The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-05-11
The Whig Member OF Congress FROM Vir-
glnla.

&1n10s
The following, coming from the only wing cleo
Ted to Congress from Virginia, al the recent cleo
,son will be read with Interest,"
TO THE VOTERS
ANNOUNCED myself a candidate for Your suf-
ffages at the ensuing election. severe bodily
affection has since Overtaken me, which has con-
fined me chiefly to my bed, and prevented thus far
that active canvass of the district which intend
ed. The utmost can now hope tor Is TO be able,
under much suffering, to attend few Of the courts
and other public gatherings In the district there
fore deem prorer to excuse myself to you tor not
doing that ! so much deslred-to mngle freely and
generally among you.
In the canvass four years ago, by speeches and
publications, my political opinions were made
known. ! am, as was then, and always have
been, a wing. From, rs to "A, Henry Clay was
INV choice for President, over all the lllustrlous
men of the nation. voted for him twice. When
defeated IN 1874, gave credit to the announce
ment then made, that his name would never again
be presented to the public IN connection with the
presidential office, unless IN some crisis the nation
should call the great pilot TO the helm OF State.
therefore did not look the probability of his ever
again being among the Number OF presidential cam
dfdates. When the Mexican war developed to
the admiration of the nation the talents and vlr
fues of the man who headed our little army, and
achieved victories which astounded the world, my
enthusiasm was kinded in his behalf. In Zachary
Taylor appeared character more in unison with
The Father of his Country" than any other
who had appeared among u.s. His bravery, Skill
endurance, moderation, firmness, humanity, were
those of Washington. His wisdom was atested
IN every position in which his country placed him:
Zachary Taylor was whig His virtues and
character challenged the confidence Of the nation
Among the first in Virginia, held him up as the
standard bearer Of the great whg party. The gra
titude of the nation was flowing in broad and
deep current in his favor, which gave me conf
dence in his elevation to the first Office in the
world At this time, Unexpectedly to many of the
old friends of Mr.. Clay, who had the profoundest
gratitude and admiration for his illustrious ser
vices had stood by him &c in sunshine and in
Storm had voted twice for him in vain, his name
was brought forward in competition with General
Taylor's In the success of the former was more
than doubtful; in that of the latter confident
With these opinions, was decidedly in favor of
General TAYLOR as the whig candidate.
In relation to what is called the Clayton compro-
mise bill, l think it ought to have passed. 1t was
an entire abstinence of legislation on the part of
Congress touching the subject of slavery in the
territories of the United States. 1t was carrying
out the principle which the South contends fer,
''let US alone"
The question would have been decided by the
Supreme Court. The North and South differ.
either way would have deracted nothing from the
dignity of the one or the other. The constitution
-s.the supreme law Of the and'-would have cast
its broad shield over the territories, and swept
away any Mexican law in conflict with it-have
protected the property OF Southern as well as
of the nation would have been restored-by its de-
feat. we have been kept in fearful and dangerous
agitation. -
TO it on every ground. l regard it as unconstitu-
tional unjust, oppressive, insulting to the South.
Wherever Virginia may place herself I expect to
stand not among her ablest, but her truest sons.
JEREMIAH MORTON.