Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-02-13

FOR THE ENQUIRER.
Being confined 10 the house by the continued incle
mency Of the weather, and feeling rather IN want Of
so,oe .nsscmen after having finished The perusa of
your papers Of last week. feel disposed TO do what
never did IN my life TO give vent to my feelings In
desuor: wav, upon matters and things in general OF a
pao.c character. If this first essay, winch Snail be
confined to the p-oceeda Of the Virginia Legislature
shall find Itself worthy of place IN your columns, you
shall lear from Toe again; if not, can bat remain a
PASSIVE observer Of public events, as have been tor
the last twelve years of my life In reading the public
prints find that the most interesting, or at least the
most absorbing subjects that have been Introduced be-
fore ihst body this winter have been the election OF
L. s Senator and the discussion Of The resolutions IN
relation 20 the Bank of Va. and the President thereof
Ia relation TO the election of Senator, shall say but
ls As was expected by all, the present condition
.; part; :, Nr. Rves elected by close vote
Now ST. IL - strange coincidence OF circumstances
Mr Rive. elected by Democratic Legislature
u DO the damned decd which Mr.. Tyler refused 10
%, and that he elected by Wing Legislature to
undo ,he drty the sdirty work o. which he had been
guilty D. vote, SUB siientio, but by the delivery OF
most ingenious and argumentative speech IN defence
ii the E1pungns Resolptions-whchs speech always
keep y: ne, 10 exhibit TO isy good friends Of the Wing
,l.;y, henevcr they find it agreeable to examine
- merits | have believed his vote upon that
su5ec, Of the most meri.erious acts OF his pub
nc he. Mr. R.ves sooner elected 70 the
Senate than Mr.. Chopper Of Aecomac rises IN his
place and moves resolution, instructlng our Senators
rcexpunge the foul blot and Infamous act, which re-
solution passed the lower House by handsome nalo-
f; bet, fortunately for Mr. Rives II was lost IN the
Senate By Of IN 10 90. Now, Sir, If II had pass
81 that .ocv what would have been the condition o.
Mr.. X. n political point Of view | answer. any
thing but cav!able But for his speech IN defence OF
the measure, he and his allies might have plead that
he voted under instructons-but that plea Will not
AVA; them at this time, for the speech living record
Of his willingness IN do the act. We will suppose
If the agent of another, be instructed to do
any act IN violation Of the Constitution and the Laws
| may do il not, please. If choose TO obey,
and 90 that which know TO Re unlawful DO it under
Instructions butt If, before do the deed, appear be-
fore the people and make long speech in defence of
my conduct 1t shows conclusivey that approve of
tie course | am instructed 10 pursue.
In regard to the discussion, relative to the Bank and
lis offers, have read with some attention the speeches
on both sides of the question, reported the EnGu
and is really distressing to grave Legislators,
consuming the time of the House and wasting the pub
lie treasure in making long MINDED speeches, con-
cemnng the side, and approving or eXtenuat-
lug Tie other, the conduct Of Dr. Brockenbrough,
relative the late unfortunate dedication of the late
Teller 1t appear. to me, MIR. Editor, that the cues
ton simply this has DR.. B. been guilty Of NAL
easance Of duty'-and if so, has it been great that
the interests of the institution require his removal,
a. President of the Bans-or do his great financial
abilities require his being retained in The Bank: 1t
would appear evident to all, that after the report OF
tic Committee OF Investigation into the affairs of
tie Bank all the facts relation 20 the de:acaton
would have been elected which would have enabled
al the members to make up decision upon the subject
a once whether he should be removed not all
events, two well informed members upon the subject,
one for and the other against the resolutions might
have ad bare the subject in such way, as to have
aosd members to vote understandngly on it, But in
stead o! that, You find half dozen gentlemen on
each SIDE making great flourish of words, which,
wnen properly investigated, amounts to this and this
only; eng party defending him on the ground Of being
agTeat hnancer, refined gentleman, long tried and
faithful servant Of the public grown gray in their SER
si'e and that his confidence in his subordinates
was the Cause Of the default of the Teller. The other
party condemn him, for neglect ofduy in not observing
l'ie laws OF the Institution, and say their sympathy
y invoked by the other party, in reeraiing the fact,
mat the President is refined gentleman, great
hnancer, and grown gray the service of his coun-
ny dc &c. &c.-Now, Sir, | defy any man to
read these speeches, and not be struck with the same
ness Of Argument used by both parties 1t seems to
NE mat instead OF consuming weeks upon the subject,
" might have been disposed of in SO many days. Are
gentlemen members aware of the expense Of speech
Of hours length If mistake not both Houses of the
Legislature consist of los MEMBERS whose daily ex-
Pences, together with the necessary officers are about
Sioo day. therefore, speech of2 hours length, with
reply thereto, would the business hours of
me House for that day, and would therefore $1,000
Vow think ought to be valuable production to be
worth as much that and gentlemen ought to be