Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1842-07-21

their sex will not allow them 10 mix iii the
rougher scenes OF human life We may be sure
that whenever, by their presence, their smiles
and appreciation are bestowed, it is no ordin-
airy occurrence. That presence is always al
absolute guaranty Of order, decorum and res
Pect. take the greatest pleasure in bearing
testimony to their value and their virtue.
have ever found in them true and steadfas
friends, generously sympathising in distress
and, by their courageous forlitude in bearing
1t themselves, encouraging us to initiate their
example. And we all know and remember
how, as in 1910, they can powerfully aid a
great and good cause without any departure
from the propriety or dignity Of their sex.
In looking back upon my origin and pro-
gress through life, have great reason to be
thankful My father died in 1871 leaving me
an infant OF too tender years to retain any re-
collection of his smiles or endearments. NV
surviving parent removed to this State in 1892,
leaving me, boy of fifteen years of age, in
the office Of the High Court of Chancery, in
the City ofRichmond, without guardians, with
out pecuniary means Of support, to steer nv
course as might or could. A neglected ed
ucation was improved by my own irregular
exertions, without the benefit of systematic
instruction. studied law principally in the
office of a lamented friend, the late Governor
Brooke, then Attorney General of Virginia,
and also under the auspices of the venerable
and lamented Chancellor Wythe, for whom |
had acted as an amanuensis. ! obtained Ii
censeto practise the profession from the Judges
OF the Court of Appeals of Virginia, and es-
tablished myself in Lexington in 1872, with
out patrons, without the favor or countenance
OF the great or opulent, without the means of
paying my weekly board and in the midst of
a Bar uncommonly distinguished by eminent
members: l remember how comfortable
thought should be if / could make flOO,
Virginia money, per year, and with what de-
light received the first Is shillings fee NV
hopes were more than realized. ! immediate
ly rushed into successful and lucrative prac-
tice.
In 1903 or 4, when was absent from the
County of Fayette, at the Olympian Springs.
without my knowledge or previous consent, I
was brought forward as a candidate and elect
ed to the General Assembly Of this State. /
served in that body several years, and was
then transferred to the Senate, and afterwards
to the House of Representatives of the United
States. | will not dwell on the subsequent
events of my political life, or enumera,e the
offices which have filled. During my pub
lie career, have had bitter, implacable, reck-
less enemies. But if have been the object of
and unmerited calumnv, no
man has been beloved or honored by more de-
voted, faithful and enthusiastic friends. Iha~e
no eproaches-none-to make towards my
country, which has distinguished and elevated
me far beyond what had any right to expect
! forgive my enemies, and hope they may live
TO obtain the forgiveness Of their own hearts.
1t would neither be fitting nor is it my pur-
pose to pass judgment on all the acts of my
public life; but hope shall be excused for
one or two observations, which the occasion
appears to me TO authorize.
never but once changed my opinion on
any great measure of National policy. or any
great principle of construction of the National
Constitution. In early life, on deliberate con-
slderatIon, adopted the principles ST interpret
ing the Federal Constitution which had been
so ably developed and enforced by Mr. Madi-
son; IN his memorable report to the Virginia
Legislature, and TO them; as understood them.
have constantly adhered: Upon the cues
ton coming up in the Senate of the u. Safes
to recharter the first Bank of the United States
thirty years ago, opposed the recharter, upon
convictions which ] honestly entertained.
The experience of the War, which shortly fol-
lowed, the condition into which the currency
of the country was thrown; without a Bank.
and, / may now add later and more disaster
GUS experience, convinced me was wrong.
publicly stated to my constituents in speech
In Lexington, that which had made in the
House of Representatives of the United States
not having been reported) my reasons for that
change, and they are preserved in the archives
oilhe country: appeal to that record: and
am willing to be judged now and hereafter by
their validity.
l do not advert to the fact of this solitary
instance of change Of opinion, as implying any
personal merit, bit Because it is fact. will
however. say that think i; very perlous tc
the utility of any public man to make freduen
changes of opinion, or any change but upor
grounds SO sufficient and palpable, that the
public can clearly see and approve them. |
we could look through window into the hu
man breast, and there discover the causes
which led to changes Of opinion, they nigh
be made without hazard. But as it is impos
sible TO penetrate the human heart, and distin
gush between the sinister and honest motive
which prompt 1t, any public man that change
his OPINION once deliberately formed and pro
mulga'ed, under other circumstances than thos
which have stated, draws around him dis
trust lmPa;rs the public confidence, and les
sens MS capacity to serve his country.
VIII take this occasion now to say, tina
am, ana have been long satisfied, that
would have been wiser and more polite in m
to have declined accepting the Office of Secre
tary oil State In 1926. Not that my motive
were not-as pure and as patriotic as ever cal
RED any man into public office. Not that lh
CaluinIY which Was nnnlinI The fnci ,,,.,n ~ L