Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1839-02-23
General Assembly IF Virginia.
HOUSE OF DELEGATES-Friday,F eb. Is, 1889


Mr. PEYToS rose and nominated William G. Rives for
reelection TO the Senate OF the u. States for six years
from the 4th of March next.
He was aware that in presenting the names of ndiv
duas before tins body for Office in their gilt, the pac
tce had been indulge in an elaborate display,
count Of the mighty and almost super-human qualihca
tons he possessed and thus presenting his excelences
in bold relief But, believing as he did, that the
tom honored in The breach than in the obser
vance he would not allow il on this occasion. With,
out indulgng in any unnecessary and limited euogy
he begged leave present to the House the name Of
William &. Ryes he presented him Republican
and Pariot-as one who dares think for himself who
is possessed OF honor and integrity and who is fearless
to declare the convictions OF his judgment. He
minated him who presents rare example
amonr pubiic men, of sufficient moral frmuess TO
sink The portizan in the pat:ot, and to sacrifice the
brightest political prospects to the preservation of his
principles, and independent and patriotic
gard only the advancement of the public welfare. lie
presented him who truly represents this great
Commonwealth, all the leading questions which have
artaled this Union, and who, he would add, fills
the station of Senator with great dignity, and pre-em'
nent ability 1t was now for the Legislature 10 deter
mine whether they would again bestow their sufrages
Mr.. Rives, on this unbendng Republican, whose mo-
raj courage aud distinguished talent had emnenty qua
lifted him 10 represent Virginia the floor OF the Senate
Of the United States
Mr. Wilcox of New Kent and Charles City rose and
said:
MIR. Speaker- rise TO present to the favorable con'l
Iteration of the House, the name OF John Tyler, as
of the United States. In rendering more TO Virgi
MA the services of Mr.. Tyler, am acting the part
which my constituents have assigned me IN lhls gFeal
political play. Nay more, AN Gischarg'ng duty when
the friends of Mr. Tyler this floor have thought they
ought to require Of me. The task might, and perhaps
ourh TO have been assigned TO ADLER hands, 10 some one
more competent than myself TO advocate The claims OF
that distinguished gentleman, to the confidence OF ts
General Assembly. But what portion OF the people OF
Virginia ask, well prepared from long and IN
innate acquaintance with Mr. Tyler, 10 bear testimony 10
his high character those whose representative am;
who can so distinctly reflect their sentiments on TINS
floor, the humble individual who now addresses 'he
House !? =,
MIR Speaker, who will be elected, who is to he the
Senator is question Of deep interest," not only 10 Tue
citizens of Virginia, but to the people OF The whole
Union When look around this Hail. and see the dense
crowd in al,eudancc tina, lobby and gallery filled these
privileged all occupied; when see here citZens
from all parts of the State, OF every age and condition
of man when the hoary headed PATROLS, the ar,
dent youths and those who constitute The best GIT OF
God 10 man. without whose presence in life, Tins
world would be wilderness OF woe, eel the import.
ance of The OCCASION and see the interest manifested
in our deliberations. 1t is natural for men 10 dier IN
opinion Nature has constituted Us, and she has dis
PLAYED great wisdom in creation; she has gwen us
faculty Genominaed reason, by which We can compare
conflicting opinions and thus eventually arrive uu'h
That individuals should have their preferences, 10 10 be
expected aud with regard TO the great conflict OF OPT
mon which will appear among gentlemen 10 day, en-
treat the friends OF each and every Candidate oosp'ay
that moderation caimness and ioroearance WING" wiz
| contribute TO successful termination oil Inc ercuon,
and the elevation of nan TO the Senate 10 the Y D
who will feat essy sustain the rights and The character
Of Virginia.
The gentleman whose name have presented TO the
consideration ohe House. is the Of that little coun.
