Columbus Democrat. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-18??, 1852-11-27

the Senatorial question was raised, and most free
" discussed in every county Of the State in connec
ton with the election Of Senators and Represen
tatives in the State LEGISLATURE 1t is but courte
GUS to presume though that this was only an in
nocent mistake on the part of those with whom
this astounding statement originated; and being
really at this moment in the best humor in tn,
world in regard to this very remarkable affair." il
all its multiplied aspects and bearings and being
less inclined than | ever was in my life, on any
similar occasion, to say anything either offensive
or illibera 81 am willing to take it for granted
cdaSd argameah, as the logicians say, that the
majority of the Senate did not at all err in the
account of this matter which they have given
and ! now urge that, taking this view of the sub
fject ! can perceive much both of consistency and
Of plausibility in the policy adopted by these gen
tlemen of postponing the Senatorial election un'
til the members of new Legislature have been
chosen; for, inasmuch as the special Legislature
of 1851, under the solemn recommendation Of
Gov Quitman, in his most memorable message OF
that PERIOD and in conformity with the earnest
counsels of Others also, deliberately resolved to
fer the whole series of Compromise measures to
the people of the State, to be considered Of by
them, in ther CORPORATE AND SOVEREIGN CAPAc-
ITY, upon the grave issue of RESISTANCE or AC-
QUIEsCEScE; inasmuch, Also as my own Con
gressonal course in connexion with these meas
ufes was necessarily, TO some extent, associa-
ted with this same momentous issue, in conse-
quenee of the resolution of censure TO which
was subjected at the same session; and inasmuch
as it was supposed that this last-mentioned sub
ject had, in some way or other, totally evaded the
popular scrutiny why, what course could be inn
agined more reasonable in ITSELF more intrinscal-
y equitable, and more truly respectful, withal to
the good people of State, (who | beg leave to
suggest, are really quite as sovereign now as they
were year ago, and not a whit less competent
than they then were, to come to a wise and salu-
tary conclusion in the premises than this one of
sending back the Senatorial question to the peo-
pie of the whole State, ''to the end that [theyl at
the ballotbox in. Nov, 1853, may be heard, their
will expressed, and their wishes carried into effect
in the election of Senators and Representatives to
the Legislature, with view to carry out that will
in so important matter as the election of Sen
ator in Congress for six years." cannot but
hope, that since we have all at least agreed as to
the TINE WHEN, the MODE IN WHICH, and the TRI-
BUNAL BEFORE WHICH, this vexed question is to
be ultimately determined; there will be no at
tempt hereafter to SHIFT EvADE, or MODIFY. in the
i'NNo JullClOuSlN con-
certed arrangement, which has been, with such
full consideration proposed on one side, and so
cordially assented to on the other of ascertainino
and carrying into effect thep popular will in regard
to the election of a U. S. Senator. at the next
regular session of the Legislature of the State
As the venerable editor of the Richmond Enqui-
rer used to be SO fond of saying: NOUS vERRoNs !!
And now, fellow-ctizens, having formally pre-
cont tal pakrc "a, u 1 a
permit me to ask, with all humility, why should
not receive support for the station to which
aspire have served you in the same place, and
| feel that hazard nothing in asserting that |
have heretofore served you with zeal, a fidelity,
and an industry, that could not have been easily
Others might doubtless be named.
whose capabilities for senatorial service are in ev-
cry way far superior to my own, and who would
have been able to obtain, in four years CON
gressional career, much more of solid and endur-
ng renown than it has been my fortune to acquire
But feow-citizens, it has been usual in our good
State of Mississippi, to allow public functionaries
'f every grade and description once at last to en-
oy the honor of reelection TO such stations as
nave been occupied by them, unless indeed it !
should appear that they have in some way de-
neaned themselves in such manner as to de-
nand signal apprehension ON account of official /
nal-conduct If it be really suspected that such |
S my own rredieament at the present moment, it |
is at least TO be hoped that some one of my ac-
users, more gracious than the rest, will be kind
nough plainly to specify my offences
| recognize myself as being now regularly on
nal before you, and boldly challenge nv adyer-
aries, separately and collectively. TO come for
ward and occupy the chair of accusation. If Ill,
'e determined to prefer charges against me in
lear and unequiyocal language, | shall myself
ejoce to see them brought forward at some car
: day, and shall certainly be ready TO meet them,
nd to putt accusers, one and all, 10 open /
hame. Should it be thought expedient TO let a
oAe prosequi be entered, shall expect never TO
e hereafter annoyed with such wretched imputa-
ions as those which have been heretofore com
elled 10 encounter.
Ii will scarcely be expected that, in an address
Ike this, should enter upon detailed exposi- q
ION and defence Of my whole Congressional life. .
indeed, am not aware that any part of II has
cen objected to or complained Of by any indi- !
idual of that party to whose votes in the Legis-
Iture was indebted for my former election to the
enate, except that portion which has unfortuna- J
'ly fallen under Legislative censure, Elected, t
lore than SIX years ago, as an accredited member
the Democratic party, it viii not be denied, $
rat yielded a jealous and uniform support, o
! senator, for nearly two years, 10 all 2
le leading measures of Mr.. PoILs administration.
had the happiness at least, to earn the warm ap il
Dproval Of that eminent democratic statesman. d
nd had also the honor Of receiving formal n
sclaration Of his gratitude and esteem, at the mo-
ent Of his departure from Washington City in b
e spring Of ls49. Had not been recognized b
: those most familiar with my course in Con n
'ess as having been faithful in the performance -
my duty as a democratic Senator, and been a
'Bsidered firm and jealous supporter and de "
nder Of Mr. PoIk's administration, should hard i
have been called upon, as ] unanimously was al
lmediatey upon the reception Of the sad intel tc