The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-02-20
Enhact Of letter from distinguished republican dated


'RIcfIMoND, 18th Feb. 1s47.
81 avail myself of the first leisure moment have had
to write to you since the news reached us OF your pro-
scrpton and of the assault through you the liberty OF
the press regarded the resolution OF Mr.. Yulec and
the countenance it seemed to receive, as indicating
IRENE sensitveness the part of members to any crit
clsm on their course. But was not prepared to look
for the consummaton of the deed which threatened
could not have anticipated such infatuation. 1t has
produced small degree of excitement here The de-
mocracy of the State and Union will regard in other
light than attempt the part Of the Senate to
muzzle the press Freedom of thought of speech, and
OF the press privileges which the people of this free
country know how to appreciate and will not suffer to
be nfrnged without sounding the alarm, and taking
prompt and decisive to apply the corrective.
Efforts made to excuse the Senate for withholding
ga courtesy" they are pleased to call it. But they
cannot succeed The people and understand the mat
ter very clearly They see displayed the malgnity OF
party resentment and spirit of prescription which would
h could h the free Of public
punish and degrade you and to nmdate others by hold
ing up their decree against you, errorem to all con-
ductors of the press who may hereafter be allowed the
gracious privilege of seat the floor of the Senate
II this be not their object what is IT. The Senate are
placed in predcament from which sophisry can
loud and deep denuncation of all who feel themselves
aggrieved as freemen, IN an unwarrantabe attack on
the freedom of the pressof all who feel indignant that
you should have been selected their victim But they
have greatly failed in their object if they vainy imagine
that this petty act of tyranny can injure you Their
poisoned arrows will fall harmless at your feet Their
rancOr endearS you Inc your 10
millions Of freemen who, throughout spread
confederacy have witnessed and admired your long, UNI
firing and successful efforts TO advance the OF free
principles sustain the honor and promote the prosper
ty of the country. You will have that the people
are in notion
81 have read indicator over several times, and al
though there phrases the article which might have
been made less unpaatabe TO senatorial TASTE yet as IN
an action for libel the truth may be given in evidence,
the Senate would have found themselves in awk ward
predcamen had they placed you your defence before
competent tribunal Every act to which the writer re-
fers unquestionaby affords of triumph to Mexico
The speeches OF the prominent men IN our country VINO
have defended the Of Merico and denounced the
of the President and his administration in relation
to the war, are doubt highly gratifying TO the Mexi
cans The dsgaceful proceedings of the Legislatures OF
war as unjust and unholythe tone of large portion Of
the federal pressare all calculated not only to give and
and comfort TO Mexico and to encourage her to prolong
her resistance and to reard the restoration OF peace hui
they are fguratvey, if not really, 'Mercdn triumphs
But the last act OF the Senate, your expulsion from sea-
their floor punishment for the publication OF such
an article as indicator, is, in my humble Judgment,
governments of Russia and Turkey and every despohc
government which regards with jealousy and alarm the
freedom of the press.
awe are all much gratied here at the admirable spirit
and lofty tone of the Union You have sounded toe
which everberatng throughout every corner of The
land and will bring every republican to the rescue we
have nothing TO fear The free spirit OF democracy IS IN
dgenous to our SOIL and bids defiance TO the associates
ancient federalism modern whlgery,"
I'VE satisfied that our readers will excuse us 10
publishing of the passages of the above letter
though too complimentary to the editor as they express
the views and spirit of the author.-USroN1