Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-02-19

n5- The National Intellgencer of Tuesday says
that the Senate sat with closed DOORS greater part
of Friday, Saturday and Monday and that it hence
conjectured, some of the nominations of the Presi-
dent had given rise to considerable debate.
We can see sufficient motive for proceeding in
concave on such subject. That there is no neees-
sity for it, is obvious from the fct that the ipunc-
ton of secresy is always removed the first thing
after the doors opened. We hope that the
speeches delivered-fraught as the subject of these
appointments Isl With interest and excitement to the
public-wili not be lost.
Seaaion.-The letter from Harrison Gray Otis,
Esq. the subject of the sedtious pamphlet recent
ly circulated in this City and Savannah, yesterday
communicated to tho House Of Delegates by the
Governor, viii be admired for its just and liberal
sentiments.
A bill is before the House Of Delegates, growing
out of the Governors communications on that deli
cate subject, the outlines OF which may DO seen IN
our sketch of Proceedings IN that body.
The law isexceedingly harsh, and the necessity for
its enactment much to be deplorea.
III 10 giving place to the communicating of" Jus
tice it is due to Mr.. Rves to state that on 4atur-
day, when the Ohio and Chesapeake bill came up a
second time, he disclaimsd all purpose of retectng
upon Mr.. Mercer, private man. phis we should
have done in Mondays paper, but that in fact, we
did not when the debate commenced, think il of in
terest enough to sketch with any minuteness, end
that when it assumed more consequence, and we be-
gan to report it, get the, speakers to do it, we
had forgotten good deal of what Mr. Bives and 9th
ets said in the first part TT. We were reminded
of his disclaimer afterwards notwithstanding which,
Mr. MERGERS friends have right to be heard in hts
defence against the charge of "cunning," &c.
EoR TIE WzrG.
Whilst attending to the proceedings of the House
of Delegates fey days since, I was much morti-
fed as asonished, at the cruel and unmany assault
made by member from Prince George, ON the feel
inss and character of Mr.. Charles T. Mercer; and
that too, for the avowed purpose of preudicing the
Legislature against Bill relating to the Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal Company, of which Mr.. Mercer is
the President, when the gentleman was unable to
reach his end by argument. The gentleman with
great self conposure and formaIity, Informed the
House that he was opposed to the Bill, because the
President remarkable for visionary schemes
his cunning, and the great mischief he had done the
Commonwealth; but that he did not at that time,
think it necessary to partIcularize them The gen
tleman surely would not have made this statement,
so we'll calculated to wound the feelings and injure
che character and reputation of absent entleen,
unless he was prepared to sustain his assertions
Having for long time held the most favorable opin-
inns of Mr.. Mercer private gentleman, and ~
most patriotic, useful and highly talented public man
feel disposed to be we'll informed on this matter,
because it is fixed rule with me never to sustain
man public life, who is visionary, cunning, and mis-
chieuous. / must therefore beg the gentleman to
bring to public notice the to which he alluded.
Was it at that period when America had closed with
Great Britain IN open war, when Nr Mercer Though
opposed to the war as measure, go long as it
question: was in the Legislature of his State voting
for and ably advocating measures to raise men apd
money for vigorous prosecution of the war;
Was it when the proclamation of the President an
nounced that the constituted authorities had declar-
ed war to exist and called citizens, civil and mi
ary to aid in its prosecution when Mr.. Mercer was
found IN the comfortless and tent ed field dTiosfy,
periodically and laboriously engaged in preparing
troops to resist the enemy in his attempts to encroach
on the precious heritage derived from the vaour and
virtue of his fathers! Was it il his CONSTANT able,
and unweared abors to establish the large and popu-
lar funds for the improvement of the face of his
try and enlightening the human intellect WASH in
that argument and by that eloquence by which he
has satisfied Of the people Of his
country, Of the practica5ity and utility of connecting
the great waters of the Chesapeake and Ohio. And
by which be has created fame for himself, that his
accuser cannot so much conceive If not in these
various in which Mr. Mercer has borne dis
tingushed part, will the gentleman be pleased to
form the public in what is the visions, the cunning,
and the mischief of Mr. Mercer made SO plain TO bis
intelligence. If he has specification to offer he
owes it to Mr. Mercer and to common Justice to re-
tract before the same body, the M-timed and i'll "a
t,rrsd attack on his feelings and reputation,
JUSTICE.
Richmond, 9Th Feb 1880.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY.