The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-11-19
Hon j. M. Berrlen.

The following letter from Judge BERRIEN
which appeared in the Milledgeve Recorder,
previous to the election, shows that he had de-
clined being considered a candidate for re-elec.
ton. The withdrawal of Judge BERRIEN from
our public councils is not only loss to the
State which he 80 ably and honorably repre-
scented, but also to the great cause Of which he
was so powerful a champion.
There are, indeed, few men in that body who
could not be better spared, and this veteran
statesman must carry with him into retirement
the cheering conviction that he has done his duty
to his country, his section and his State, honest
ly and well, and gained name which pos
terity will not willingly let die"
We rejoice that we are still to enjoy the
benefit of his patriotic counsels little longer,
as his term doesnot expire until the Sd of March,
lS53-and his sense of duty will compel him to
fulfil his functions to the last moment.
The custom has of late become too common
for senators to shorten the terms of their SER
vice, in Difference to some supposed change in
popular sentip( ID thwarting the wise
precaution Of |1o ff1|6 pf the Constitution,
who prescrib6 HUI Ion0( ped term as safe
guard agains pddsn Of popular passion.
If the Senate Mt6zDOHthe conservative element
in this government, its members must serve out
their full terms-otherwise it must become as
much representative of the popular will, in its
biennial changes, as the lower House.
From the Recorder.
JUDGE BERRIEN-The following letter from
Judge Berrien to Maj. Harris, is published in
consequence of the numerous enquiries for it:
My Dear Sir: .....s
| have your letter. | had thought that |
could not and would not be considerered as a
candidate for reelection to the Senate of the
United States, until had so announced myself
have made no such annunciation. The posi-
ton which occupy, was distinctly stated to the
people of Georgia. asserted in terms which
even cavillery could not misunderstood, nor any
honest man doubt my devotion to the Union
my unfalterng determination TO maintain by all
constitutional means, and with undiminished
zeal, in whatever situation might be placed,
the equal rights Of the South, and my acquies-
cence in the compromise. Perfectly satisfied
that such declaration in the excited state of
public feeling, would not satisfy the exactions
vf either of the two political p4Iiics, who were
then engaged in n contest of peculiar bitterness
and unable to sacrifice, for the purpose of con.
cating either, the dictates of conscience. and
the convictions Of my Judgment, expressed my
willingness to retire from the public service IN
the consciousness of having faithfully dis
charged my duty to tie State, and sustained by
the repeated aud recorded appreciation of my
constituents.
/ am told however, that the fact Of my being
in office, will lead to the inference that am
candidate for reelection, 1t is the purpose of
this letter TO prevent such an inference-to dis
claim such All intention. do not ask from the
Legislature of Georgia, the renewal Of my CON-
mission. Nay more, would at once resign that
which hold, if n strong sense Of duty, which
recent occurrences have only rendered more i'm
perative, did not induce me TO attend the APP
preaching session of Congress. Whenever
that will permit the situation Of my family will
present motive for my retirement, of which
will gladly avail myself am dear sir, yours
truly. JNO. MCPHERSON BERRIEN.