Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1838-03-01

reason assigned is, that the b.unders OF the
House OF Representatives are constitutional
laws, and paramount to The admitted con-
sttntiona laws of tho states, aud OF force
sufficient 10 annal the same. Doctrines SO
federal were never before advanced IN this
government, aud, if they be correct, then is
the House of Representatives a despot, aud
the rights of the states exist only IN lmn2inn'
ton. Ii such doctrines are correct, what
prevents Congress from declaring itself per-
petual-a rump Parliame n,--and then as
serting as they have in the present instance,
that, so long as that decision remains unre-
sclnded, the constitutional power Of the states
to hold their regular elections is suspended,
and their laws nulifed?
Upon the question Of the validity Of the
November election, the vote stood at tie,
aud the Speaker had tho glorious infany of
deciding ii against you. A single represen-
tative from another state exercised the pow
or Of denying your right to any representa-
ton; aud the still siaall voice Of James X.
Polk deprived YOU OF that which hundred
thousand bayonets could not have forced from
you.
! wish you distinctly to understand that
your right Of election, either in July or No
vember, has been sulemniy denied and repu-
dated. | told the House that you would not
submit quietly To have your elective franchise
trodden beneath the iron heel Of federal des-
potism, aud that there was no posse ession you
would not sooner part with than your right of
representation, that great legacy OF the reyo-
luton. Was | right or WAS | wrong IN thus
speaking for you? Whether right or wrong,
1 spoke my own sentiments when deDOunc-
ed, as did, the action OF the House as PLAIN
and pnlpable violation Of The constitutions
foul, hgh-handed and tyrannical uSurpatlon.
looked with scorn and derisIon upon the
Juggling and hypocrltai pretence OF sending
the election back for the purpose OF ascer-
tanning your wshea, when you had spoken,
through all yoar legal and constitutional
forms, in voice which an idiot could not fail
TO have understood. The House has decided
that both your elections in July or Noyem-
ber, are void and yet they permit the repre-
sentative from Arkansas To lold his seat un-
der two elections precisely parallel.
tell you candidly and honestly my own
opinion of the whole Transaction, and have
been close and attentive observer. ! be-
lieve you have been basely defrau6ed oil your
elective franchise, simply because you did
not choose, in exercising II, to consult the
political taste and complexion OF the majority
in the House. 1t is for you to say whether
you will bow in submission to the rod, and
sacrifice your great aud sacred rights at the
shrine OF parly dictatlon, or whether you Will
assert your rights, free aud untrammeiled, to-
elect whom you please as your representa-
tivcs.
The true contest now j., whether you or
the House Of Representatives, shall designate
the individuals who shall serve you in that
body. 70 the honorable and high minded
OF all political parties appeal, for di2nihcd
aud determined assertion of the rlgh. OF cleo
tion. Believing, as | do, before iieascn,thati
om your constitutional representative, in
spite of the tyranucal and arbitrary action
uf the House and believing too, TINT the
honor and character Of the citizens Of Mis-
sssippi are deeply involved in the action
which they may take in relation to this mat
ter, have deemed it my duty to address to
you some account of the result Of the high
orrand upon Which you sent me. The usurp-
ers have been driven from the capitol; but
your representatives. have been denled ad
mittance. To the best of iny humble ability
| have obeyed your high behest. IL now de-
wolves upon yon to assert, IN such manner as
honor and duty may dictate. your violated
rights. S. :. PkENTISS.
Washington City, Feb. Z, 1888.
P.S. shall be in Mississippi iii II few
days, when will be able to explain to you,
more at large, the Outrage which has been
committed upon you. s. s. +.