Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-12-10

third. his property qualifications, and so |
On through every condition the State and
constitutions may require. IL the
right 10 inicrrogaie aud call FOR proof Of
qualification exists, il cannot be for the
graiihcation OF idle curiosity ;if il has an
ineligible object it must be 10 enable the
interrogators 10 sit in judgement, and de-
eide on the proof. Ii is easy to sec, gen.
tiemen 10 what consequences such pro
ceediags would lead. The constitution.
however, has provided another mode for
settling these questions, Than the decision
OF the political opponents Of the person
chosen The body 10 which he is elected
IS made the sole Judge Of the Qualifications
oil The member sent 10 it. You, gentle
men, have no power 10 either accent or
reject me, and ! know Of no authority you
have TO call for the proofs of my q,aliGca
tons. II, disclaiming any object Of thi,
KIND Jour purpose is TO obtain information
from me by which you may contest my
right TO a scat in the Senate of the United
States, you viii excuse me for declining
to give you any assistance.
II ! had not the necessary qualifications
Tor senator, the proper time 10 have made
the objection was when the election was
pending before the Legislature. If disre.
sarded there, my right to take my seat
could have been contested when I present.
Cd my credentials in the body 10 which !
was deputed. Had the objection been
made at that time, | was prepared with
full proof and ample explanations to re.
move it. lam sM ia possession of both,
and the Senate UiA sit merit wiaier.
You will pardon me for saying, that af
ter eighteen years of my life spent in the
service OF the State Of Louisiana, it sur
pfises me no little to find at this late day,
my citizenship contestcd. How ignorant
or cuIpably Negligent. must have been,
gentlemen. the People who sent me, their
representative, to the Legislaturc-,he
Governor and Senate, by whom | was ap.
pointed Judge Of the Supreme Court, and
hat Legislature by whose vote | now hold
the place oil Senator. And the same PEG
pic" who are now distressed by doubts Of
my capacity, where was their vigilance
and their patriotism, when, for the long
period Of thirteen years, an alien, as thcy
think, was administering Justice on the
Supreme Bench Of the State? And YOU,
100 gentlemen, who are impeiled by the
-
sole lore Of truth.' TO take this unpsece.
dented step, how comes it, that this gene
Gus impulse did not animate your bosoms
ana influence your actions in regard 10 my
disqualihcations. long before this? &,
not ask any answer TO these inquiries, bu,
| commend them TO your reflections.
Upon THIS view 0, the matter. must de
cinc answering yonr questions. 1t would
give me great pleasure to satisfy you, if
my understanding Of my duty as a public
servant did not forbid me. You will per
ceive that have, from a sense of cour.e
sy, waived all Objection TO the wan, of
proof Of your citizenship; which, in s,ric,
justice. ] had a right to demand, before |
made any reply for know of no reason
you have to call my quality Of citizen in
doubt, which would not authorize me TO
ask Tor the evidence of yours.
am, very respectfully, gentlemen. your
obedient servant. a. PORTER
10 Messrs. MARTIN GoRpos, Sen. sc.