Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-01-26
Respectfully, your ob-d't servl,
BEN. RUSH FLOYD.

rise Mr.. Speaker, 10 second the nomination
made by the gentleman from Buckingham. |
hope shall be INDUCED by the House in brlr-
" stating the reasons which have induced me 10
| do So This seems 10 me more contest between
The friends OF different gentlemen Tor dislin.
suished honor, than a struggle Tor The success u
any great principle In supporting the claims Of
Mr. Hunter, do moi desire 10 be understood as
detracline FROM or undertaking the merits ofany
other gentleman whose prelen>ions have been
urged before the House. have no desire TO tear
laurel from the brow OF any Democrat, and
have no war 10 make upon any one. My con-
stituents do moi care a straw who is made Sena-
tor, provided he is man OF talents, Of public
and private moral worth, and true 10 the great
principles OF Virginia. Upon me they have con.
terred the duty OF making The selection. In dong
so congratulate myself and the Democratic par
Is, that there are SO many in our ranks deemed
worthy OF the brilliant honor we are about 10 c.n.
fer.
The fame OF Mr.. Hunters great abilities has
reached my county, and have heard, his amiah's
private virtues were only elnalled by his shining
talents These, confess have strongly influenced
my course. But | remember, sir, Time, nov
passed, when dark cloud OF storm and Of gloom
hung, black as night over This STATE; when
tempest swept over The land, which not only OBJ
liberated The landmarks OF party distinctions, a.
in 1910 but threatened The sacred system itself and
shook the Union 10 its very centre. II was time sir,
when in The very streets Of this metropolis II Was
deemed almost treason TO do honor Ia The bannt'
OF the Commonwealth. Outlines have changed,
and the flag Of the State now waves in triumph
upon The Capitol. have heard, that through all
this period-in the darkness and storm--in he
midst OF defeat and dsaser-when none but The
strong man stood firm, Mr.. Hunter was true Is
now, in the sunshine pi success 10 all the great
fundamental principles Of the Commonwealth.
Is i, asking too much on the part OF those uho
desire Mr. Hunters election, and who were
may say greatly instrumental in producing ie
present prosperity OF our party, that they nd
be permitted 10 share some Of the hnnors Of hs
Triumph ask The majority of the Democratic
party 10 remember that The minority has ADHERED .
10 them in all the varied fortunes Of the past 70.
litcal ard parry coDhicis-lhat they were VITA ,
them IN the soomest period Of discontinue and
overthrow Remember, that we were b. you' /
sides, with flashing swords and nodding plnne'r
on every battle field, where danger was creates J
aud blows fell hardest, checrfully sharing Al
your fortunes. whether Tor veal or woc-u.
Struggled, fought and fell with you and for you :.
and We have finally triumphed with you! u Z
] ask 100 much then, when demand, in the nans /
Of that minority, that you should allow mem
some small participation in the glory OF lie ,ue (
cess7-lhat you should concede something
their wishes1 | hope moi, for the cenlst; Z
seems TO me consistent with the dictates
upright Justice. You, gentlemen, may ''e..I
with honor 10 yourselves. Concession VI
the many is magnanimity-it is noble setr
rosily! Submission by The few is conlemf 2
tble servility! You can afford TO be generous 4
We cannot submit 10 be slaves. Especially q
YOU do so now, as this election can only be ma !
by majority Of The whole bocy. We ha'l:. z
that majority can lose nothing. whilst we q
tue 10 our principles; and the gentleman r.
Campbell need no, congratulate himself al 'ss
state OF things do not believe we could conht
the honor and lie principles OF The State in sa'
hands than Mr.. Hunters; and hope The Hoo' \.
will bes,ow the elevated station upon one VITO tte
| been SO true TO Virginia and her priLclP'
through lie of much political service. =,