Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1841-04-07
To Ms Voter, al n. Ward Election,

have noticed, and the fact canr OF have eSc,nsd
your observation, that for weeks past our city
mas oeen iaooring under most unwonted excite.
ment on the subject of the City Sergeancy and that
mere is certain set who using every means in
ther power TO foster and increase this excitement
ana with what purposel But 1t becomes us, beCors
answering this question: TO ascertain fully the facts
ana circumstances attending the late election of CITY
sergeant, which seems to be the cause of this .y
o'ement ou will recollect that ut the March
term OF the Hastings Court, Capt. Wren was re-
eIec'e1 sergeant Tor the space Of two months The
Gay alter his election, he resigned the office IL he
came at once know TO the Court that thcrs ,,onId
&c Two candidates TO fill the vacancy-Mr John NJ
rerguson, at that time the Deputy Of Can't. Wren.
anu MIR wellington Goddin. In the course OF n dav
or two, the Magistrates OF the city whose dutv !,
Is, without lear, favor affection to elect To the
once the man whom they think best qualified 10
Gscharge It's duties, proceeded TO fill the vacancy
oolh the gentlemen above named, appeared befoTe
mem with high recommendation, and Mr. Goddin
with bash instructions from the Peopie But The re-
commentator Of MIR Ferguson which outveiebed
all others IN the minds of the Court was their own
personal knowledge that Mr. F. had, for several
years, discharged the various duties of the Office ns
.he DtPuty oil capt Wren, in manner highly
creditable TO himself and entirely satisfactory 70 al
persons int ested. MIR Ferguson had ais, recriv-
co the highest recommendations from nearly every
member OF the Bar, who, from their peculiir VOC,
uon, Know more OF the manner in which the duties
VI that once are discharged than any other class of
citizens. MIR Goddin also presented hiob iestino-
mas OF character and capacity for business but he
had never been in the Office and grea, Inconvenience
ana delay must have accrued by placing in Office
"lan VINO Whatever his capacity had never been
accustomed to the peculiar business OF that Office
and who would necessarily require some time 10
iamlIarize himself with them. Why create this
inconvenience and delay, when there is man in Of
nee who has given the best possible evidence OF his
capacity 10 discharge It's duties the actual per-
Torrance Of theml These considerations ds,errrin
ed The Court TO elect Mr. +. What has occurred
sincel We have seen the daily papers teenino Win
complaints against the Magistrates who voted for
VII not pretending, however, that the appoint
tnent which they have made is not a good one. hint
they complain that the Magistrates have not con
suited the will OF the People, have not obeyed in
structions, &c Sc, but strongly suspect Thai the
"hole ground OF complaint is, land originating with
very ytte, 10 suhserve their own purposes1 tb.t
MIR Goddn not elected. This Is The he'd -
front OF their offending.
Voters will you sanction this principIe or ro,be,
l might more properly say, this want OF prnciple5
VIII you consent that your city shall be annua Iv
thrown into such excitement upon such trivial o.e
SONS and which, though trihng in themselves tend
10 sueh perniclous consequence The People 10
instruct their Magistrates in the discharge of their
ohciai dntles Ii this is to be done, then every
queston which the law now requires to be decided
by the Court, will be referred TO the People-and
what me necessity TO select for your Magistrates
men OF intelligence, honor or iniegrity7 II Won
wish 10 have justice fairly administered il Is inds.
should he free
ah popular preJudlces and Influences or else we
the People, will soon be called upon 10 trv. con-
demn or acquIt every maefaclor, lust as the popu.
lar excitement IS Tor or against hun. But there il
another view OF this matter which requires your al
tention. BY the course of proceeding now nronos |
co. tue sergeant OF the City, who, by law is the |
aroiter OF qualification Of voters is required to hold
poll TOR hrs own election, or at least for those
phdScd 10 vote Tor or against him. What TENN.
taton to dishonesty 1t the officer choose, he /.
NgR
self as to enable him to the Hall and Bsncb
with men known TO be favorable TO his otgn
election, and what recourse have your Ony 10 an. |
peal from his decision TO the Hall, who, as be- !
ore supposed, are ei'e ed by him, from their known
opinions IN favor of his election Trace ont IN,
consequences which must result from this system
md see TO what they inevitably Iead-see VIVA, sort
1f men you will soon have IN your IL all and on the
oencb FROM long acquaintance with Mr. F,rgu- [
sons entertain no fears from him. but what guarantee
have we, that such men as MIR r. will continue in
)fhce, when we see such means resorted TO bv his I
opponent, or the friends Of has opponent 10 eyict /
hlm from Officer What manifestation Of MAGMA
lmity have we seen recently from this Hihs eGgus
. chaHenge IS rendered to Mr.. Ferguson TO refer
me election 70 The people, and IN a few DAYS we see
me same man 1.-THE clOven foot could not be con. |
'ealed) very anonymously accepting the chnl- !
enge as the friend OF Mr. Ferguson (the Lord de.
liver me from such friendsl and urging the people
70 the polls, hoping thereby 10 induce the he. !
LEI that all parties wish to refer the election
10 that tribunal; but this loo triekerV will not
DO, II IS too easily detected, and only shows
that defeat las driven them to desperation But
do that portion Of the voters most interested in the
eleelon OF city officers are the property. holders
beseech them to take interest in these election,
than they have heretofore done; 20 10 the polls and
put your stamp upon these miserable fntrigue,. |
on wal hnd II much easier 10 protect your rights
now that you have the power, than to recover back
the CITY from such hands rs 1is system tends to
place IL in. We sec, and with " hat dem nortifcs
ton, men who have nothing to recommend hem
(uniess 1t be low cunning) exercising an influence
over the affairs Of the city which the Oldest and best
men have not. These men can see, perhaps, how
lhef own interests are 10 be promoted by the reno
val OF the present incumbent, and supplying his
place with the opposing Candidate. But more anon
A CITIZEN.