Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-08-08
, FoR TIE RICHMOND WING
TO THE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF RICI1

~.
FeHoar- Citizens!-Having boon called on in an
article published in the Wing of Yesterday ovor tho
signature of - Many F0ters,n to state what couro
would pursue I'm the event of there being a Jack
son caucus at the next meeting of the LegisIatpro
of Virginia, should be re elected tn renrnsent
city in that body"-I owe it to YOU as we'll no -
myself TO give prompt and frank answer to tho
enquiry. " 'iio
During the session of 1928, 1 was repeatedly
asked by the opponents well as the advocates &c
the election of General Jackson whether 7 would
attend the Caucus then about to be he,d-to which
invariably replied, that being in favor OF &c
iei ai oachsohs election, should not hesitate to
attend the caucus unless could be satisfied that =
majority OF my constituents were opposed IN b;s
election. NO such evidence was ut that time af
torded me, nor had any means of ascertainino the
TACT: L accordingly determined to meet the rospon
slDiilty OF attending the Caucus BELIEVING that
under the circumstances of the case n liberal and
enlightened public would duly appreciate INV mo
tives In the fall of 1923, however. when the
vote was taken upon the Presidential election. it
was clearly ascertaned that very LARGE majority
of my constituents were opposed to tho eiec
ton OF General Jackson. With this recorded
evidence before of the sentiments of NV f.lIouy
cltiZens, which have undergone no chanue that am
aware OIL have invariably declared since tho fall of
lo2o-and now reiterate tho declaration that n
again elected to represent this CITY in the Ieg;.Ia
ture, Iwould not attend any caucus of its Members
to promote the election of Gen. Jackson while n,
an 1nd'ndudL Guild pursue that course at the poll
which my best Judgment might dictate have pevar
theless understood within the last few ays TINT
TO DC opposed at the ensuing election because am
ndiuidudtLyin favor OF the reelection of Gen Jack
son. In what manner, my sentiments uDon the Pros;
dental election, CATER the declaration have ma
can affect my fitness so represent in the State Lesis
fGture, the interests of those who differ from me
on that subject, utterly at loss to coneeive &
am very sure, that it would be q vain task in me
TO attempt to cnlIghten the understanding of nny
man who entertains such an opinion In tho mn
meFous votes have given 4 member of the Lee
glslaturc during the last FIVE years, in the election
OF our State officers, executive judicial and militia
ry IL never entered into my Imagination to test the
qualifications of the candidates by their potics in
relation to federal concerns or their preference
OF this or that candidate for the Presidency NV
recorded votes upon the Journal of tho House of
Delegates, will corroborate this assertion. should
nave consideredsmyself most unworthy represen-
tative of this enlighted community, could | have
permitted my vote to be influenced by any such
consideration.
During tho period have had the honor of TO-
presenting this city, have had ample cause to be
grateful for the indulgence of my felIow-citizens
NO man can more highly appreciate their kindness
and iberality than myself. My election by largo
majority IN the spring of 1928 at a time of high
party excitement, when (as subsequently, proved
a large majority of my constituents were opposed
to the election of General Jackson and when on
position was brought out against nae for having at
tended caucus of his political friends
sufficient proof of the liberal principle upon which
the voters of Richmond have heretofore acted.
Nor do believe that they will now depart from a
principle which has so long distinguished and no.
noured our State and our Legislature. If, howe
yer, L am mistaken in this oPinion,-if political
intolerance has attained such a height, that men
are to be prescribed for honest difference of OPT
mon, and a manly expression of their sentiments
In relation to a Presidential election, | am ready
TO meet the consequences. I would disdain to ac
cept any post of honor, profit or trust at the sac
rlhco OF my independence. have never oscillated
IN my course. 1t has always been direct straight
torward,-and perfectly intcligbIe:-and so it will
ever be.
With much respect
Your fcllow-citizen
JOHN RUTHERFORD
Saturday Evening, 9th August.