New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1847-12-09
THINGS IN WASHINGTON.



fra and TUX % r0s for hm-Thsr reas0Hs for such
| y,6.sal-Coyre.pordeace Sih Mr.. Hi.throp.
In more than one Of my late letters have ex.
pressed stronger fears than hopes respecting the
issue Of the nomination Of ROBERT c. WINTHROP
as candidate Of the Wings Of the House for the
high and honorable post Of Speaker. Anticipating
no aid save from the Wing party proper in the
House, and having reasonable grounds for appre
hending the absence Of three if not more OF the
Wing Members, could not but suppose from my
knowledge Of a certain sentiment Of objection TO
Mr.. WINTHROP in the minds Of a few individuals in
the party, that his chance Of success was at the
best problematical
The result has shown the reasonabeness OF the
apprehension entertained, and to great degree
verified the prediction expressed. Two members
claiming to be Wing and another elected by
Wing votes, recorded on each successive ballot
their names against Mr.. Winthrop and his for
tunate and truly grateful success on the third was
due alike to the msgnanimity Of a generous oppo-
nent and the unexpected aid Of a neutral
On good and sufficient grounds, in the opinion Of
many. Messrs Giddings Of Ohio and Tuck Of New
Hampshire refused to aid in the elevation Of Mr.
Winthrop nor is it to be objected to Mr.. Palfrcy
Of approximations opposition 10 that gentleman,
he passed by the qualification Of State pride or
even the considerations OF personal friendship,
provided bis course was dictated by devotion 10
principle too potent 10 be resisted. Where be IL
best known, most undoubtedly, his conduct in the
premises will be duly considered. This think can
be said with truth that none regretted more deeply
and sincerely the painful necessity that seemed 70
urge their opposition than these three gentlemen
themselves But their deliberations convinced
them OF the righteousness OF their cause and their
cOnsciences compelled its adoption.
It IL but reasonable TO suppose, from develop
ments that have met the eyes of many, that these
gentlemen had opened, previously TO the day OF the
meeting Of Congress direct correspondence with
Mr. Winthrop nor do / think it would be viola.
ton truth TO state that they sought satisfaction
from him as to what would be his cOurse,-provded
he was elected Speaker,-in the appointment OF
Committees
Ifhe would constitute the Committees Of Foreign
Relations and Of Ways and Means so as TO arrest
the existing war
ries 80 as TO prevent the legal establishment OF
slavery within any territory
II he would so constitute the Committee on the
Judiciary as TO favor the repeal OF the law OF Feb
u, 80, which denies trial by jury 70 persons
charged with being slayes-as 70 give lar and
favorable consideration 10 the question Of repeal Of
those acts OF Congress which now sustain slavery
in the District of Columbia, and TO promote such
measures as may be in the power OF Congress ~
remedy the grievances Of which Massachusetts,
complains from South Carolina, IN regard 70 Ill
treatment of her citizens.
There was abundant reason for the institution oil
such inquiries on the part of these gentlemen. The
public mind at the North has been, and 49, much
agitated on some if not all these questions and
the gentlemen alluded to, each and all, represent
constituencies where such considerations are the
all absorbing feeling. To blindly run the risk oil
fko dioqu se1np
of these matters by the appointment OF hostile or
even Indifferent committees they could not satisfy
their cOnsciences was right-nor did they believe
they could so easily satisfy their constituencies.
But even to interrogatories put In such respect
ful and friendly manner and springng from such
good reasons, Mr. WINTHROP had but one reply,
In his own estimation 10 make. Those who know
him well anticipate the reply-ior 1t was, Ike nm
self high-minded, frank and determined tie could
give no pledges. He had served seven years IN
Congress and taken an active part in almost every
measure submitted to its consideration during such
time His votes were on record. His speeches
were part OF the history OF Congress. If they had
failed to inspire confidence in his course he could
easily say that nothing got up for the occasion
ought to do So Unpledged, he was nominated
unpledged. If at all he could be elected.
| see nothing in the conduct OF either party 20
this transaction to disapprove-much 10 admire
The three could not conscientlously vote for Mr.
Winthrop without satisfaction in regard to his iu
ture conduct upon such great and cardinal features
of their policy-nor could he satisfy them, without
at the same time a sacrifice of sefrespect They
did not hesitate prefer the suggestions OF duty to
the indulgence of party and personal feeling-stl
less did he hesitate to postpone the gratlhcaton OF
a audable pride to what he considered the dictate
of honor.
In voting for JAMES WILSON, Messrs. Giddings
aud Tuck paid deserved compliment to that true
son Of New. Hampshire and able advocate of Free
dom--nor can it be doubted that Wilson and Tuck
will be found shoulder to shoulder for the adoption
of sound measures public policy and maintenance
of national honor and universal justice NJ