Weekly national intelligencer. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1841-1869, 1850-01-19
THE LATE CONTEST FOR THE CLERKsHIP OF
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,.

Having among our readers many gentlemen who
consider themselves as yet belonging to the party
which styles itself Democratic, it seems due to
them, as matter of information, and personally
also, to the defeated candidates Of that political
stamp, to transfer to our columns the following
Cards published by them
FROM THE WASHINGTON UNION.
TO THE EDITORS.
WAsHrseToS, JANUARY IA, 1850.
hope you will allow the necessary space in your pa
per to place myself right before the Democratic party
was sick in bed portion Of last week. and unavoidaby
absent this city another portion that could not pos
sby have had any thing whatever to do had been 60 dis
posed with the last act of the interesting drama, entitled
ssThe Election of Clerk" ..... t..
You know where stood at its commencement. On the
Gath Of December addressed the Hon. JOSEPH A. WooD-
letter, of which the following very nearly, if not
exactly, copy:
.~" Monday morning, December "a, 1S49. :
DEAR SIR am induced by the kind feelings you have al
ways and often expressed towards to address to
you this note.
Democratic members House OF Representatives their
candidate for Clerk COL John w. Forney nominated
canvass and studousy avoided doing any thing either by
word action that should in any way prejudice COL For
neys prospects of election Having submitted my name
caucus should have considered it dishonorabe
have lifted finger it, by doing, could have deprived the
regular candidate Of single vote.
have deprived myself Of the pleasure of attending the
of the House generally lest by doing llibera
construction might be placed upon my acts
While COL Forney is in the field name cannot be used
with nv consent by any But the time may arrive when
will become evident all that he cannot be elected When
that time comes you have objection to do and cons
honorable to bring forward my will add
Their to the many kndnesses already exhibited towards me-
by bringing name before the House in such way as you
may think proper.
8 - '''pe''' '0N' B. B. FRENCH
Hon. JOSEPH A. WOODWARD. ."
The election of Clerk on, and maintained the posi-
ton expressed in the above letter. All of stories
placed in circulation in respect to dsregarded them,
until assured that there many Democratic mem
bers who pledged to Colonel Foiney, that under
circumstances ,oouM they uote for then felt that
was wronged that being made victim to the ambi
ton of Colonel Forney but of others who hoped
from his than they could expect from mine, and
der the excitement of the moment declared that would be
candidate in selfdefence. ...
however, regretted the expression, and did nothing to-
ward carrying out such an intention.
On Wednesday last Con which day was sick in bed)
received note from friend, informing that the writer
had had an interview with Colonel Foey and he expressed
the opinion that had done all could against him, and that
his friends should vote for Immediately addressed
note Colonel Ferney, stating briefly that he had been
misnformed, and defining my exact position in relation to
him. kept copy Of that note. .~
The next morning early left this city; and, although
returned Friday circumstances prevented from leaving
my house until this morning, except to attend church yes
terday. .-..@' n.y..
My friend, (the Hon. Mr. Bingham he himself stated,
nominated without my consent and without consulting
and those gentlemen who voted for did SO, pre-
sume-or never have spoken to Of them the sub
ecto end, if possible Improbable contest and because
hey believed me qualified for the office. *
For than twenty years have labored in the Demo-
cratic ranks and this President of the Demo.
cratic Association of this cy and do not choose be placed
in false position ...'.
have done nothing, believe, that honorable
un,,IJ hoyo dana pp1ar tho
Respectfully, yours, ...
-. B. B. FRENCH.