Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1848-09-08
To the Editors of Tic Enquirer !:

MessrS. Edltors: The discussion, agreeably 10
previous notice, commenced at the Court House
in this place, on Monday last, and was continued
until to day. Francis F. Rives, Esq, our Elector
for the Petersburg District, led off in speech
of two hours; and most sincerely do | wish that
every impartial Southern Wing could have
heard him. II would be unjust to him, should
attempt an outline of his remarks. lie gave a
most lucid and impartial history of the votes Of
Milard Fillmore during the time they were in
Congress together; and if he failed to convince
any one that Fillmore is a rank Abolitionist
then such one "would not be convinced though
one should rise from the dead" His proof was
overwhelming and unanswerable whole ar
gument perfectly conclusive, and every way So
tisfactory. He was followed by II. ii. Stuart
ESQ.,; and, will you believe it, he did not even
attempt to answer but single vote of Fillmore's
out Of more than tueaty, which Mr.. Rive:
quoted Indeed his whole speech was exaci,
what should have expected from the character
had heard he possessed; his entire two hour:
were consumed in relating anecdotes and
abusing the Democratic party for passing wha
are known as the "Atherton Resolutions" III
particularly objected to the manner in which
they were prepared and passed alleging thai
they were coscocted in secret caucus, and, b,
agreement, they were to be carried into the
House of Representatives. MIR. Atherton was tc
rise in his place, get the eye Of the speaker, by
accident of course, read his resolutions, move
the previous question, and they were to be pass
ed without debate, &C., &c.
Yes, sir, this course was object>d to by the
same gentleman who borrowed resolutions upon
the same subject, carried them into caucus
enered into an agreement to get the speakers
eyo," by accident of course, read Mr.. Bolts re
solutions, moved the previous question, and they
were, by previous agreement in caucus, passed
without debate. l could not help excaming
ooh, consistency, indeed thou art jewel" But
with all this he is pleasant and amusing pub
lie speaker, and well calculated TO please, with
out convincing. When Mr.. Stuart concluded
Mr.. Rives rejoined in speech of about thirty
minutes, when Mr. Dorman of Rockbridge wa.
called upon; but 1 did not hear him He wa:
replied TO by ]. H. Skinner, Esq Of this place
Mr.. Skinner is a young gentleman Of fine Ia
Tents and education, well read in politics. he
replied in speech, without preparation, in 9
most triumphant manner. He is very valuable
addition 10 the Republic party Of this section Of
the State, and his style Of speaking is very SINH
lar to that of Mr.. Caskie.
The day closed with meeting Of the Demo-
cratic Association-Levi l.. Stevenson, Esq.
of the same, in the Chair. Mr. Letcher, on,
of the Electors, delivered ono of the very hes
speeches that it was ever my fortune TO lister
to-he is really fine speaker, and will do soot
service wherever ne speaks-he certainly
keeps the record"
Hon. A CdreW Stevenson commenced his grea
speech on Tuesday morning. And lei me here say
tnat my letter should close. ! have not vanit,
enough TO suppose that could do him The justice
he deserves. heartily wish some one would r.
lieve me from the attempt. Upon The veto powe
his remarks were the most conclusive that yot
can possibly imagine. He gave the entire history
Of lis origin, lis exercise and its importance. il
the most remarkable manner. lie is perfectly
familiar with all those points At times yol
might have heard pin drop and il seemed al
most impossible that he could get his audience
from the eminence 10 which his irresistible elo
quence would carry Them. II was powerful
efforl-a combination OF eloquence and reason
such as is not often the good fortune OF one L
hear His tame as an able and powerful debaler
had OF course preceded him, but venture 10 re
peat remark made BY a distinguished Wing o
this place-"Elis full power was unknown here
His speech will long be remembered and will
Tell in this county in the coming contest and vii
never be answered by any one in favor OF Re
publican form oil government II occupied fv
hours in its delivery, and 10 me !, was The shores
five hours OF my life, and doubtless 10 man,
others. Thomas ]. Niche, Esq, Of this plac
will close The debate today, and if am not yer,
much mistaken, he has task before him tina
will never be accomplished, il he expects 10 an
swer Mr.. Stevenson upon The veto power.