Indiana State sentinel., 1848-05-25
Correspondence Of the Indiana State Sentinel.

WASHINGTON, May 10, 1S48.
Twelve months ago it was peculiarly amusing to
walk through the public departments here and listen to
and observe the great estimation that had suddenly
sprung up for Virginia and her time-honored name
and fame. One could not refrain from asking what
1t that had made her such favorite, all at once,
of federalism The answer invariably was, that she
looked now if the dawn of wisdom was discerna-
bic in her future of policy-she about TO
enter into the company of the seect-she turn
ing whig. In vain democrats attempted TO convince
them that apathy, which they themselves had SO
often tasted in periodical elections had parayzed the
strength Of the democratic party in that State and
caused the results which they were exulting;
and could not in the natural course of political events
be of but short duration. Not SO they knew Virgil
MIA too well for that she redeemed, regenerated
and converted from ocofocoism to the futh: she
had taken her position with Massachusetts, Vermont,
North Carolina and Kentucky, in the great conflict
for home industry, etc. etc. could not for the life
of me, bel p being reminded of all this, few days
since. My domestic engagements led me, two days
subsequent TO the late annual election in Virginia.
forty miles west of here into that State where
/ remained six days, during which time, being in a
beautiful but secluded neighborhood, did not see or
hear any thing of the result of the election until
returned to the county seat of of the strongest
federal counties in the State to take the return stage
to Washington At this place asked for the desired
information. l found it was a subject upon which
but few felt disposedto CONVERSE and those who
somewhat communicative, remarked that the various
reports contradictory that satisfactory es
mate could be made of the relative strength of parties
in their next legislature The news was entirely satis
factory to me. could have sworn that, if federalism
had gained single scruple, it would not only have
reached there, bat the farthermost ends of the earth
On reaching Washington, my first impressions were
fully realized. i found the mother of States and
Statesmen-the birth land of Jeferson-true to her
ancient fath the faith of her purest and palmiest
days. | could not refrain from an honest exutation
that the democracy of the United States were shout
ing at the return of the old tenth legion from her ap-
parent deviation, which, year back, so much elated
the enemies Of free principles, with the hope ha, she
would be with Them in their next struggle for excu-
sIve privileges. 1t Is not necessary for me to give
you the details they have reached you through more
direct and authentic channels. | will only speak in
general terms. The State is heard from, complete
and there is net democratic gain Of sixteen men,
bers-cold comfort for those who, in every difficulty
between their own country and foreign one, are
uniformly the side of the enemy; and that too in
the sacred but abused name Of religion-of law and
order
Speaking of '' lal1 and order you have observed
doubtless how pat that expression has become with
wings, have you mott Did it ever occur to you that
they had meaning for it, that simple-ninded demo-
Gratis suspected! II has to me. frequently; and
have spent many and many thought upon the sub
ject trying to unridde it; but could appre-
clate II fully, until, some six weeks ago. at the first
sympathy meeting held in this city, at Odd Fellows
Hall, to respond to the movements of republicanism
in France, it was clearly explained in speech from
the most perfect model of American democratic
Statesman, William Allen, of Ohio a man whose
equal, IN forensic eoquence, and pure, classic logic
have never heard since the days of our Howard
Senator Allen said they meant, by the phrase lao
and order," PAY YOUR TAXES, AND DON'T GRUM-
BILE I" G. w K