Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1834-02-27
Mr.. RIvEs's vALEDICToRY SPEECH.
Extract Of a Letter from Washington


eel have this moment witnessed Of the inn
posing interest and solemn moral grandeur aud
blimty IL Is the resignation by Mr. Rives Of his seat in
the Senate OF tho United States The attitude in which
he appeared the OCCASION was such as TO awaken the
deepest interest in the minds OF all present. both Senators
and spectators would you had been on the spot
her, that ms whole Da-s State had been present. that
were possible High-mnded as she L.. she would have
b'ushed Tor the wrong done Of the nobes OF her
a slight sketch Of Mr. . speech, delivered on tie
OCCASION lest should do him injustice. The position
which the instructions forced him, Of peculiar
dehcacy involving his declared opinions his fixed pnc
ples his consistency and his hsnor He acknowledged
the right OF the Legislature instructhis duty
der all ordinary circumstances obey instructions clearly
defining their object, and i'm oil either 10 obey
or resign. The present he conceived
him to support specific law joint resolution but iii.
rected him to the resolutions OF Mr. Clay which consist
only OF abstract propositions opinions differing from his
and uplstiDg their no action bv The 90.
verument. Under these circumstances. being instructed
to vote for opinions a. his which were not his n
and which he had moral power 10 make his own the
only alternative left him was resign his seat In doing
hs he declared his deep of the honor conferred
upon him by his native Satean honor more valued by
him. than any 10 which he had ever attained or which
could be conferred under Government or by any
vtrnment.
" But must have done. Mr. Riyes has acted In this
crisis-iko hmsef; and the position which he now
occupies in the public eye, truly enviable Nor will
he like Others be obliged TO wait osferfy do ius.
ce to his motives and Of action during these times
OF great excitement aad political intrigue The time is
not far distant, when Piginia will raise her voice in
tones OF high disapprobaion oil that of her
which has driven from the councils of the nation her most
distinguished sonthan whom has been more fsbful
to her often declared principles, ably defended
them.
81 From this day, Mr. Rves has become emphatcaliy
the property OF the Nation He so before But he
retires to his in Albemarle aud will carry with him.
into his loved home, the respect and Of all
have known him in his public career, and all parties
Report says he ill be provided for by the President as
head OF the Department Of State! Not HIS enemies
have raised this cry for his injury is true, he might
command any office in the gift Of the Government But
he declines all office, and will persevere In declining He
loves his Stae-hs cwn native States aud though she has
seemingly thrown him of, yet will he consent to be
aenated from her affections does he belepe that she
has discarded him nor will he believe it, till her voice i,
more clearly expressed him more veitabe
form.
He will not take Office from the Administration, as
much as he respects IT, He loves his Stae repeat and
prefers TO repose in her bosom and confidence and while
she seems to pronounce him unworthy Of honor he will
accept il from no other ouartero