" which gave me birth, (Char!es Cy) and which is
embraced in the district represent have known him
long and when first knew him. he was in The service
of Virginia, representative Of the people oil his ma
tive county this floor The people Of that county dis
covered tina, Mr. T. possessed bold, vigorous and highly
cultivated mind, great powers OF elocutlon, an honest
heart, and clear head such man. stimulated by Inc
devoted patriotism, and love OF country rarely
eQnaled but surpassed could not TAIL 10 be honor
ed with the confidence Of the people Of Charles City -
They elected him most trumphanty as delegate in the
General Assembly, 10 the exclusion OF older soldiers IN
the public service.
He was but twenty one years Of ge; but al that early
period Of his life he took his stand in the Republican
ranks and has been fighting vaianty unde. the banner
of State Rights. His constituents were not long per-
United to retain his services: he soon won The esteem
and confidence of the Representatives OF the people, and
elected member OF the council The relation ne
hound him to eaiy fehds r changed hut tho Tues lhas
called upon him 10 become candidate for Congress;
Richmond Henrco New Kent and old Hanover, all
united in the CALI he promptly ooeyed ana was tr'um
nhan,lv elected over the celebrated Mr. Stevenson
While member OF the House of Representatives. he
molly indicated his political principles and gaan1y
commended for the ghis and interests OF the SCUM an
in tina, memorable conflict which settled the Missouri
question i, will be remembered that he in the front
rank fighting side by side with the firm and unflnch,ne
champions Of State Rights After some years OF active
SCI vice his health much impaired that he found
it necessary retire TO the shades OF private ie-and ne
retired universally respected and beloved But after ne
returned to his farm, CIncinna,us determined TO toll
low his agricultural and professional pursuits 1" the ope
OF spending the remainder Of his life in the service OF h
ner,s,ing family he was again called in the service o.
his early friends on this aIor He obeyed-hs grateful
heart could not -efuse compliance with the wishes OF
tuoss VINO had so long sustained him. Again his
n ChanUed-he
placed in the Gubernaoria Chair-even there he was
permitted To raman: vacancy occurred in the Sc
Of the States and he was elected by the General
Assembly to fill that vacancy-The term expired and he
was re elected He continued in the path Of recitude
and Of principle contendng for the rights of the people
against power, when he suddenly arrested in his go-
rious by blow aimed by the party power He
fell, but in glorious cause.-the cause OF truth. He
was required blot the records Of his counlrys Senate
To violate Gas he construed it that Constitution which
he had sworn TO support. Such man as Tyler could
commit Of moral turpitude He refused 10 obey;
but respecting the right OF the constituent body 10 in
struct, he promptly resigned.
Mr. Speaker, let me ask if Mr. Tyler then aban-
doned by the party 10 which he attached? No, Sir,
the Wings Of Virginia and OF The Union rallied to his
appropriately determined to reward him for the indie
pendence and patriotism he had displayed. What should
be his reward the enquiry? The response ready
the Vice Presidency. Tyler then deemed fl 10
preside that Senate from which he had been driven,
and in the Presidential election the Wing ticket point
ed hat tried Republican statesman and patriot Jno
Tyler" II that he worthy the confidence Of
his party that tme and if SO, what has occurred to
lessen bis claims to their support Let those whs OPP
pose his election point out his errors, if errors he has
committed
Mr. Speaker, let US test the man If moral honesty,
strict fidelity to the Constitution and high order of
talent, prepare for public SERVICE then is he pre-
pared. IF political consistency and determined reso-
luton stand by the people agonr power be
qualities let his long and arduous public life furnish The
testimony.
To represent truly and faithfully the sentiments Of
my constituents is my obecttheir will shall be the
rule Of my acton-to them and TO my God am res
ponsibe for my course on the present occasion. ain
determined to defend my principles and redeem the
pledges made to my constituents. | will not violate
ihem-Sooner than do SO, will die in my seat.
Mr.. Watkins and said, that he did not feel dis.
ac H. Aa