Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1845-11-14
FoR THE Enquirer

-
To he Dsm0c,Gcy of Franklin County.
Fellow Citizens: The Spring Elections are APP
proachins-suiiicienty near TO arrest yonr alien
ton. As he grave questions which depend in
some measure upon your success in tina, struggle,
As we'll as the usages 81 our party, make il obli-
gaorY upon you, in our opinion, 10 select men to
represent you, on thai occasion, who are moi only
faithful opponents of your political views, but
able 10 reflect credit upon the station 10 which
they are appointed, and 10 understand and main
tain all your interests, in whatever form they may
present themselves, We, portion Of the party, de-
sirous Of securing the services OF such gentle
man 10 represent you in par, in The Legislature
OF 1916, beg leave 10 call your attention al this
early day 10 one who is every way qualified 10
discharge 50 high and solemn dniy. We al
Jude 10 Ralph A. Clement, Esq, Of Rocky Mount.
IN bringing The name oil this gentleman before
the public, in connection with the distinguished
office above named, we are persuaded that our
conduct will be understood and appreciated by
all who have The pleasure of his intimate ac-
quainlance Being one Of those retiring stu
dents, who labor whilst all others are asleep ana
with whom reelection and study take The place Of
idle and unmeaning conversation he is, perhaps,
no. So we'll known TO the great mass OF the peo-
pie as some others. Indeed he would scarcely
attract attention in times Of peace and qnie,. bu,
by the urbanily and smoothneSS OF his manners;
but this is more than ovcrbalanced when we see
him rising with The occasion, and astonishing
even his friends, by the yigor ami brilliancy OF
his mind. Il may be said OF him, as was said of
another, '1iie bae geld, he shines The brisAief he
marc nc is ruJ5ed"
We disclaim every wish, tellow-cilizens 10
dictate 10 You who your candidates shall be.
We would not even propose another, il it
was not understood that one OF lae gentlemen
who were candidates last Spring declined being
one in The Spring ensuing. II We desired 10
thrust any one upon you, we would not select
MIR. Clement. His hands have never been STAIN
ed with an intrigue, because his heart abhors il;
and he would no more become your representa-
tive, against your wish, than he would lend him
self 10 an act of the basest character de.
scendant OF Revolutionary ancestors on either
side-of those who have done good service in the
cause Of their country-himset independent 10
4 faut--he must be convinced that you call for
his services in such station, before you can get
them; for, he is a Republican as we'll b. nature
as hy educational gentleman, understanding the
principles and ends OF all governments, acquain;-
ed with the spirit Of our Constitution and insitu-
tons, and thoroughly lribued with love of them
"a patrio, of the modest stamp capable OF soar
ing above the paliry consideration Of self, and OF
honestly endeavorinS TO extend The prosperity and
glory OF our beloved old Commonwealth In one
word, We believe thai the services OF no man 10 The
county can be engaged who is better qualified, By
all the car!inal virtues OF The head and heart 10
be your representative than hc-brave, generous
and noble, he will meet all public questions with
dignity and firmness-eaEned, eloquent and pro-
found, he will comprehend al glance all your
Interests, and defend them as worthy successor OF
the distinguished Taliatcrro. Had Mr. Clements
half the confidence and ambition, fellow-citzens,
which some of our public men have, il would
not be necessary Tor US 10 sound his merit; i,
would shine forth of itself as a beacon light
But as he shuns, rather than courts, popular ~ap-
pIause, and prefers the unob,rusive pleasures Of
his Office TO the plaudits that iolow,he footsteps
OF stump orator, /" il IS necessary that his
friends should set forth his merit, and solicit Tor
him The confidence he would scorn 10 ask for him
sell. We recommend him 10 you with some de-