The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-01
Mr.. Soddon's speech--Thc Administration.
RICHMOND, Jan. 30, 1850.
III, The Edifors of The Ret.bIic

Mr.. SoddOns Specch-Tho Administration.
RIcHMoND, Jan. 30, 1850.
To the Editors Of the Republic.
Our Representative, Mr. Seldom, has ssdelivered
himself" of speech in the House upon the course
of the Administration in reference to California.
We in this part Of the world, who have often heard
him speak, and are acquainted with his "iat stale,
and Improbable style. can well appreciate the
hard sufferings of those who were compelled to
stand the painful infection. Mr.. s. talks about
General TAYLoR's 'slimitcd knowledge" and at
the same time betrays such gross ignorance Of the
subject he is speaking upon, that schoolboy
the greenest member of debating club might
well be ashamed to display the same amount Of ig-
norance. When he tells us that California has
been sJoreed" to form State government, he must
suppose that the people shrouded in impenc-
trable darkness, and past all possibility of ever get
ting at fair and correct history of the matter Mr.
CLAYroN's instructions to Mr. King, called for and
printed by the House, show, as conclusvely as Ian
guage can show, that General TAYLOR, SO far from
attempting coercive measures with the people Of
California, expressly disclaimed any purpose to do
90; but, the contrary, announces in the plainest
possible manner that the plan of their State gov
eminent, &c, must Originate tci themselues, and
without the interference of the Executive" If Mr.
Seldom, after having access to these papers, did
not take the pains to inform himself correctly be-
fore making speech ON the subject, his neglect
was gross and objectionable. If he did read them,
the strange conclusions he draws from such lucid
and Ineligible documents do but little credit to
his understanding. The most charitable belief,
however, entertained by the people here Il, that,
after much labor, he concocted speech embody-
ing all this nonsensical farrago before the Presi-
dents message received in the House; and then
his vanity getting the better of his discretion, i'm
PEELED him to speak it before the House at all haz
ards, and in spite of all consequences. The task Of
making any sort of speech was too arduous for
him, 70 forego the temptation Of delivering the
already arranged for the occasion.
Mr.. Seldom obtained his seat In Congress solely
by the dssension of the Wings in this district But
for this unfortunate circumstance, he would have
been defeated by upwards Of $50 votes II is graf
flying to know that all Wings here and throughout
the district, and believe throughout the entire
State, perfectly satisfed with the course pur-
sued by the Administration since its accession
to power. The management of our intricate and
important foreign affairs has been such as to re-
fleet the highest credit upon the wisdom, discretion,
and patriotism of the PRESIDENT and his Cabinet.
The vigilant policy pursued in reference to all Of
fccrs entrusted with public money in their hands,
shows laudable purpose to have honesty and fair
dealing in the treasury Of the nation-qualiies
which have heretofore been sadly wanting. The
message sent TO Congress the other day in refer
ence to California has given universal satisfaction
and delight among the Wings here. There il no
longer a division in the Wing party of this dis
trict. All Wings say that General TAyLoR's wise
and patriotic administration Of the Government has
been such to merit the thanks of tho country,
and the cordial support Of all men not blinded by
prejudice and party feelings.
Mr.. Seldom may chang his harp upon the will
low" after the expiration of his present term in
Congress All the dull speeches with which he ever
bored the people here about Southern Rights"
"Frce Trade" &c, cannot save him from the inev-
table doom OF defeat that awaits him at the next
election. The man who could swallow all the mon
strous and unconstitutional measures of the Polk
administration, and yet make war upon Wing
President, with no better reasons than those as
signed in his late speech. would "strain at gnat
and swallow a camel" He is a member of that
worthy fraternity Of politicians who determined
to oppose the Administration, emo matter what face
the future may wear" A CITIZEN