Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1835-07-30
CDe Gazette:
ARR 81 u @. va.
THURSDAY. JULY 80, 1885.

BEaJAMIS w. LEreH.-This gentleman, since
the publication Of his card announcing his inten-
ton Of taking his seat in the Senate, appears TO
be receiving the dcnunciatons Of the Van Bn
rem organs ia this state, in the most bountitpl
measure imaginable. They have been sadly
disappointed, and compelled TO abandon in des
pair, the last lingering hope of prostratins the
next Senate Of the United States at the footStoo!
Of Martin Van Buren,, and they seem determined
TO pour out the yias Of their wrath upon the head
Of The individual who has thus boldly dared to
ST and between them and the accomplishment Of
their ambitious designs. MIR. Leigh, lose 10
his present situation, not only without The help
but in tire very teeth Of the opposition, Of those
who are so anxious to take from him by force a
right guaranteed him by the constitution; and
therefore, docs not now deem it his duty to bow
down at their dictatiou MIR l.. was elevated
TO the Senatorial chair, an ayowed advocate Of
the right Of instruction, and as such, has pur-
sued course which is without spot or blemish
He has never, since he became member Of the
Senate, committed single act which those oPpo-
scd to him could lay hold of as pretext for say
ing that he has not honorably and faithfully rep
resented the interests and principles Of Virgin
ia in the councils Of the nation. What then, it
may be asked is the cause Of this hue and cry
raised against him by every administration press
in the statea Why, say they, Mr.. Leigh was
elected by legislature that would have instruc
led him differently, if il instructed him at all,
from what the one created since his election
may possibly instruct him therefore he ought
to resign Had Mr.. Leigh ever refused, or
shown any signs of refusing to obey Instructions,
then might they have some ground for demand
ing his resignation. Bat unluckly for his oppo.
nehts, he has never disobeyed any instructions.
and has assured them that he would never be
guilty of recreancy TO his avowed principles
" Obey or resign" was all that required
of Mr.. L., by the administration prints, from the
day of his election last winter, until after the
session of the Baltimore Convention. Till that
time the hope of placing Mr. Bives in nomination
for the Vice Presidency had deferred them from
making any requisition Of Mr.. L., save that of
adherence to the principles which he had pre-
viously arowed The doings Of that assemblage,
however, were Of such a character as TO over
Elk Minister, and sensitiyely remind him Of the
truth Of tho old adage, that ''there's many
slip twixt cup and lip" Since then, the place
now occupied by Mr.. Leigh has been wanted
for MIR. Rves, and its possession attempted to
be obtained, By brow beating him into resig-
nation The hopes Of those who thought TO
frighten Mr.. Leigh toSabandon his post, and 10
substitute Mr.. Riyes in his stead, have been
doomed to disappointment, as MIR. Lcigh's card
showed them that they had reckoncd without
their host, when they looked for him 10 yield
up his place to those who claim the possession,
as a right belonging 10 them, Of all the Offices
in the nation. The only real offence of Mr.. L.
is, that he will not give up his seat, and for
this he is TO be hunted down like beast OF prey
by those who think none but themselves enti
lied to the exercise Of a controlling influence in
the affairs Of government. The Richmond En-
quirer whose columns once shone with the mas
terly essays Of 'Algernon Sidney has raised
the cry against Mr.. l.. and it is echoed back by
every Van Buren, print in the state. 1t tells us
that the people will not submit to such an abuse as
would be offered by Mr. l.. should he remain at
his post. What abuse, we would ask would it
be offering to the people Of Virginia, for one of
their Senators 10 stand in his place at the next
session of Congress, and faithfully discharge the
duties connected with his station unless requested
by them to do otherwise Or what greater abuse
could he offer to the confidence thus reposed in
him, than TO desert his post & yield up his place
at time when the principles for which Vir-
ginia has heretofore commended, are in danger of
being overthrow by those who are attempting
10 chain her to the car of Van Buren,.
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