Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-01-08
Far The ENQUIRER
FTt0
THE SENATORIAL ELECTION.

MeS>rS. EQltOTS lie approaching ocHdoi Id
election is attracting much attention, and III
friends of the several gentlemen, whose names
have been presented, are urging their claims
with much zeal and talent Almos, every mum
her of The Enquirer presents some new man
whose claims, in the estimation OF his friends, art
greatly superior 10 those of any one heretofore
broueh, forward This is all proper enough, in.
asmuch as such course will bring before The
LEGISLATURE much information, that the members
wonld moi Otherwise obtain, aud thus enable Them
10 make that selection, which would give 10 The
Democracy The greatest satisfaction.
II is not my intention 10 present any additional
name. bn, merely 10 ofleT lew reasons in support
OF the claims OF our distinguished fellow cilz.n
Coy SMITH.
Ii any Democrat in Virginia, by his public
services. has entitled himself 10 The respect and
confidence Of his POLITICAL friends, Gov. Smith
is that man. When the governor was nomIna-
led as candidate Tor The Stale Senate, in the Cul
peper District that nomination was given unsoli-
cited, and he consented 10 accept il, because his
rarty believed that he was The only man who could
defeat the talented and accomplished Slaughter.
The result of that animated and hot contest
showed that they were not mistaken in that
opinion.
How did he conduct himself in the Senate
Did his course give satisfaction 10 those who
had elected him7 Every man al all conversanI
with The history Of that PERIOD knows that his
conduct was in strict accordance with The prnc-
rles which he proes>ed-and that his duties as a
Senator were discharged with fidelity, ability, an:
Industry. So entirely satisfactory was his public
course that h. was taken up by his political
brethren. aud elected member oi the Congress
OF The United States.
In This new position he displayed an ability
and industry that gave full satisfaction 10 his
constituents, and il The District had not been
changed. he would have been reelected with
out opposition Though thrown into District
hopeessly Wing, we find him again pressed into
The canvass, with an opponent talented and popu-
lar, welding probably as much personal and po-
lical influence as any other man IN the Dis
rrict-and what was the resulll A Whigimajo-
rity Of more than 900 was cut down 10 about
2GU Was not this most fauerng indication
If The estimate placed upon his talents, and his
character as gentleman and poliicanl
Who has forgotten his services in The memo
rabe campaign OF l8407 When The Wings per-
iec,ly united as party, and flushed with the high
est homes ofsuccess, were siraining every nerve,
in the full assurance that they could carry Vir-
pinia Tor Harrison, then il was that Smith gave
III lucrative practice, traversed the Stale, adj
dressed the people, and ably and eioqueny de-
Tended the principles Of Democracy, and as ably
and eloquently exposed The principles and mea-
sures OF the Wings The Democrats every
where were loud in his praise, and all considered
that his exertions alone saved The State and Sc
cured her electoral vote for that pure patriot ard
able statesman, Martin Van Buren,.
In 1874 we find him again in The field, exert
ing himself in behalf of James X. Polk and III.
principles Of The Democratic Party. What man
in The Stale in that canvass rendered more etcc-
tive service? What man showed greater viii
Iingness 10 yield 10 The calls Of his political
friends? VIVA, man made greater sacrifices Tor
The cause? And what man displayed more abili-
~ in his public addresses Z? Not one
He was, then, universal tavorte with Tie
Democratic party on both SIDES Of The Blue
Ridge We heard nothing Then about his waal
of "disnip" We heard nothing thcn about his
lack OF ".Siatlsmanlike Abilities" All were then
loud in his praise and all acknowledged that he
was emncnly deserving oil The highest honors
that could be conferred upon him.
Things now, however, seem sadly changed
Some OF The politicians find that he has strong
hold upon The affections Of the great body Of The
people and that if public sentiment be consulted
he is The decided choice OF an overwhelming ma-
;or,iv OF le people Of Virginia for the Senate
They feel that he is in their way, and that il IS
necessary 10 kill him Hence much oil that vile
spirit OF ingralilude which has lately exhibited
itself
Would il no, be lasting disgrace 10 Inc De-
mocraric party, il they should determine to lay
aside Smith, who has been faithful al all times
and under all circumstances, who has never been
found under any other than The Democratic fqg
whose principles have Stood The lest OF years
and make choice Of some one who has fought
NO, hoe haan hut. hnr
lime in communion in The Democratic church
II surely cannot be that The Democratic majority
in The Legislature will lay aside This faithful pub
lie servant, and thus utterly disregard The wishes
OF their constituents. Governor Smith is entitled
TO the honor, and il he shall be chosen, VT may
cxpec, again TO have his invaluable aid IN The
next Presidential canvass. Does not sound policy
(apari from all oher considerations demand
that he b. placed in situation where his ser
vices can he available, il they should be needed
BLUE RIDGE.