Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-02-07

Inc had bcrn
induced toeliange his opinion of Mr. Van Buren, He
sistblc ~" "''' ~
Mr.. WATKINS said, he was equally satisfied with the
explanation he had made of his change of opnion i'm re-
gard TO Mr.. Leigh
Mr. RIyEs rose for the purpose of explanation and
said that he entertained cheering confidence that his
motives IN bcspcakng the courteous patience of the
House tor very few longer severely fatoued
as mad already been by protractcd debate would be
justly appreciated by every member whose
he had the honor of possessing or to whom his peculiar
situation was known He, of course did not entertain .
nor mad yet the remotest intention of adding
one WORD 10 the discussion which these nominations had
enclted, however, under different circumstances he
might be tempted to participate in dezzrertain pre-
scnung questions ofpeculur interest posing mar
nitude-ln all OF which he might y ithout AFRO
gance, to feel just and patriotic concern lie could
surely need no other monitor the spontaneous die
tates Oh ms own feelings to persuade him TO scrupu-
ious Observance in this particular of the Obvious pro-
Prletes of his peculiar situation but being now called
upon 70 act ne ielt with deep and painful socitndc
necessity winch was imposed upon him by proDcr con-
sheraton OF his personal relations aud du
ues OF explaining, III simple and concise manner the
reasons Oh the course which he had determined TO pur
-
Il is very well known sir, said Mr. r.. that the whole
OF the exciting and absorbing interest which attaches to
tne now penang election solely derived from tlc mn
hfsea principles which it involves and The. pyie o,ir
tons which are supposed TO hang upon its issue Every
person wen knows that this contest wears none of the
narrow features of personal conpetiton bnt ON
the contrary assumes tho elevated rank of am honorable
struggle between conendng parties for the asccndancv
o nd
permit me, sur to say, that have learnt enough even i'm
my young experience Of the injustice and errors of nm
exclusive ana proscrPvc partzan zeal not to cherish
III my mnd the gratifying belief that both of these mar
Ties are, in the nan aiming at the same lo0v rn,s a.
pubic utility, and that the essential difference h,c
the means which they adopt is pctlaps reC,rr;l ;I
equa justice and charity 10 the fibly of human indg
ment rather than TO the bias of vicious couns or ,i
impaired force Of public virtue
WIN this appreciation Of the general Influence
which fain believe chiefly determine in ,,; -,
me organization and conduct of political parties under
sfs A. vi maturity be furnished by par
ticulaT instances Of depravcd DESIGNS an, bv NJ ,,
dsposed To view this contest through ,c dstorting
prendccso of Party; but rather through the clearer and
Purer light OF ready tolerance Of the opinions and
Just llDeray towards the motives Of others I'm tbis
light, have the qualification of knowing that il il
regarded By those who have thought Droper to ron
sutute me one OF the honorcd organs Of their Iegis-
latiye wishes on this floor. They, sir have felt
deep interest, and taken decided part In ali Tho
agItaung questions which it involves and have look
cd to It with appropriate anxiety "a tho foucb
stone Of parties in this body And nnsmuch a. cvory
topic OF public concern that could at ali affect ts cIc
tom was canvassed before them with laborous active
ana PerscveTng ZEAL can have difficulty i'm taking
heif decision at the polls their undouhtcd and na1
tered award upon this very question and in rccozi,
vpigo 70 glYe uiI effect to 1t by each and all Of my
o'e al acts rms, under different circumstances would
be an easy and pleasing task TO me moi onlv -, ar
count OF my past cooperation with them in the humble
sphere o. my public CONDUCT, hut chiefly ON account Of
that entire concurrence x sentiment o1 ths,. ,tit
which was in fact, nlSSps u TO my scat here
Bat N TINS case, it wiI cry readily conceived that
nb inuhSe personal tics, Mich connect inc with that
INDIVIDUAL, who has been honored on this occneion h,
the nomination Of that Party, with whom it is INV bride
and pleasure to act in this House are well calculated 10
vuoe an asfassncnt between the claims Of sensi.
i've decocy, and the obligations OF representative lnt
Whe IN the mere conflict Of yersoaaf interests g. s,b
contest should readily defer to The suesest;s ~
natural sensibillty, and the mandates of Il firc bo
nore9 custom IN this Assembly, by asking leave 10 m 90
euseo ifpiA voting, cannot in case Of t,ss sort an
Peanng 70 none OF The feelings Of personal Evalsbi
oat depending excusivcly on political orincinits i
pubic considcrations consent 10 impair by n,iSa3od
scrgpcs, the fol- weight Of the known and rrs.
WI o. my constituents. When indeed sir cooe;I,t
we nature Of this contest and reflect hat fbeso 49, ~
,xcuais are not presented 20 this House from no, a
u'e mo,Ves Of Pereoncs preference or personal
ses, parties into which The people 81 this oounfrv 80
-. ''"s' "Pep contemplate these things and view