Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1840-1842, 1842-04-26

"a Clay Wing" again presents himself. Those
who are acquainted with the gentleman who is the
subject Of his puny assaults, have no difficulty in
understanding that gentleman. when he writes or
speaks. He has recently announced 10 the district
his purposes as TO his continuance IN his scat,
well as his treatment Of the charge OF "a Clay
Whig;" and this impotent rejoinder will not, am
sure provoke his notice. propose TO notice II, for
though wholly unused 10 writing for the public, and
unfit for an elaborate effort in that way feel fully
competent TO answer this.
The first paragraph announces the fact, that this
writer had seen MIR Thornton's address to his con-
stituents "the main object Of which seems Ito this
wriIer) to be yourself for having voted on
both Sides" &c. Looking TO what has been pub
lshe6 by this writer, no blunder which he commits
however gross, is matter of Bstonlshment. A dis
nct statement Of facts as to his own course by MI
Thornton, with the view Of showing with how Il lie
justice the responsibility Of defeating the reception
resolution was imputed 10 him, closing with the
emphatic avowal, that for his he did not ask
mercy, seems 10 this writer, TO be "an excuse for
voting both Sides" Sc. About as much discern
meut as should judge he possessed.
The second paragraph is another fair specimen Of
this writer's perspicuty:-"Yo are opposed 10 the
Distribution Bills It because you believe ii un.
constitutional do you believe, as did Senate
Tod, that il would have tendency TO corrupt tn
public morals7" Suppose il be answered, tha
neither of these objections be entertained can thu
writer perceive no other possible objection TO this
Law7 Has lie heard Of none otherl Why, he
can't see beyond the end Of his nose lie is igno
rant OF what is in the mouths of four fiths OF the
people throughout the country. IL won't do for
him 10 presume 10 enlighen Ii would be well II
intellectual nanity were all that this paragraph
exposes. II narrowing up the laceraled feelings Of
respectable and sUbdued friends, by a wanton refer
ence to the most humilintng misiortunes. be una
msble and the qualification TO he derived from such
unprovoked and Improbable contumely, be revolt
ing TO every generous heart, unneeded taunt the
degraded and undeiended, is equally unmanly.
Lower down in the piece, the question is pro-
pounded-"Wlll you plead ignorance" &c1 Mi
Thornton, take IL for granted, will not plead gno.
rance. But n member Of the Wing party, friend
ly myself to the charter OF od-fashioned U. S
Bank am glad TO be able TO relieve that party
from the inevitable consequences of this writer's
statement in this particular, by safe reference To
his obvious ignorance Of nl the leading principles
involved in the late canvass. IT, indeed. the Wings
OF Caroline county were running Gen. Harrison as
the Bank candidate" after all they said, and wrote,
and published on the subject, they were guilty Of
a degree Of disngenuousness and insincerity sufFi
Gent TO forfeit the confidence OF every vrtuous and
intelligent man.
Passing by much tempting subject Of comment in
the residue Of this piece and avoiding the paragraph
preceding the last, a specimen Of rhetoric, too
exquisite for unsophistic1ted critic as myself
come to the last paragraph. Here the writer pre-
himself in another aspect TO He expresses
friendship for Mr. Thornton, and in that spirit offer,
advice, coupled with threat. Having published
a gross imputalion and asperson OF gentlema NJ.
motives, unsusiained by one furnished fact, he ex
poses his inadequate estimate Of friendship by still
unblushingly protesting il; and has the indelicncy
TO offer advice. In view OF the qualities Of head
and heart here developed, no doubt Mr. Thornton
would say, with his Characteristic energy-When
ask your advice, | will thank you for Il.
trust TO the magnanimity Of Mr. Thornton.
friends, among whom am pleased 10 rank myself
20 prevent them from being Influenced by any thins
coming from such q source, in dischareing then
duty to their country. am perfectly SATISFIED ina
It would be gross injustice to attribute any respon
sbity 10 Mr. Sutton for any effusion of this sin,
writer.
am constituent and friend Of Mr. T., and
"a CLAY WING"