Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1841-02-06
FOR TIE ENQUIRER

In looking over The Wing of the Odd this morning
see communication the signature of CnpePer
addressed to Mr. VIM. Smith, the present able repre-
sentative in the Senate of Virginia, from my district
enquIring to know whether that gentleman "con-s
before the people while holding office at their hands
Senator of portion of the district, whether il
is his intention to resign his seat in the Senate Cham
Der
Now, Mr. Editor, il is not my intention to answer for
Mr. 5. and it is well known To you, if not to the Wing
Correspondent, that the high and digned station Mr.
5. has heretofore occupied both gentleman and n
statesman, orbids that indug e for in the
belief that he WILL regardless of the wishes of portion
IT not all his constituents, stoop TO notice any such en-
quries coming from that quarter and appearing IN the
columns of paper known to be politically and person
ally hostile to him. Not that they design to ape the
coon skin tribe, in order 10 shield him from the Pnb
lie eye. No, Sir, Mr. SIS is before the people:
the consistent bold, energetic and statesman like
heretofore pursued by that gentleman through
his whole public life, particularly during the late Pre-
sdential canvass, has, amidst the whirlwnd of ca
umny and misfortune, gained the admiration and
respect OF h's foes, and won for himself a reputa-
that IS duly appreciated by his constituents. They
know who made personal sacrifices compl y ing
with the calls that were then made upon him, by
his Democratic friends, in different portions of the
State, to meet and give battle TO the enemy-they
know, too, who spent his money freely for that pur.
pose, when perhaps it lily suited him as any
other man in the State; and 10 him, we feel, in an
eminent degree, indebted for the triumph Of Democra-
cy IN good Old Virginia, over the unhnly and combined
efforts of the FEDERAL Wings and AbotonIsts, Coon
skins and Hard Cider Humbugs But, Sir, suppose
NJ. 5 should resign his seat in the Senate, and should,
by combination oil circumstances, be defeated By his
highly, estmable opponent, (Col Banks.) would we
not then lose the services of of Vgnias noblest
Sons; Most undoubtedly we should. For, unless |
entirely misunderstood the character of that gentleman
md the circumstances by which he is surrounded, his
friends could not prevail upon him 10 return 10 the Se
nate OF Virginia On the other hand with the same
result occurring would we not then have him in the
Senate occupying an important seat, and one that his
constituents would prefer seeing filled by him than by
any other man in the district?
So far as MIR. Smiths resignation is concerned, for
the purpose Of giving his constituents opportunity
of selecting suitable individual to fill the vacancy
curing by such resignation, l. one of his constI-
tuents, speaking for myself, and in behalf of those
whose views have right to know, will here state,
that it is barely considered matter of secondary
combination having recently many Of, and being
Immediately from amongst highly respectable and
intelligent portion Of his constituents, | profess TO
know something of their wishes upon this subject.
In the event of his being the choice of the people 10
represent them in the next Congress of the U S, sut
ficent for the day will be the evil thereof. will
them in due time, bring to the consideration OF the
District gentleman of Orange, whose habits and in
terests Immediately identified with the people, and
whose Abilities &c, authorize me in stating that he
will speak their sentiments and enforce their views
with becoming fidelity. The communication referred
to is calculated TO leave the Impression the public
mind that Mr. S. has forced himself upon the Senate
rial District which he has the honor to represent;
but unless am laboring under an erroneous impress
sion, that gentleman did not seek the office he now
holds in accepting which, when urged upon him by
his friends lie made great personal sacrifices. 1t must
also be recoectcd, that Mr.. S. refused to comply with
call from portion Of his constituents in 1888, to be-
come candidate for Congress; stating, that by do
ing, he would greatly endanger and probably defeat
the Democratic party in the District, but added "that
it would afford him pleasure TO take the field whenever
it could be done without danger of catastrophe so
much be deprecated" lie again urged prepare
tory the regular election in ls39he again refused
for the same reasons given in lS3-therc being at that
time Wing and Democratic candidate in the field
He has again been called on in 1871, TO redeem the
pledge given in 1893, and become candidate now,
as he then nvowcd he would do, 'whcnever il could
be safely done
], sir regret to see the two gentlemen, Col Banks
and Mr. Smith, come into the field together but the
friends Of each to be disposed determined to try
the strength of their respective candidates. in the name
ofIeaven lei them 90 into the field free of any preu
dice resting upon the public there being TO Wing OPP
position; and the result Of The election will depend
solely upon the personal popularity Of the candidates
they both being of the same political faith.
Respectfully yours,
Jan. 3OM, 1871. MEDICUS.