The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1850-08-17
Correspondence OF the Bait. Patriot.l
LroNARDTowN, ST. Mary's Co. Nd. !
Aug. 9Th, 1850.

LFoNARDTowN, ST. Mary's Co. Md.
Aug. 9Th, 1850.
Messrs. Editors YESTERDAY was truly |
a proud day TO the Wings OF Old ST. sla-
RVS! As unexpected to us as 10 the State
at large, the first joint discussion of the
present Gubernatorlal canvass took place
between the two distinguished candidates.
This, as all are aware, was contrary to the
original understanding and agreement, but
MIR. Clarke the Wig candidate, having
understood through the Democratic press,
that his principle as reformer had been
misrepresented by Mr.. Lowe in Ils seve-
raj speeches through the State, and that
that gentleman bad represented him to the
people as the candidate OF clIque--an
odious clique, ana the Democratic papers
were everywhere ringing the changes up
Oh these charges and lnsuItingIy taunnng
Mr.. G. and the Wing party, with a base
fear OF meeting their great champion OF
Democracy on these these rumors
and reports, repeat, flying on thousand
wings through the State, so unjust and so
ungenerous toward the wing party and
the wing candidate, he, Mr. e. determined
to avail himself Of the opportunity offered
by Mr.. loves intention to address the
people OF St. Mary's at Leonardtown on
Wednesday. 7th Of August, and meet that
gentleman directly and boldly on the sub
ject. Happy, most happy delighted are
We good wings OF ST. Mary's that our old
county was the first scene Of action. Hap
py! because we had the opportunity, con-
trary 10 our previous hopes and expecta-
tons of hearing this distinguished cham
pion of the Wing party, elevate his earnest
voice in behalf OF Wing principles hap
ry, exceedingly happy, because it was the
theatre of Mr.. Clarke's triumphant vindi-
cation! A correspondence passed between
the two distinguished gentlemen, the re-
suit Of which was liberal arrangement
effected with the democrats, by which
join. discussion was regulated on perfectly
fair and equitable terms. Mr.. Lowe spoke
frst-to deny that he is eloquent would
be doing injustice 10 our own convictions;
his speech was certainly an excellent one,
as far as a cultivated mind, classic and
vivid imagination and coplous flow OF Ian
guage could make it so; but beyond this
in our opinion it did not go-mere decIa-
ma,,on-fne, pretty, fanciful, but still
mere defamation. He urged that the re-
form question was the only one for Their
discussion and that all the great principles
Of the Wing party We're obsolete. The
only charge against Mr.. Clarke-the only
issue ('l with hIm-the only attempt al
argument was endeavoriDg to prove that
Mr.. C'S cause as retormer now was in
consistent with his cause in ~. A point
IN our humble OPINION which, practically
speaking, even If he could substantiate it,
could have no bearing on the present ques-
ton, as he admits Mr. Clarke TO be no,c at
least good reiormer; and even offered in
the excess OF his good feeling and his con-
viction of his (Mr. C's) honesty OF opinion
as to reform, to divide the terms with him.
Mr.. Clarke's reply to MIR. loves speech
was most admirabIe-though not possessed
Of the same powers as finished deciailner,
he showed and proved himself that which
the people like still better-a speaker OF
qualities more desirable. He has more
solid:iy, more clearness Of speech and con-
ception, more reasoner, plain, natter
OF fact reasoner than his more brilliant
opponent. We can assure the good Wings
of the State that they need be under no
apprehensions as to the perfect ability of
their candidate to meet the great demo-
cratic champion young Lion OF the
20 IT ,I,,r n, l.,
reasons for departing from his previous
arrangement, viz: mere desire to have
justice melted out to him. With that high
toned spirit which so peculiarly apper-
tains to him, he met the issues boldly in
the fac. -. his opponent, and IN direct,
strong plain terms confronted him with
the two questions, which induced by the
democratic press and the representations
OF others besidss, he had come there that
day, for the especial purpose of proposing
to him, Mr., Lowe. These two questions
were as folows:-"Dld you ever say in
any or all of your speeches in this canvass
that | am not Reformer!" "Did you
ever say that I was or am the candidate OF
a el'que"- Though opposed to Mr. Lowe
we can admire whatever is commendable,
and we do admire him for the equally
high toned and honorable spirit with
which he met and replied TO these ques-
tons? The evidence they displayed OF
being. both OF them, high toned and hon.
orable men has raised them highly in our
estimation, and will not be forgotten by
the people OF 81. Mary's? Mr. Lowe re-
Piled IN as plain terms as the question It.
self, that he had said no more elsewhere
than he had here before him, (Mr C) as
regards him, Mr.. Clarke, as a refor,ner.
He admitted tho gentleman to be good
relormer-he had too much respect for
himself 10 question hls (Mr. C's) personal
veracity-and that he had only spoken, as
he had done here in afnrenco IN bio M