The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1847-01-02
From the Pennsylvania.
Hon. William Allen Of Ohio


This bold, fearless, and indefaugable
democratic senator, was, as we learn,
on Thursday last, in caucus of demo-
cratic senator's, with great unanimity,
rendered the responsible and very hon.
orable post OF chairman of the Commit
tee on Foreign Relations in the United
States Senate, which, we regret to add,
he felt it to be his duty respectfully to
decline. It will be recollected that he
resigned the same situation last sum-
mer, in consequence of his inability
conscienliously TO agree in opinion
with a majority of the Senate on the
Oregon question. The fact that he has
been again offered the situation, will be
very gratifying to his numerous friends,
and shows the high estimation in which
he is held by the democratic party in
the Senate.
Col. A. is one of the youngest men
in the Senate; yet he has been elevated
to the highest stations within the gift
of that intelligent and dignified body.
His political lite has been brilliant al
most beyond parallel, his elevation re-
markably rapid, he having applied him
self TO the labors of a mechanical trade
until within period of about eighteen
years. He is the arti6cer Of his own
fortune, having the raised himself by
his own exertions from obscurity with
out the least pecuniary assistance from
the world. His associations in early
lite We're with the mechanicIe and pro.
ducing classes; hence his sympath;es
are entwined around them, and he may
Justly be said to be one of their number.
No man is more watchlu and Jealous
of the interests OF the whole people
none more ready to check partial or
exclusive legislation. In his official ca
pacity he is remarkable for boldness,
integrity, and perseverance, and when
he rises to speak, every ear becomes
an attentive listener.
His efforts on the Oregon question
have wrung from his political adverse.
ries encomiums of praise. His open
ing speech on that important question
was masterpiece of solid argument
and sound sense, noted for its daring
and fearless exposition Of American
rights. 1t WIS considered one OF the
best speeches made on that subject;
and it needless for us to add, that, al
though many attempted it, it has never
been satisfactorily answered. 1t does
honor to his head and heart; and proves
to all the world that, let others take
what course they may, he is American
in his feelings and sympalhies, and has
the independence TO avow it. Had
other democratic senators planted them
selves on the same platform; had his
views and wishes been carried out in
the Senate, very little doubt remains at
this time but that we should now be in
possession of the whole of Oregon.
In every dispute between our own and
foreign nation, he has been found on
the side Of his country; in every con-
test between the people and monopo-
lists, he has battled for the cause ofthe
people, and with his "eagle eyes, watch
ed over their particular interests
Young as he is, he is yet looked upon
as one of the master-spirits of the Sen
ate by both political parties. The best
man fthe opposition is Away select
ed to reply to his arguments, which is
never done to their own satisfaction.
Bold and fearless as a statesman,
sound and radical in his political opin-
ions, we trust that his services in pub
lie life may long be retained 10 the par
ty and the country. Notwithstanding
the bitter denunciations of some of his
enuious opposers, the people ofthe Uni
ted States appreciate his character and
commanding talents; and we much mis-
take the popular feeling, if they are not
long remembered with gratitude.
IOWA.--The legislature of this state
met at Iowa city, on Monday, Nov. 80.