The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1847-01-22
From this mornings Richmond Enquirer

The excitement which had existed in our Legislature on
Wednesday and Thursday the subject OF the election
of senator of the United States, to supply the place of
Mr.. Pennybacker. was terminated last evening by the
choice of James M. Mason, esq, of Winchester. The
lists published in another cohImn will show the state of
the vote upon each ballot 1t will be seen from this Ia
bic that Mr. Mason received majority of thirty three
votes all others. This is the largest majority given
for any individual as United States senator from Virginia
two democrats and ffy-hve wings, and we believe that
he will carry with him to the Senate the confidence of the
democracy in his principles and entire admiration,
the part OF both parties OF his talents and character
Mr.. Mason is not of those who have been fire.
queny before the public OF late, and consequently less
was known of him by the representatives than OF other
gentlemen in nomination for senator. All, however,
who knew him well, bore the highest testimony to his
fitness for the place For our part congratulate
friends upon his election because we believe him to
be good and true republican At the same time,
peat what said yesterday, that the principles and inter-
ests of Virginia would have been ably defended by any
Of the other nominees had 1.-THE fortune of war; given
thory, that Mr. Mason will give jealous, cordial and
hearty support to the OF the administration and
that he approves Of and will abide by the decision of
national convention, Should be held by the party to
nominate democratic candidate for President in 1S4S
He presented to the legislature OF Virginia for cleo
ton distinguished member Of the democratic party
and as SUCH elected On all the great questions which
divide the parties in this country we have doubt he
will be found where he has always been, in the ranks of
the republican party.
This is not the first occasion upon which JAS NJ Ma
has received high trusts at the hands OF his fellow
citizens With distinguished ability he has, public
man, acted in variety of capacities. He served in the
House of Delegates some years since He was among
the wise and good men of the convention which framed
our constitution in 1880. He subsequently in Con-
gress, and although for brief period separated from the
body OF his political friends the occasion of the first
introduction of the Independent treasury, yet he was
among the first to perceive the tendency OF Mr. Rves's
alienation and to return to his old position, which he
has since constantly maintained. As literary man, he
some years since complimented with the appoint
ment Of vster at the University Of Virginia, which APP
visiiers OF that institution His talents as nancer
gained for him the place OF president of the Farmers
Bank at Winchester. From that post and from the pur
suit or his profession as lawyer ne is now called to
one Of the representatives of the Old Dominion. Il we
may venture to predict such thing, we will prophesy
for him high standing in that body.
Before concluding, will mention, as an act of JUS
tee that the vote received by Mr. Samues not fair
test of his real strength There were gentlemen (and
among them we remember Mr.. Newman OF Pendleton,)
who declared that they would have voted for him. had
they not conceived that the issue finally made up
between Mr.. Mason, and those then in nomination
To show how Mr.. Mason is appreciated by his dem
ocratc neighbors, append article from the Win
chester Vgnian, the democratic organ OF that portion
of the State:
"THE WESTERN SENAToR,--The death Of Judge Pen
nybasker will devolve upon the legislature the duty of
electing senator to fill his place in the Senate. AS
has become the settled policy Of the Legislature to
select senator from the east and the other from the
western part of the State, we cannot resist the convc-
on that the vacancy occasoned by Judge Pennybackers
death, will be supplied by the election Of James M Ma
son.
at is utterly superuous to state in detail the claims
and qualifications of Colonel Mason. From the day OF
his service delegate in the General Assembly to this
time, he has attained and sustained place among the
first men and the first statesmen of good old Com
rnonweatb
''To mind of high orderwe going to say of the
highest orderhe superadds most perfect and polished
early education, high professional attanments and emf
nent qualifications as statesman AS debater, he is
calm courteous, and convincing Neither on the public
in private intercourse has he gratnitousy
inflicted wound Like that great debater, Silas Wright
he seeks save the friend whilst he aims TO pros
trate the adversary 1t is this caste Of his character
which is eminenty adapted to the dignity, decorum
and composure of the national Senate chamber We do
not wish TO enlarge present further upon this subject
But, public journalists, have felt bound to sketch
OF the prominent features of Col Masons character
feeling well assured and assuring friends, that
the interests and character of the Old Dominion may be
well entrusted in part his keeping as one OF her mme
date representatives in the national legislature"
Joint vote with the Senate Whole number Of votes