Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-01-24
Senator Mason.

the election of Judge for the thirteenth district,
that he had advocated the reelection OF the lion.
James NJ Mason to the Senate "because of the
assurances given by Mr.. Mason's friends. of his
willingness to acqucsce in the Compromise, but
that since The election, he had been informed by
other friends of that gentleman that no one eas Gu-
thori.ed TO male such pledges, and thai he should
not consider himself in any manner bound By
them"
"Sostartlinga revelation, (the Wing remarkably
of course, created deep sensation, and much
curiosity was evinced to know which of Mr.. Ma
sons friends had given such unauthorized ASST
RANGES of his future fidelity TO the Union. That
curiosity has not abated. On the contrary, it has
acquired u deeper interest, proporlioned to the
gravity and importance of the subject. A proper
regard, not only for Mr.. Mason's reputation, but
for that of his friend more Immediately implicated
demands certainly some explanation"
We believe it i now generally supposed that
| no one was really authorized TO declare for Mr..
| Mason that he was for acquiescing in the Com
promise measures, and preserving the Union
whilst they are in force If this be true it is me-
morabe proof of the necessity there is for create
caution than is often practised by gentlemen in
giving assurances on behalf of those whom they
support for preferment. Nevertheless, the fact
is unquestionable that the pledge for Mr.. Mason's
devotion to the Union, was given, in the most
formal manner, not by Mr.. Ferguson only, but by
other gentlemen. 1t is equally certain that but
for those pledges, he never could have been rec
lected. In evidence of this, we might readily refer
othe declarations made by various Delegates and
Senators while the election was pending, and af-
forwards repeatedly themselves for the papers.
Besides Mr.. Ferguson's statements we now re-
call particularly those of Mr.. Craig of Roanoke,
an influential member of the House, who decla-
red in substance that he knew Mr.. Mason to be
the friend of the Union, otherwise he would not
vote for him. Every Democratic Senator and
Delegate who took part in the debate spoke to
the same effect as to Mr.. Masons position. The
importance Of satisfying the Legislature that he
was for standing by the Union with the Compro-
mise was so manifest, that even Mr.. Flournoy, of
Prince Edward, the leader of the Calhoun division,
said, Eve think we have his exact words) "lIr.
Mason is for acquiescing; aclat more do vou de-
sire?" But we need not press further ali allega.
ton, the correctness of which is perfectly notori.
Gus in Richmond.
If, then, Mr.. Mason's reelection was secured by
pledges which, as it seems, were unauthorized by
himself, we submit that it is his duty either to
carry out those pledges, or else to return a trust
that was confded TO him under misapprehenson.
We confess that we can see no other honorable
alternative. But if it shall be his decision to re-
main a Senator OF Virginia, and notwithstanding
the manner Of his election 10 continue in affilia-
ton with that party who are striving to break up
the Union, he will stand before the country in
most urenviable attitude
ANTI-FUGrrIVE SLAVE LAW PETITIONS
IN THE SENATE.
The following article of the New York Ex-
press gives brief account of an important pro.
ceeding in the United States Senate.
The "agitators" had once again full swing in the
Senate, yesterday, it will be seen, on reference to the
our teegraphic column. After very brilliant speech
from MIR. Clay uhe only words he has spoken we be-
eve, during the present session. upon the suppression
OF the African slave trade, the smouderng fires of fan
atcism and notification were rekndled by the faggot-
bearers-Hale, Seward d Co. from the North, and
Yuee Butler e. Co. from the South. No sooner had
Mr. Clay moved reference OF the petitions which we've
the text OF his speech, than Mr.. Hale forward
with petition, from somebody in Pennsy vania pray
ing the repeal Of the Fugitive Slave Law which he
improved tho opportunity to execrate and denounce
shame and disgrace to the civilization of the age
This Of course, evoked counter-blast from the South
and tor awhile, we inter- there about exciting
in the chamber witnessed even there
Disorder only was in ORDER and the efforts OF the pre-
with poor encouragement. At length came the vote
upon the reception Of the petition. Mr.. Yulee, ofFla,
would not respond to his name; he had instructions
from his State to have nothing to do with any measure
in any wise affecting the integrity of the Fugitive Slave
Bill. Mr.. Butler, OF S. c., followed suit Nothing
could induce HIM to say "ay' or "no" this part of the
Clerk cried "Yulee,' "Yuee and aButIer %ButerS
Butler" but ne was only calling Spirits from the
vastly deep; they would not come" Then an effort
was made TO persuade them vote, or to censure butt
this failing, amidst the general confusion the Clerk
passed to record the OF the more tractable
members. Mr.. Haes tirebrand was tabled, of course
Here is the VOTE
AGAINST THE PETIrIoN-35.
Atchison, Bell, Berrien, BorIand, Bradbury, Cass,
Clay. Clemens Davis OF Miss, Dawson, Dickinson,
Dodge OF Iowa. Douglas, Downs, Felch, Foote, Gwip'
Houston, Hunter. Jones, King, Mangum, Mason Nor
ton, Norris, Pearce, Phelps, Rhett, Rusk, Shields,
sewell, spruance. Underwood, Wales, Whiteomb
FOR THE PETITioN-l6.
Baldwin. Benton, Chase, Cooper, Davis OF Mass,
Dayton, Dodge Of Wis., Ewing. Hale, Hamlin. Miller,
Seward, Smith, Upham, Walker, Winthrop.
Not satisfied with the excitement thus far created,
Abotionism was determded to 60 yet another step tor
the "High Law" and, as soon as the New Hampshire
demagogue was disposed of, Mr.. Seward asked leave
to present petition from Hudson county n Y asking
the repeal Of the Slave Law This motion was sum-
marty disposed o. as it should be, without going
through even the tormaity of count.
Now, nothing is more certain than that these men
knew there not the emoiest chance for the recep-
tion OF such petitions They did not intend that they
should be received To renew the anti.sayery agita.
ton to create excitement stir up anew the bitter
ness the sectional hatred and bad feeling OF the last
session, was all they wanted, and thus much we judge
they to some extent got the described in the tee
graphic report is interpreted in the right light
The refusal OF Messrs. Butler and Yues to vote .un-
der the circumstances, though one sense notification
after fashion, is nevertheless strong indication ofhe
involaby which they hold must ever attach to the
Compromise measures, if Florida and South Carolina
are 10 stay in the Union And co sacrad l.; Lo;r go