Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1841-1853, 1847-03-25
TO the Democratic Electors Of the
Eiflh Congressional DISTRICT.


My FRIENDs:-The Congress of which, by your
suifrages have been member, adjourned the
third nst and the relation of Representative and
stItuents has ceased exist between you and myself
have endeavored TO express my gratitude for the
honor which you conferred upon me- (without teazing
solicitations my part) by honest laborious, and
energetic discharge Of the duties of the position to
which you called me. / regret that | had not more
ability te bring 10 your service; but such as had |
laid under full contribution, was my duty to d.
In one instance gave a vote which, for time, was
mIsrepresented by the designing, and misunderstood
| by many OF the honest. BY temporarily submitting
TO some Injustice this score have had the proud
satisfaction of demonstrating that BY refusing TO do
thing at the wrong time, ii be better done at the
| right time. Our volunteers instead of being fobbed
of with paltry reward of tweniy-four dollars, will
receive that sum. and also their choice of quarter
section of land, selected by themselves, or one hum
dred dollars in cash. Hasty legislation would have
deprived Them OF the better portion of this reward
Should continue to be your representative, shall
not hesitate again TO do the right thing even at the
hazard of being temporarily misunderstood.
During the session which has recently closed,
great variety OF legislation perfected, much of
which had for Its object vigorous prosecution Of the
war with Mexico. A list of the acts passed would
swell this communication beyond reasonable length
Some of the called for by EXECUTIVE for
the support and prosecution Of the war; aud for other
good purposes failed entirely in part for the cause
VI hedCHeIOuS, OF Il very Ill Judging DiTtlOn OF
Democratic members casting their votes with the op-
position. No such measure failed for the want of my
vote 1t was always given; and am persuaded that
time VIII bring with 1t proof of the wisdom and me-
cesslty OF those measures, and the voice of popular
ieProof to those by whose votes they defeated
My Pecunary circumstances are such, that though
entirely free from debt or embarrassment. am CON-
PEELED to look to my employment as a means of sup
port l was quietly and contentedly engaged in the
practice of my profession, and deriving therefrom
comfortable subsistence, when by your voices | was
called to represent you in the national councils This
was your act-not mine.
1t will be remembered by the members of the con-
vention by which was nominated. that at the time
OF that nomination, | stated to them, in a public
address, that it would tend embarrass me to change
my employment then, and in two years make ain an
other exchange, and waste year or two in restoring
my professional business, and that although had not
sought the nomination then, would be glad to retain
your confidence, and remain in your service for a
longer time than two years. These considerations
now respectfully repeat to you. And perhaps it will
not be deemed lmpernent for me TO say in this con-
nexion that four years of service in Congress are not
any disqualification for serving again. On the con-
trary, can assure you that less than that service
Will scarcely take the greenness out Of new members
and give him that acquaintance with men and
things, and the of business which is emphati-
cay necessary to enable him represent his consttu-
ency wisely and well. all thesdstinguished members
service. No member ever became distinguished at
once. The time Is at hand when, by the votes of a
district convention you Will select my successor.
Whoever that successor may be, he will receive my
vote, unless II should be your pleasure 10 make me
my own successor, an event which frankly acknow-
ledge would be very pleasing me- Should it be
otherwise, however, will not find in your adverse
determination any reason TO forget the very many
avors which have received at your hands
am not unaware that owing to a very unwearied
personal solicitation, carried Systematically or
more than two years past by one whose avocatiops
ana leisure nave afforded him numerous opportunities,
many of you. Especially such as could be found
about the county seats during tine sessions courts
have been partially entirely led 10 believe that
you have =" done en0ggh" for me- and that now YOU
ought to g do something ~ for another. l must be
permitted to enter my protest against this weak idea
OF making political preferment the means of " doing
something " for any Political and official posi-
lions are the property of the people, and it is the
interest OF the people to employ in these positions
those who can best them. | too have rendered
you some services, but | never have claimed any
thing on account Of them. | told you at the time
that should charge nothing for them. Such claim
ought never to be made by any one, but especially
not by one already holding of tie most honorable
and profitable Offices In your gift. Nor indeed do
think that gentleman holding one Office ought to be
permitted TO seek nomination for another Office until
he shall first resign that which he holds except in
very peculiar case.
Under the circumstances above stated it is natural
that should desire to see delegates selected TO attend
district convention, not by meeting of few resi-
dents at the county Seats but by the people of all the
townships, or by their representatives in county con-
vention. A convention thus fairly selected will give
satisfaction. And although will submit TO a nomi-
nation made by convention, selected in any mode
even though may be conscious that it has been got
together by wire pulling contrivances-there might
be others who would feel disgust, and fail in giving
warm support to the nominee. | have been advised
to take tour through the district see my friends
and get them to attend meetings. and see the selec-
ton OF delegates My native honor shrnks from
such dongs, and my political education, and expe-
rience have taught that is by such means that
The most harmonious political party will be divided
into factions.
presume therefore that shall scrupulously remain
at home, unit! after nomination shall have been
made, unless called away by business not connected
with the nomination.
The selection of Congressional candidate is your
business. hope every democrat in the district will
feel 1t to be particularly his business and attend the
meetings, by which delegates selected, and see
that good men are chosen and instructed as to the
popular will concerning the nominee be designated
Should | be nominated, will, as heretofore, sus-
tain your choice by making intellectual warfare upon
all Wing corners, (without any personal hostility,
however,) and in so doing | shall meet most of you
face to face, and renew with you the friendly inter-
course, from which have often derived pleasure
TOR many long years.
Should your choice fall upon another, no one will
ever hear me complain, shall fail in my support
of democratic men and principles.
In the bonds of democracy, | am faithfully your
friend and servant,
w. w. WICK.