Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-02-24
Virginia Legislature.
IN THE SENATE OF VA


IN THE SENATE OF VA.
Remarks Of Mr. Cooke, Ae Resolution offered by Mr.
anderson, Of BOtet0r dscaring iHerDeient To no
into The Election IF Senator IN the Congress of The
United States, during the present Of tie Geaeral
assembly. Deii6ered Jan. 29h
could have hoped Mr.. Speaker, that either the mov
er, other advocate of the Resolution in your
hand, would have favored us with fuller development
of the which they think ought induce the Sc
nate to adopt it, than has heretofore been given But
they have not thought proper to do nothing remains
Tor me- but to suggest such objections TO me TO
the adoption of this novel extraordinary and in my OPT
nion dangerous procedure.
You, sir, and perhaps portion of the Senate NAV
chance TO recollect that the commencement of the
session. when the election ofa IT, States Senator was be-
fore this body expressed apprehension that pur-
pose entertained of postponing this election to the
meeting of the next General Assembly. Perhaps sir
my perception of the evil from this source was IT.
tie sharpened by the fact then alluded to- that had
derstood celebrated member of the United States
Senate, speaking almost in authority, had said
that the Senate OF Virginia would refuse to 20 into
the election, unless they found Mr. Rives could sue.
coed. 4 deprecated and depored then, and now the
adoption Of such suggestion, from such q quarter
should sincerely regret to the Senate OF Virginia
for the accomplishment of miserable party purpose
sanctionng course which would violate a usage coeva
with the government and result refusal 10 Discharge
duty which believe is imposed on by the Consti-
tuition Sir whatever presidents may be found i'm other
quarters the history OF Virginia furnishes one of
refusal or failure of the General Assembly, elect the
Senator OF the H. 5 at the session preceding the xpr
ton of the term of service of the incumbent The at
tempt was made three years ago, but failed by most
marked majority, in the House which it originated
There is aspect in which this question presents it,
self, that in my opinion calls upon the minority in this
body TO meet it promptly and decsvely Sir, nv res.
Pect tor the Senator who has moved The resolution i'm
your hand aud for those who will aid him in its passage
forbds my entertaining the suspicion that lac they
elections. Ny friend from Botetourt has informed us
that his only motive for offering this resolution, is
afford him opp rtunity of recording his vote upon it
and he frankly declares that he does mean To persist
in refusing execute the joint order of the day should
the House disagree to the postponement. rejoice to
nd
which have TO believe has been seriously mcd
tated Is abandoned even by portion of its advocates
But, sir it is duty discuss its propriety inasmuch
my friend from Prince George mir Rves) avows his
determination 10 put off the election, without the
consent of the House of Delegates
Mr. Speaker i'll could bring myselfto prefer the interest
ola political party TO e dignity and character the body
towhch have the honor belong and ofmy native State
should rejoice to see te majority of this Senate plant
ing themselves on this ground, and obsnatcy main
tanning it to the last believe, sir that such high
handed and reckless course would produce almost uni
versal dsapprobItOn among the good people this Com
monwealth and am inclined TO believe that this con-
yicon on the part Of some Of the original advocates of
this notable scheme, has wofuly hnned their ranks of
late. But, Mr. Speaker should be unworthy Of seat
on this hoor--nay sir should despise myself if could
take pleasure ia an event tat believed compromised
the dignity and character of this body because it promo
ted the interest ofthe political party to which
tached.
have said Mr. Speaker that acquit gentlemen ON
this floor of all design OF bringing forward this PROPOSE
ton for the purpose of prOne the approaching rino
elections, by its asccaincd rejeco by the other branch
of the Legislature. But who blind as not already TO
have indications that must satisfy every observing
man, that the refusal by The Opposition majority in the
other House. to postpone the election of Senator to be
seized on by parznp writer's AID editors and by 6rawing
demagogues, to decide and deceive the people the
polls.
The fegnod issue of "Bank or no Bank" the ridcu.
lous humbug Of "lIard Money" of Benton yellow
jackets, and must be laid aside as worth
less and their place supplied by some neg device Of
party admirably skilled the ofdciending their weak
points by timely diversion. Ere this, Mr. Speaker
the watch-wOrd TO be used at the coming conflict has
been agreed and has gone forth 20 the egc subjects
ct NE Party The war-cy for April Disobedicncc of
instructons and should the resolution on your table
pass the Senate, and be rejected in the House as 1oe
hro~ II c~te same question haoUg bceR aiTeddy de-
otded Merethe next general order issued from head
quarters, viii give new pass word" unwllingncss to
trust the People. All the ants Of party SLANG and un
scrupulous distortion Of fact are 10 be resored TO- to
cite the popular prejudice against those who refuse TO
bow at the shrine of power
say, SIR the first nrtfce which the leaders of the
Administration party-Perhaps should say tie Van
Buren, partywl resort in the spring. will be To charoe
upon their opponents iadscripiuafeiy refsoi IN oSg
tnstrnos Why else sir, the bold and reckless
ton OF the Jackson press, that majority of the People
have actually instructed their representatives. ia almost
every county where the attempt made The cue
koo note of the press that Mr. Leigh coald not be
reelected except by wanton msrcp presentation of the
will Of the People and violation Of the RIGHT Of pe,nc
ton Why else the elaborate closet essays in defence
OF the sacred right Of instruction TO which have late.
ly listened "a defence unnecessary aud uncaedfor
AZ would be an attempt 70 prove that the shines al
md-dny-for have met with neither man, nor
child who denies the ght, questions the duty Of ODE
diencc on the part Of the eprc8cntatiVe.
For myself Individually, 1 need ouicr no disclaimer
on tins subJect-my opinions were made known TO my
constituents thirteen years ago, aud have undergone no
change.
Akin to this charge Of 1disobcdence Of distinctions
sthc Glamour and the outcry that every who does
not shut his eyes upon passing events Sec win be
raised against those who shall defeat the notable promo
siiion on your table Attempts will be made or / aG
false prophet TO inamc the People against the Opposj
ton majority 10 tine present Legislature by charging
upon that majority that they forcsalng public o
non-that they have no confidence in Che People aud
ere afraid TO trust them
nov, sf as these would be seriOss charges, u fue
rate, % meet and repe them at and by presenting
the question IN IT. true and real cOlors 10 enable e
People 70 decide whether portion Of their reprceent
styes Influenced n the vote they about 10 bv
fear and dstust Of their constt0entsor the other r.
operated upon BY considerations connected with the in
ieresis Of party