Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1841-03-24

which It's obligations would arise. No. Theesnx,s,
larry begun, the candidates were before the peo-
tnelr pretensions IN the act Of being freely
ana ially discussed, when the friends OF Mr. s dis
covering that his competitor would in all probability
Dear on The palm Of vlcor suddenly bethou sht them
o, an expedlent TO defeat his election, and TO bring
on 'heir candidate unscathed from the contest. Mr.
John a. Lancaster, a merchant, and n gentleman
OF great worth, personal popularity and nhuence
was announced Candidate 10y one of them, in
public meeting. As as this was done Mr.
Daniel, without owoiiing any popular Indications
called on Mr. Lancaster, and inquired whether he
woulu accept the nomination, declaring at the samo
time, his readiness in that event TO withdraw and
70 give him his support. The nomination thus
made, alter consultation with his friends was for
m1lIy declined by MIR Lancaster; and the two can
e'ues are RENTED TO their original position be-
iore the people. The canvass proceeds, the candi-
yates mix freely with the people, and their rival
Claims are discussed in the public prints, in private
circles and on public occasions. The public mind
FULLY occupied, and the public sentiment fairly
elected. IL is not pretended, on any hand that MIR
Daniel would not ably and efficiently represent the
interests, opinions and feelings of the city, and il
mas become more and more apparent, at every
stage OF the contest, that the choice of the peo.
PIE VIII tall upon him. In this state OF af-
IMrs' Mr Taylor Is announced; and suddenly
those who were day ago opposed to oil Iapuers.
ana those who could nothing to recommend
Mr. Daniel, over his opponent in his superior years
ana greater experience, have, il is said, become
strongly OF opinion that MIR Taylors superior legal
quaeatoHs and greaisr maturity of intellect fur.
hish suihcient reasons for setting aside MIR Daniels
Pre'enuons, without even the appearance Of cere-
mony. May offer a few suggestions on this state
of things2
l: As to Mr.. Taylor-It is stated that he ha,
usunety refused to be eanddais and it is certain
that 1t brought forward no,c, he is not constitutions
any qualified. But the authors OF this scheme say
that he will strre If elected and that he can be-
come eligible by removing his residence to the city
before me e!ection or, even il not qualified the
time oil the election, he may still be voted for and if
he receives majority of the votes, he can resign
the ONCE thus illegally conferred become qualified
and We again elected. IL this scheme were feasible
very much mistake the man, if Samuel TAYLOR
shall lend himself 10 any such project.
?. As TO Mr.. Stanard-It is said that he will
withdraw in favour Of Mr.. Taylor. Ii should
DC remembered that he has never before placed
himself upon any contingency which could result in
nus Withdrawal. The merit of retiring in the face
OF certain defeat, would, TO say the least be of
very equivocal character, especially when such a
step would obviously have the effect of iniuring his
present competitor. Let it not be supposed that
lmpnte TO him any such design. l only repeat the
on aus OF the city circles.
D AS respects the opponents of Mr. Daniel
poeS not Tins pertinacious opposition this shifting
OF IFon's-thIs changing of means TO work his de.
lea', SEEM al least, 10 imply than mere diff
ference OF opinion rs to the merits of two Wing |
candidates Does II not assume the look Of per.
"NSsi'Ji huu u Wnat mas ne zone 10
reserve 1t at the hands Of his partyl Is he incom-
petent for the stauon7 Has he been wanting in
eaity 10 wing prlnclplesl Is there ought TO OBJ
ect to his character Ii these or other objections
could be made, however grounjesSly, or ifthe SER
wees OF MIR Taylor are SO imperiously demanded
oy any public eXigency, why was he not brought
FORWARD earlier IN the canvass-before many of the
common friends of both were committed TO Mr. Dan.
ieH why was not an appeal made TO Mr. DIS pub |
nc spirit at time when gracefully and cheerfully,
and with credit he might have deferred TO superior
age and merritt That he would have done so, none
can doubt, because he has already given the clear
est evidence OF his disposition in this respect. But
Inc authors OF this movement have not ventured TO
ipproach MIR Daniel on the subject. They cannot,
because they know that as man Of spirit and in
dependence, he can never retire al the request Of
nose whose only aim seems 10 be TO defeat HIM, and
whose opposition, however intended, shows nothing |
o' kindness or liberaiity. And why, after two
months OF excitement and dlstTaction-alter he is
FULLY committed TO his friends-after all the usual
means oil opposition to him have been exhausted in
lavor OF Mr. Stanard, and exhausted in vain-why
should MIR Daniel and Mr. Taylor, agreeing in poll
TICS friendly in their relations and surrounded by
common friendships, urged on by circumstances
which leave the former alternative but TO continue
The contest, to division of their party TO the en-
oarrassment of their common friends and TO an at
ttude painful to them boihi For my part, what. |
ever might have been my original preference |
have no option now but 10 support the candidate
hrst IN the field, who is fully committed 10 his
lrends-whose sensibilities have been subjected
Tor such length of time TO the scrutiny and dis
cusS'on to which every candidate is exposed, and
against whom find no valid objection. r.