The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-03-09
MIR. WISE'S ADDRESS.

| MIX. w lOE'O hDOhEOC.
WASHINGTON, March 9th, 1S43
To the Congressional District Of Tirginia
composed Of the Counties Of York, Accomac,
&c.
To my old constituents need not say that,
for ten years, during the precise cycle Of cen
sus, l have been their Representative in Con-
gress. They sent me to the Capitol in mo-
ment Of deep interest and excitement, and the
excitement of succeeding scenes has continued
equally intense. In the most agilated times, in
the midst Of the most momcntous events, and
tudes, they never once found it necessary to in
sIuct me; but, by our intimate and mutual con-
fdence, was enabled TO represent their will so
certainly and so much to their satisfaction, that
after my first contest was four times elected
without regular opposition, and with such una
nimity among themselves and with such affec-
lionate regard towards me, that we were given
up by parties and politicians, throughout the
country, as belonging to each other inseparaby
in devoted attachment.
After this continued confidence after sacri-
6cing much time and most Of my means, and
all my health in their service, had determined
to retire this spring into private life, fully con-
tented with the taste had Of the bitter fruits Of
public station and fondly expecting that this
address would be an affectiona,e fare well, I"
unpouted by single topic or touch of party
politics. But Providence has willed it other
wise and, instead Of writing valedIctory,
am compelled 10 announce myself again a can
didate for seat in the House of Representa-
tves-o appeal to all who may now compose
the District in which | reside to decide the is
sue, which had hoped could not possibly be
made against me Whether | have faithfully
and honestly represented the People whilst l
have been a member Of the Congress of the
United States 2"
This issue has been forced upon me by
the action If a body no less digni6ed and
worthy OF respect than The Senate Of the
United States. In October, 1910, lmet on the
plains Of Yorktown, the masses Of "my peo-
pie, united, as we thought, in good and patri-
otic struggle. My exertons for years had been
exceedingly trying TO my physical constitution
and from the excitement and fatigue of that
day was Frustrated on bed Of sickness, from
which arose, not "to walk" but 10 lot,er along
with shattered frame ever since. In 1S4l, and
again in 1912, Immediately upon the adjourn
ment OF Congress in each case, was Frustrated
again and again by the most obstinate attacks oI
the bilious fever, so as to prevent me wholly,
during the last two years, from visiting my Dis
trict and rendering, as usual, tc my constituents
a true account Of my stewardship.
Las, fall, alter fever of eight weeks had laid
me literally at deaths door, the President Of the
United States visited my sick room, and saw
that my situation should forbid my return 10 tn,
labors and excitemen, Of the Representatives
Hall and he kindly proposed that would al
low him to enable me TO retire in such way a
to reinvigorate my health. He begged me, il
fact, to say myself what he should do for me il
J the way of appointment, either at home o
; abroad. utterly declined naming any wsl
, of my own as I had before peremptory de
clned his tender of the Navy Department
: when his Cabiner, in 1S4l, retired. NY healtl
{ was sufficiently restored to allow me to take M
seat during the last session, and in the course O
I il the President voluntarily notified me that h
e should nominate me TO the Senate for the va
: cant mission to France. My reply was lha
e after he had nominated me after the nomina
ton was confirmed, and after the expiration
!, my Congressional career, on the 4tb of Marcel
= 1913, and not before, would inform him VIII,
i Their would accept the place or not My nou
i nation was sent to the Senate and il has bee
: rejected The injunction of secrecy has bee
+ removed from the votes and the journal, bu, n,
r. from the debates and all the proceedings, an
d we are lief, wholly ignorant as yet Of The reason
n for the rejection. We must rely alone on III
a presumption in the case. What, then, are Ii
presumptive reasons for this rejection
Think not, my fellow-ci,izens, that ] a,
' about to arraign the Senate Of the Unit,
=" States. No From the beginning Of my Ct
rccl from my FIRST study Of the institutions
II nv country. have too long admired the Col
1. sti,uuou, too long revered the dignity an
I. worth, too often contended for the rights an