Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1835-07-28
THOMAS IN. BENTON.


Extract from the Proceedings Of public meeting Lu-
ray, Page county, IA, 23d March, 1885
William A. Harris offered the following resolu-
tons, accompanied with remarks explanatory of
their scope and bearing The resolutions received
viii, IN applause, and unanimously adopted;
hesotred That in representative republic, where the
people are intelligent and vrtuous the highest as well
the honorable reward of the patriot is TO merit
ana reeeire the appreciation of the great constituent
body.
Resored, That this meeting entertaining the most cx.
allied opinion of the talents aud patriotism of the Hon.
Thomas H. Benton, and feeling the profound obi-
cations Tor me aoe support which he has afforded TO the
present Administration OF the General Goyernmen-for
ms unanswered and unanswerabc arguments against the
United States Bank--for his eloquent and manly vind-
cation OF the President, from the unjust and un
warFanta6ie Senatorial censure-or his truly magnan
nous and patriotic self denial i'm declining at this crisis
The nomination for the Vice Presidency dcservcdly and
hatteringly mude-does, in its own name, and OIL behalf
of the citizens of the county of Page hereby tender TO
hun Tor these distinguished services their most hearty
ana sincere thanks cordial and devoted appreciation
On motion of Col. Mcpherson,
Resored, That the Secretary communicate n copv of
these proceedings to the Hon Thomas II Benton and
that they also be published in the Sentinel Globe and
Enquirer WHARTON JONES, CH'man.
WILLIAM A. HARRis, Secretary
LuRAY, Va April 9, 1896
DEAR SrR:TI has been made my duty to commun-
cate to you copy of the proceedings OF large public
meeting, recently held in the county of Page which
now enclose TO you In performing this vefy ourceable
duty, am sure that you will pardon me for expressing
my own deep of the obligations which the demo-
cratic part OF this great American community Justly owes
which grateful people could confer upon YOU sim
cere patriot auiy vrtuous statesman wialways place
Just estimate upon the good opinion of his
Our tribute, then, Tor your patriotic services, which
otherwise might seem unimportant will derive some va
sue IA your estimation, from the principles which in
spire IT, lie assurcd sir that Tie pcopic ave felt with
asenslbty quckened by apprehension, the deepest So
icudc Tor the result of the mighty conflict in which
the present Administration has been engaged In that
conflict you have done all that mortal man could do and
an that your country required You have supported the
President, and sustained the of the people You
40 flpfr ih,lin w..
sentiments You have fortified and confirmed their op
Mons You have vindcaed the insult offered to them
through the unjust condemnation of their President;
and ysS have trunpantly placed their above the
assaults of faction and revenge.
these great services in this great cause of human
rgh we, as part OF the community have rendered 10
You oil that is now in power bestow the homage
ana gratitude which flow from deep of the obi
arrive, which will enable us to render YOU more snh.
staptla proofs of good WILL shall embrace il with
friendship.
am dear Sir with the most profound respect and
sincere regard, your obedient servant,
- WILLIAM A. HARRIS.
Now near Fairfield, Rockbridge co. Va
REPLY
New ORLEANS, June ID. 1885
DEAR SiR:-I have had the honor to receive at this
place, your letter of Apr I'd addressed TO ,nc in Vr
gna aud covering copy of the resolutions adopted at
a meeting OF the citizens of Page county on the Dad of
tsarch last For the sentiment contained in the rcsou
friendly and fatterng letter, have to make NV nm
iegned thanks and to express the extreme qualification
winch feel at receiving distinguished a mark of
appreciation OF my political course. The Impoverished
and unpurchaseable appreciation of the people is the
most gratifying reward which public man can receive
Tor his efforts his country and with respect 10
myself, have been rewarded far beyond INV exnec,a
tions services
When first embarked in the contest AGAINST the
Bank OF the United States, and in support of President
jackson against the combined assault of that power
lu institution and its political coniederates nv mind
was fully made up TO receive all the obouuy which Las
iaiIen TO my share but had not contemplated the
other side OF the picture, made the least calcula
non upon any part of that public appreciation which
has been so kindly extended to me not that partic
Pated IN the least in that hackneycd idea of popular
which is the constant theme of those who
having first betrayed and deserted the cause of the pco
pie, are afterwards treated with the contempt and ne
gleet which they merit; but because could moi then
ana cannot now place the estimate upon nv abor
winch the ndnigent kindness of the country has done
and because l know and feel the work OF unyeiling
tile enormites OF institution which has been the
scoure OF the country and OF doing justice TO the heroic
patriotism OF the President has been but half nav far
less than half performed The Dictate an The eIpmHSin0
resolution, which may lay open the panic scene of 1891
and the appointment ola committee 20 prJe and moi To-
plaster the wounds and ulcers of the monster nun ,
complete Tic cOrk tchich has been 0iy begun and rive 10
Others, more capable, but Jealous than myself
an opportunity OF rendering the greatest most lasting
services 10 the country
Very respectfully, Sir,
Your obcdient and faithful servant
THOMAS II. BENTON