Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1845-05-08
For the Spectator. .

For the Spectator.
CART. HARPrs:-In card recently put forth
over the signature Of John ID. Bald win, insinua-
lions OF such nature are made against me, tina,
ask the indulgence Of your columns TO contra
oict az tar as can the effect designed by its pub
fica'icn. | persuade myself simple siatemen,
Q, what MIR. Baldwin said, respecting electing
y. .. Senators for life, sone time in November
last, but which he now denies, will be sufficient
70 satisfy all unprcjudced minds that the state
ment from The 'Augusta Democrat" over the sig
natufe OF "Truth" is correct, and contains the
assertion he expressed at the time referred TO- in
my letter to Mr.. Geiger. l appear then not as
fact indellibly impressed on my mind, because
of its extraordinary nature. Those who knew
the relations of friendship between Mr.. Baldwin
and MYSELF will at once see tina, I had no motive
whatever In misrePresenting him. To have given
offence to Mr.. Baldwin, by repeating his views,
is indeed Notifying, because had though, honest
politicians could not change the deliberate con-
Siction Of their minds for the sake of public fa-
vor. He, however, in the endeavor 10 avert the
censure of his fellow-ctizens, has thought proper
to sever the relations Of friendship between us
and not satisfied with his denial as if conscious
Of his own wrong, solicits the interference of o.
theirs, whose testimony his parades with great
flourish before the public. In thus ofIering his
evidence to the public, he claims all the weight
usually given TO witnesses, in no wise interested.
In this case, Mr.. b., had he known, ought to have
advised his Witnesses that in a court of law. the
testimony would not be received, in consequences
OF the mode in obtaining what they knew. AZ
ter 90 many years at college, and under the super
vision too of his very worthy and profound sire,
and more distinguished connection, one would
suppose him more expert in matters Of this kind
but not so, the boy will stumble.
have perfect knowledge Of what occurred at
the corner of the store of Crawford g. Co., and
whilst Messrs. Hartman ought to have stated
was called from the couuting-room, yet they do
not say. The thing was arranged no doubt for
the purpose of extricating their friend Whilst
engaged in giving the particulars Of this CONVEX
sation, it would have better comporied with JUS
lice for them TO have certified to the whole, and
not part. Mr.. Baldwin, however, does these
gentlemen great injustice. He introduces their
testimony 10 prove retracted what had said of
his expressing himself sin favor of electing Sena-
tors for life, &C.; but I ask the public to exa-
mine their statement from line to line and il the
worl 'refrdTif' be once found, will surrender
the point. 1t is true they state appeared to be
satisfied" with his explanation, in which they
are correct; but what man is there with proper
respect for others, that could so far violate the
rules Of decorum as to refuse the entreaty of one
explaining his meaning. Indeed this explanation
Of Mr.. Baldwin's, with which his witnesses saw
/ am satisfied" establishes the fact beyond con-
tradction, that prior conversation on that SUBJ
ject had taken place, and if it were on any other
not shewn it. a man may be satisfied" of
what was meant, but surely he has the right TO
say what was expressed. Mr.. Baldwin, however
concludes, the people shall not have his "words''
without his ''explanaton." The wonder is how
Mr.. Baldwin can defend himself so we'll upon
such untenable testimony; and therefore sub
init TO the people whether il can rebound to the
credit Of the officer to apply the evidence of the
Messrs. Harman TO fact Of Which IL does not
speak. All this is done however to sustain
sinking reputation. Having, as he thinks. estab-
lished my recantation by this indirect evidence,
goes only to shew 81 said was satisfied with
this explanation" instead of saying retraeted,
Mr.. Baldwin calls to the stand another witness,
Mr. Tate. A question is propounded. Do you
know any thing of the conversation between
Harris and myself respecting the election of U.
S. Senators, &c., Answer, No. | know of
no such conversation, elf, however, you wish it,
will hop up and certify, that in my conversa-
tions with you, you opposed any alteration in the
Federal Constitution" This is the substance in
truth Of Mr.. Tate's testimony, having no refer
ence whatever to either the first or second con-
versation with Mr.. Baldwin; yet, lawyer like,
parades his certificate, proof that 1 did moi
hear him make the declaration at all. Indeed, if
MIR. Tate's certificate was intended to have that
effect, Mr.. Baldwin himself would be placed in
an awkward position, for his other witnesses say,
after 81 heard his 'eTplanatiOn' was satisfied :"
and the strong legal inference is, that had Mr..
Baldwin been wholly innocent of the charge. in
stead of coming to me with explanations Of his
meaning" he would have been armed with terrific
threats. Thus sir, it will be seen, that the testi-
mony Of the witnesses do not justify the conclu-
sion that had in any way retracted what had
said. On the contrary assert it, and re-assert
it,. To what miserable subterfuge will Mr.. Bald
win descend next! Gould Mr.. Tate but have
checked his political ambition for WHILE instead
OF making his appearance as the understrapper of
Capt. John B. Baldwin, he might have appeared,
Gas he doubtless desires,) in more dignifed po-
sition-for instance, candidate next April
Man, hold that basket. Mr.. Baldwin uses strong
language in his card towards me. All that
have to say to him that part of the subject is,
hur back the lie on his own head with redou-
bled force, as only being worthy of man who,
in the excitement of political defeat, gives ut
terance to language, and denies it when he finds
it is likely to injure him.
And now, sir, as have disposed Of this affair
probably forever, close by saying, what say
will stand by and defend in my own proper per
son. JOHN r. HARRIS.
Harrisonburg, Va, April "a, 1916.
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