Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-03-31
Mr.. Harrison of Prince Within,


We suojoln an explanation made by this gentle
man, on Friday, Gas reported in the ENQUIRER in
answer to our structures upon his remarks and
votes on the resolutions of Mr. Flournoys select
committee. 1t seems that his whole cause of
complaint rests in our attributing TO him the decla-
ration that he gloried in standing solitary and alone,
which he disclaims having made. Now, we did
not hear MIR. Harrison's remarks, and made our
comment entirely upon the report of them which
was published the previous day, and which Mr.. II.
did not think proper to correct until he read our
arucie. Our reporter was wholly unconscious of
doing him injustice, and, he may be assured, that
we have no desire TO do him any. Let it be, that
he goriedin voting no, though he regretted to be
solitary and alone. The point of our commentary
was not the glory the thing, but the public mpor-
lance of Mr.. Harrisons dissent from sentiment
of all the rest of the House. Mr.. H. disclairns,
also, if wenow understand him, being for uncon-
ditiona Dsunion. We are glad he does so, but
why was he unwilling to say, with his fellow
members, that Virginia does not wish to dissolve
the Union in consequence of the compromise
measures?
Mr.. HARRISON made personal explanation. He
said: Mr. Speaker-had not been prevented by the
previous question, before voting the resolutions now
under consideration, should have proposed the follow
ing amendments, viz strike out the word whilst from
the second line OF the first resolution also the words
add whilst" from the fourth line of same and insert
but as; and, after "opinon" in the fourth and fifth
lines and is known to- and also strike out the residue
OF the first resolution, alter the word measures in the
eighth line and insert this Legislature doubts the pro-
priety of taking the responsibility of expressing the SEN
nments OF its constituency this most momenous SUBJ
ject, at this time and therefore, respectfully declines to
do so"
Then strike out the second and third resolutions
and If it is now in order, move to disagree with the
Senate IN Its amendments; and it my motion prevails,
will then propose amend the resolutions OF the CON-
mlttee as before stated. So amended, think they will
or should be paatabe 10 ALL and place and keep Vir
ginia in her true position. Mr.. Speaker ask il as
favor that the Clerk read the preamble and resolutions
as they will stand thus amended.
Mr.. Speaker, l ask the indulgence of the House,
while notice, very briefly the notice taken Of my votes
on these resolutions, by the Richmond Times and the
Daily Southern Argus" Sir, the "Times," though
Its Editor has not given my proper signature MEM
Der OF this House is subject to the criticism de-
rlsion except myself, his be pointed at
me- In the first place, is rot true, that said, when
voted, that eloried in standing solitary and alone
No, sir no such declaration was made by me. When
Twas mporuned, to change my votes, by several mem
bers, replied, that gloried in voting had but
regretted that was solitary and alone.
Now Mr. Speaker, desire to say to this censor, the
hero OF the Times" that it he had been satisfied in
demnng my votes referred to, and regrettng that
SO humble an individual as myself of the Virginia fam
ily should wish to stand by the resolutions soemny
solved and re-resoved by himself and twelve to OF
the Legislatures of the two preceding sessions should
not deem it necessary to notice him. But, sir, he has
held me up to ridcue and derison to the world, and
particularly to South Carolina. Yes. sir, he intimates
TO South Carolina that she will have difficulty in finding
her Virginia friend, the only member of the Virginia
Legislature who would proclaim downright uncondi-
tional dsunion Now, Mr.. Speaker, deny that have
made any such declaration, here elsewhere. No. sir
no. out the resolutions of the Virginia Legislature of
sanctioned in every quarter do recognize secession
am at a loss to know their meaning. For one, l
think they do and, so thinking, voted for them. Sir
difficulty in finding me, and, when found, shall be
cngng to the Union OF these States, if in my judg-
ment, the Union shall be worth preserving; other
wise. Sir, am content and thank the House for its
indulgence.