Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1850-12-13

HOUSE OF DELEGATES SATURDAY, DEcEMBER7, 1885,
Mr. CRAIG rose to express his approval of the nomina
tion of Mr.. Mason He knew him personally ano knew
him 20 be true patriot and friend TO the Union as well as
TO the South If he believed him 10 be tainted win ois
union he would support him now lilo did not approve
of his in the Senate but thought ne was IA
eeislaurc Mr. c. trusted thu. the good feeling which had
thus far been exhibited in the proceedings OF he house
would not be disturbed on the present occasion.
Nr MASSEY said
Mr. SPEAKER certainly do not wish 10 DO any thing to
disturb the harmony and good feeling 50 prevalent IN THIS
House, and conceive statement OF the reasons "nich VIII
Govern me will not of necessity Interrupt or conflict win
that harmony Personally should like to vote tor the ton
James NJ Mason. As The author Of the fugitive slave law
should be glad for him. but as The constant and STEADY
opponent Of the compromise measures passed oy Tue s'
nnress cannot for him. II Is conended by the
friends Of Mr. Mason that we fail 10 return MN 10 e oe-
nate people OF the North will conclude mat we 40 not
approve Of the fugitive slave law. In my opinion the ar
yuent s not concluvenay that IS feeble ana iule.
he Legislature it's last session. passed certain resnutons
plainly setting forth the position OF virginia upon e
questions which then convnsng the countrv and
out repeat the language Of the Governor OF tins Common
wealth. in his message received the other day. wnen say
hcr. nothing In the measures adjustment US passso
" Congress. which violated any principle continued in the
resolutions to Mr.. Mason. believe virginia IS
favor of the compromise; yes that nne.tentns OF lne
people are In and that Mr. Mason in opposing II
nisrepresented the wishes Of the people incline 10 me
opinion that the people the free States Will adhere 10 the
Compromise good faith II s there wish the battle to oe
oupht pon them lie, the responsibility destroying This
aappy Unon around which cluster our brightest hopes ana
warest affections ain in favor Of the fugitive slve Ia
all parts aud go far as 10 say That s urect epeai
" Congress or its virtual repeal By The free States in re-
using preventing its provisions being carried out anu ta
ully would Justify Virginia in secedng from the Cnon
10 for If need he enforcement Of the provisions o mat
law ~ IN. poin Of the bayonet Ii conceived that Mr.
Mason was the only gentleman In Virginia who would s'ano
Up for the rights OF our good od % hs was ,h e y
nan that would combine hmncss with prudence-he ohy
nan to be found who would our escucheon
uted from the rude and fana,ca attacks Of
would vote for him. But believing that there Is no son OF
yirpna YOU could elevate thnt honorable position out
would regard her interests and her honor deaer than ms
fe and believing that Mr Mason not disnnions al
ia pursuing we'll calculated to produce SO de-
lorabe and melancholy result shall be constrained 70
vote for some gentleman in whom feel the honor ana
o,egrty of The State will be safe and an abiding love ol
nv bcvoud suspicion very we'll know that the edct
mas gone forth and TIM, Mr. Masons reelection Is beyond
conjecture but feel constrained 10 place myself IN proper
attitude upon important and grave a subject.
Mr. SEGAR said he had risen 10 assign very briefly Tor
the satisfaction of his constituents the reasons ~hch aa
conducted his mind the conviction that he could no ana
onoht NOT 20 cas his vote for Mr. Mason He regarded Mr.
as no friend of the Union Looking his general course
and particularly the doctrine OF tqGhortum started oy
Mr. Calhoun and he believed adopted bJ Mr. Mason lie
(Mr S considered him not only as uniriendy 10 the Union
bu, as an advocate Of dsunon per one who looked 10
that extreme measure the only safeguard oil me SCUM
HI looked upon him belonging TO the isnett ana uil
school Of politicians who would be satisfied with no settle
mrn of the slavery question that should leave standing ina
magnicen, of free and constitutional government
by the ma,chless skill OF our patriot ahes ihs
man 10 pour oil the troubled waters When the aglianl
questions shall up the Senate Of the United States
on which may hang desnles Of the Cnon he feared Mr.
NJ would not be found the conservative side The cur
rent of his feelings In dsunion direction and his action
will be opt to correspond Hisanngi already against the
Union and if he be returned to the Senate endorsed in al
his sentiments and course he will be by reelection the
current of his thinking receive an impetus ina
will hurry him into extremes and precptae the catastrophe
Of dissolution In the nice questions likely TO spring up IL
the premises he could be trusted as Mentor either fo
the South or the Cnon he would be utraexactng moneo
with no spirit of concessions and take what course he may
LEI him give HAT vote for unconditional and immediate
by in usiihcaton and cannot traverse the plea w
want man (Nr S. said at this delicate luncre in public
atfairs who, while hc shall be unshrnkingly true to TIT
rights Of the South, will carry with him into The Senate
strong union prepossessions combined with prudence a M
dispassona,o Judgment and sober wisdom which can ds
and appreciate alike the requirements oi duty ana
safety. fear (said Mr. 81 Mr.. Mason is not that man. ~
that fer extreme u the ne and who can Sc
the of the last Congress nothing favorable
the South wants either the Judgment perceive and pro
pey weigh the merts OF the subject the disposition
view 1t In ansectiona broad national patriotic aspect
Mr. s. said there another consideration that had hat
upon his mind overruIng influence and that was tha
the action Of Virginia looked TO- and would govern IN