Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1851-08-05

1ii. - Nlhh. Inc gentleman from Meek
lenburg (Mr. Goode) commenced his able re-
marks on yesterday, by stating that be de-
sired to leave upon the records Of the ccun-
try, some lasting memorials Of his opposition
to the principle contended for by those with
whom have the honor to act, upon the i'm
portant question now under consideration.
Actuated by similar motives too, desire
to place upon the records of the country.
some lasting memorial of my deep, determin-
cd and invincible opposition to the principle
sought to be incorporated into the organic
law OF Virginia. by which property, as meas
ured by taxation, is to be made an active ell
ement in the distribution of legislative pow
err. This wish, however, is subordinate to
other and higher aims, which have in view,
in now asking the indulgence Of the co nmit-
/ tee
In consequence of remark which fell
from my young friend from Essex, (Mr. Nj.
X. III. Garnett,) it becomes necessary that I
should add something to which has already
been said by my colleague, chr. Lucas, J
concerning the people whom haze the hon.
| or, IN part, to represent on this floor 1t was
the pleasure of that gentleman, in the course
OF an argument, designed to set forth the
supposed progress, which the great principle
Of the mixed basis has made in latter years
to sit in Judgment upon my constituents and
pronounce them guilty of judicial blindness
IN sending white basis delegates to this body.
1t occurred to me at the time this most ex
traordinary remark was made, that modesty
was not Its leading feature. Now it NAV ap-
pear somewhat outre to the polished deba.
ters around me- our high toned low-lana
friends, the descendants OF the Cavaliers. as
they have been TENED by the gentleman
from Mecklenburg (Mr. Goode) to intro
duee any thing in the way of an anecdote,
into what properly belongs to the exordium
OF my remarks. | resort to it, however, as
the shortest mode of disposing of matter
certainly not very important
L remember to have heard many wears
since OF an amusing incident, said to have oc-
Cured in the county of Charlotte, in which
the late distinguished John Randolph was
the chief actor. The story runs, that when
he was canvassing his district for a seat in
Congress on one of those occasions, perhaps
the only one III which be was opposed. a
young gentleman from the county OF Motto
way took 1t into his head to represent, on the
musings, the opposing candidate, and that
too, 10 Mr.. Randolph's own county. lie was
fresh from college. AT that period of life.
which we all wei understand but which del
ieacy torbids | should more particularly de-
scribe 10 this connection, than to refer to it
as the transition state, when the tall thoughts
OF successful academic course are about to
settle down to the more reserved demeanor
OF experienced manhood. He had fleshed his
maiden sword In the business of pamphleteer
ing on political subjects. He accordingly
boldly came forward and addressed the peo-
pie Mr.. X. sitting by his side. QUEEN Deus
ouH pederS, priuS demeatat, whispered one
OF the bystanders, versed in the classics.
which being very literally interpreted may
mean that young man has more courage
than good conduct. The speech was made;
when the Knight Of Roanoke deliberately
rose and gently laying his long bony hands
upon the head OF his youthful opponent ex-
claimed; Brethren, we have sin ned Yea,
brethren we have sin-ned most previously,
and here has come Scape goat from the
black jacks Of Nottoway to expiate all our
guilt. [Great Laughter The sequel of
the story is that that young man. has never
been heard OF since. Renewed Laughter
far be 1t from me to apply this incident as
parallel case IN all its particulars 10 my friend
from the county OF Essex. Far be it from
me to assume the part of John Randolph of
Roanoke. 1t wholly fails too, as to the idea
that my young friend may never again be
heard OF. On the contrary | not only wish,
but know, that if his life be spared, he will
be heard OF often, and with high distinction,
when he shall have repented OF his youthful
folly and injustice, in charging judicial
blindness upon such constituency as that
which | am proud to represent on this
floor
The parallel fails too in another important
particular, that my young friend has not had
the temerity to come into the counties ofJef-
ferson, berkeley and Clark to expiate our
guilt, but has only appeared here as preach
er OF righteousness to warn us Of the wrath
to come Laughtor.] have only to add
that trust that the reporter will not pub
lish this portion of the gentleman's speech in
the Supplement, lest it should become known
to my constituents, and thus overwhelm them
with gloomy apprehensions and dire distress.
Renewed Laughter
| Having now, as l trust, Mr.. Chairman,
fairly settled the account between my con-
stituents and my friend from Essex as to the
item of judicial blindness. l at once proceed
to the consideration of the important ques-
ton before us.
On this subject the district, which l have
the honor, in part to represent, is somewhat
peculiarly situated, and perhaps | may not
unpro6tably expend moment or two IN ex'
planning its position.
stated upon a former occasion a fact
which doubtless surprised every one who
heard it, to wit that in two OF the counties
of that district. though situated West OF the
Blue Ridge mountain, the slave population
is actually denser than in any other two
counties in the commonwealth. Your stat
istics show that there is scarcely to be found
any where in the State heavier tax paying
community; and as to the important aud
disturbing question ofintcrnal improvements,
no portion Of the State is more fortunately
situated not even the Underwater region, Tor
there is possibility that our terrapin friends,
daughter, as they have been termed, by
and by, when they get the Goals of fire on