The miners' express. (Dubuque, Iowa) 1849-1854, 1850-06-26
state se,,atorship.

state senatorship. aas.
We have received communication from Otis
BRIaGs, Esq, of Taylor Township, Dubuque
county, addressed to the Democratic Electors of
this Senatorial District, in which he announces
himself as candidate for the Office of Senator,
and offers for the consideration of the people
some reasons why he assumes this position be-
fore them, and some Of the Inducements, as he
thinks, Why members of the Democratic party
should give him their suffrages.
This communication having been accompani-
ed by the usual announcement fee, we do not
feel ourselves justified in refusing, and therefore
give it an insertion in our paper to-day. 1t will
be read with surprise, and, as we doubt not, with
regret by most, if not the entire Democracy of
the District. Mr.. Briggs is a man of too much
intelligence and reflection, and we had hoped of
too much attachment to the principles Of the De-
mocratic party, to allow his name to come in
conflict with regularly nominated candidate of
that party ss.~.-siN
The objections which he urges to the nominee
are not of a personal, but of Constitutional
character. He regards Gen. Lewis as ineligi-
bic to the Office for which he has been nominal
ted, inasmuch us he already holds an office un-
der the authoritysof the State.
1t is true that Gen. Lewis was elected in A.
pril last as School Fund Commissioner; and
for ought we know to the contrary, still holds
that Office; but it is not supposable that he win
continue to hold II until the time Of the election!
The Constitution knows nothing of Democrat
ic nominations, and in its innocence and simpli-
city is entirely Needless of the doings of the
Floyd Convention. In the eye of the Consttu-
ton, no inquiries can be made as to the eligibi-
lily of an individual to seat in the Legislature,
until the day of election; and even then we have
not reached the umpire, as the Senate itself must
judge of the eligibility of its members.
| AS to the objection which Mr. Briggs urges to
the practice Of taking man from one office and
putting him into another, we have but little to
say. Ifthere be an improperly in it in general,
there was, in this instance, at least, good, and
as every Democrat should regard it, satisfac-
tory reason for the course pursued. General
Lewis, of all the candidates presented before
that Convention, was the Oldest citizen. He, OF
all others, had given the surcst guaranty of his
efficiency and trustworthiness as public SER
want, and in the estimation of the Convention
was the most available, as against the enemies
of Democracy in the coming contest. He is al.
aoays reliable, and al,cays available. In sun
shine or in storm,-in fair weather or in foul -
whether famed by gentle breezes, or buffeted BY
the bowling tempest, the Democracy of Du-
buque county have ever found the General in
his place:-when the storm had gathered around
us, and clouds of adversely lowered upon the
horizon, when men of giant arm have faltered
before the enemy, and the weak have stood pale
and trembling in view of the impending destruc-
ton, WARNER LEWIS, the noble son of Demo-
cratic ortitude and faith, like the steadfast pole
star, unmoved from position, has Gained the fear
full, and restored the confidence of the doubling,
and thereby scattered dismay and confusion into
the ranks of the insolent foe. When Abolition
lightning has flashed across the skies of our faith
and Federal thunder has roared above our heads,
threatening immediate and terrible destruction,
General WARNER LEWIS, like the fixed and
magic Rod, standing erect, and supported by the
Temple Of Democratic Liberty, has ever, by his
own peculiar powers, conducted off, in safety
and in silence the elements of destruction, and
by restoring the peaceful atmosphere and CRATE
full sunshine of Democracy, has displayed to his
wondering and admiring compatriots, the beau
tifying, enlivening and Mountaineering infuen-
ces Of the summer shower.
The people know and duly appreciate the SER
vices of General Lewis, and can safely, entrust
their interests to his care, and should there be
forty independent candidates in the field, he will
be triumphantly returned to the Senate on the
first Monday in August next.
We hope Mr.. Briggs, VII, consider we'll the
step he is taking in this matter, and authorize
us, in our next issue to withdraw his name.