Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1849-12-20
THE. LYNCHBURG VIRGINIAN.
BLACKBOARD, TowNLEY X CO.,
PRoPRIEToEs.
lyNCuBURG. DECEMBER 20. 1910.
THE HON. WIN. J. BROWN.


We take no pleasure In contemplating the de-
gradation of any one who has been honored by
his fellow-ctzens. On the contrary, we lament
every instance in which public man, allured by
selfish ambition, has swerved from the paths of
honor honesty and truth, as tending to induce
general suspicion, apd 10 weaken that generous
confidence which the people are so apt to repose
in their fayores. We are under the necessity,
however, in to-day's paper, of giving the particu-
lars ofrascaIity as fragrant as we have been called
to witness for long time, practsed by a man
who had just been honored by the almost unani-
nous support of his party for the third Office in
the Government. Whoever has read our last
number will have perceived that we, at least could
not have been very much astonished at the con-
duct of Mr.. Brown, which was succinctly stated
in postscript to the same paper.
The developments of Tuesday left little doubt
in the minds of any, that VIM. J. Brown would
the next day. be elected Speaker of the House
In the meantime, vague rumor prevailed that
some understanding existed, or that corlcspon-
dence had taken place between Mr.. Wilmot the
corporal the Free Soil platoon, and Mr. Brown,
by which the support Of this iustrous band of
patriots was secured, upon certain pledges given
as 10 the complexion of the Committees upon the
Territories, Judiciary and District of Columbia,
in case of success. This was treated as a Wing
fabrication by the Democratic leaders. The bal
loting took place and Mr.. Brown, no doubt had
his sautatory address all ready to be pronounced
as he took the chair. II required III votes TO
elect He received but 1l2. Messls Seldom,
our own Representative, Mr.. Bocock, and Mr..
Wallace, of S. Cat the urgent instance, tits
said, of Mr. Holmes agreeing to withhold their
votes until the truth of The rumor could be inves-
hgatcd. Before proceeding to another vote Mr.
Stanly offered resolution which led to a debate
for a sketch of which see proceedings of the
House, in another column. Gen. Bayly's conf
dence in his friend seems to have been very
firm. He denied the allegation, of his own &C
cord and denied 1t still more warmly, when, in
response TO a personal appeal, made in the face of
the House, Mr. Brown, by gesture, asserted
there was no truth in the rumor. Gen Bavlv,
indeed, seems to have been Mr.. Brown compur-
gator. Southern Democrats, generally, support
ed hun Tor the char, upon the recommendation
OF one who had served with him formerly and
who seemed familiar with his votes and senti-
mcnts. What Gen. Baylv's opinions of his ouon-
dam friend may now be, we know not. He
showed considerable self-command in contentinc
himself with saying that he was deceived, and
/ thanking MeSsrs. Ashmun, Stanly, sc. for their
/ cXertlonS to expose the meditatcd treachery-
The language uttered, on the floor, by Southern
members, did not partake of much btternesgpre
curses and denunciatonS poured upon the head
OF the traitor in private circles.
MIR. Browns defence of himself is exceedingly
lame and inconclusive. He persists that he has
done nothing, of which he ought to be ashamed.
That there is no inconsistency between the pledge
he gave Wilmot and the estimate of his position
entertained by Southern Democrats. Thursday's
Union contains card from Mr. Brown. The
first part merely reiteratcs what he saws in his
Speech-that the Free Sellers only asked, and he
only promised to give, fair, impartial and UMPIRE
JUDGED Committees, composed of the ables mer
OF both parheS OF different quarters Of the Union
He gives Mr., Wilmot's letter and his answer
winch the reader will see in another column
ahd then proceeds
"lf had been elected | feel con6den, that sboul,
have organized these committees in such manner as n
southern man, democrat or whg. would have complain
ed o. intended to constitute them of fair aud npI.
hdt men, who would have thoroughly investigated ant
reported upon all Constitutional questions without repard
to sec lona or party bias. was inter- rated bv n nun
Der OF southern men, 10 all of whom | said that Ina,
always been opposed to the Wimot Proviso. Twas
TREND and supporter of General Cass and in nv canvas
for Congress was opposed by Wilmo Proyiso who n
the Taylor school. ] was caoda Calhoun southern
man ADV ocaed the doctrines of the Cass Nicbns,r
letter, with the exception of his views as 10 the cGnsfltu
iionh power OF Congress 10 egsate for the territories
Ina, power have never doubted Congress possessed
' :" I" '''o' VI iedshlg the question OF the lnSiiu
on OF slavery to be settled by the people who might in
habit the territories. In other words was for NON in
teUdehce. Bui whilst these were my views and whilst
was willing to let the people determine this question
oi themselves, under no circumstances could vote f
"iHiorol Dill having In it provision to establish the
institution oil slavery have repeatedly said that al
though deemed the Proyiso unnecessary and useless
should have no objection 10 BILL with its pro
Visions presented to Gen Taylor for his signature rs AT
he Norm, he has been regarded favorng the measure
ana al The South opposed 10 it, stated TO several sonb
erh gentlemen That my mind not clear as 10 the cum
Snulona power to abolish slavery in the Distric, Of
oonnha was anxious, II thai question was 10 he ari
atca ts winter, mat report might be made from an
aoe committee oil legal gentlemen. Mr. Van Buren, be
e'eo lal congress possessed that power and vet the
SCUM Vo'ed Tor him. have always taken the onen
ground mar Congress should Interfere with the inst
tuition OF slavery IN the District of Columb, ,yith,,,
the consent ct the inhabitants If Congress ssesses the
power TO abolish slavery in the District and the neon
consent no one should object The question of tho n
er OF congress is judicial aad not
In wiring thus letter, committed an error hnt | b,,a
maze no declaration To these in relation In ,b co
mlees, except that they should be fairly constituted
due hJ uecafallon 10 southern TO hern mon h,
"ha' snail be fairly sustained by my woes if have an
opportunity before Congress adlourns have been on,
SSeht am my future conduct shall move il dssio
" see he House organized, and ready 10 vote tor
oeocat without Inqulrlng whether he lives in the N,rtb
OF me oouth-whethPr he is for or auainst The p,,vi
One 'hhg our southern democratic friends sbouId roman
pe'-ha' IN he North the sentiment auanst the ex,en
son 81 slavery is almost universal and if we are reon
" oee"''a me advocates of its extension our pieces