standing to his felow-ciizens IN the rela-
ton of Representative. How, under sucn cir.
cumstances. can be otherwise than affected and
excited by feelings which no words can express,
no eloquence can portray!
The fullness of the heart stoppeth the utterance
of the tongue. Although | am incapable OF eX-
pressing the artlor and vividness of my feelings,
will attempt, in few words, to make my &C
acknowledgements for the great obligations you
have laid me under.
Ever since have had the honor of being your
Representative. it has been my constant desire
to promote the welfare of my country and OF
those whom it Was good fortune to represent-ln
endeayoring to accomplish which, have shrunk
from no labor: nor was | ever deferred from con-
sulting the public good, by considerations OF
local character, or mistaken attachment to po-
uularity. understood those whom have repre-
sented too well, to suppose that the articles and
intrigues of the demagosue would please them
better than the undisguised manner OF speaking
Of things as they are-of supporting no political
creed that did not rest on sound principles-and
of daring to deyelope the powers given by the
Constitution to Congress, according to the mode
which nv convictions justified as right and pro-
per. In the formation of this opinion, experience
shows have not erred; and the present occasion
consecrates it as being correct. After pursuing
such coursa for thirty years, my late conslltu-
ents. in an open and manly manner, in spirit
that ennobes the Republican character, are pleas
ed to approve my political course, and justify the
means have used to attain the end, and to Sc
cure their high appreciation. ! have kept my eye
fixed on the pubic good, as my political polar
star. They have, on full view and knowledge
of all my acts, spontaneously accorded their ap-
probation.
Whatever may have been my tolls; how great
soever may have been my privations or suterings
in feelings, am more than compensated IN the
Judgment, they have awarded, as to my public
conduct. They have been pleased to say, that
have not been barren representative. In my
political connections. and relations with my con-
stituents, l have been peculiarly fortunate-l
have had Just and enlightened men to determine
nv worth, whateverit may be; and to decide on
the relations in which should stand to them In
more than fifteen elections. The grand inquest
of the District composed of men who honestly
look at and see things, not through party, but
rational and clear medium, will render no garbled
verdict, but verdict according to the law, y the
facts of the case. From the verdict OF such men,
shall ask no appeal. In another point OF view,
nv connection and relations with them have been
no less fortunate. They have, thank kind Pro-
violence, protracted my political life, so long as
to see the measures designed aud prosecuted, or
the good of the nation, as well as for themselves,
at last, happily accomplished, and brought to ma
turity.
1t rarely happens that the Representative who
sows political seed, continues a Representa-
tive, to see them terminate, ripen and yield a
golden harvest. Happy, indeed, is his lot, who
has been so favored; and thrice happy must he
be, when those who participate in the enjoyment
of it, reward the laborer with their appreciation
and the continuance of their confidence. Sucn
rewards are the richest that can be bestowed
they are the most honorable that can be confer
red-and the most grateful to him who receives
them. If have any cause of regret, it is in
not having accomplished more-not performing
acts commensurate. to my desire, of increasing
the sum of public prosperity. Whatever my Ii
mited powers have enabled me to do, l have en-
deavored to do in manner to deserve the appro-
baton of great and enlig htened nation, and OF
my constituents The numerous difficulties that
every public man must ever encounter, in matter:
that seem plain to those who are not familiar with
the proceedings of Legislative bodies, particularly