Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1854-06-14

evils incident to the then existing govern
ment, and nothing short Of radical and fun
damantal change 10 its whole structure could
satisfy The progressive aspirations ofapeopIe
who felt that their energies we're heIdih sub
jection by artificial restraints, inconsistefIt
with the true principles ofrepublcan freedom
and equality. Il was well known that great
questions, embracing all the organic priaci-
pies Of popular government, with all the ne
oessary safeguards for the protection Of pro-
Hperts, involving sectional transfer Of poiit-
zeal power from the east to the west, would
engage the deliberations Of that body, and
6nd solution ia its action. Mr.. Snodgrass
was member Of that convention. / also had
the homer Of a seat 10 that body, and | will
not revive, BY any review Of its proceedings
those exciting and absorbing topics which at
that time go feasfu!ly agitated the popular
heart OF that Commonwealth. It's result was
one of the proudest triumphs Of the princi-
Piles of popular government which the records
Of history can attest a revolution. as dsci
ded in its results as any Of those which for
the last century have deloged the monarchies
of Europe with blood. passed off under the
influence of the acknowledged principles Of
popular supremacy as quietly and TRANQUILITY
as the most ordinary county election MIR.
Snodgrass was not distinguished as speak
or in that Convention. | have no recollec-
ton of biz appearance upon the floor. except
upon one occasion, and then be was drawn
from, bis habitpal silence by some local dis
tribution Of representative power which be
believed d,d injustice to bis district. j we'll
remember lis. effort on that occasion. 1t was
earnest. emphatic, and forcible, and was fol-
lowed at the time by the overwhelming tri-
umph Of his views. But. although not, dis
tinguished as speaker, the soundness Of bis
judgment and the mistaken fidelity Of bis
course to those cherished principles ofrepre-
sentative government in which his section Of
the State took SO deep an Interest gave val.
ue to bis counsels, and cause tnem to be ca
gerly sought after BY those associated with
him in action; and his friends may proudly
point to the record Of bis votes in that body
as evidence Of the just discrimination, tie
clear. sighted sagacity and Of the infexible
adherence to the principle which marked his
opinions and conduct during oil the trying
scenes Of that prctracted and exciting strug-
gle. a z 5aa
In May, 1852, Mr. Sn; dgrass was elected
Representative in Congress from the elev-
enth district in Virginia He reached this
city at the opening Of Congress in feeble
health, which caused him to be much absent
| from our deliberations; and it was only few
days ago, before be left this city for Virginia.
that he seemed to realize the prospect of a
speedy restoration to his usual state Of health
As member Of this body his course isfa-
| miliar to ell who hear me. No one could fail
to have been favorably impressed by his mod
est and unobtrusive department, BY bis cour-
teous and gentlemanly bearing and By the
uniform kindness Of his manner. If be has
added nothing to the fame Of Virginia by in
tellee,ual exhibitions upon this floor, he has
detracted nothing from her pure and lofty es-
cutcheon by ais conduct in this half or else.
where. If not conspicuous, be has, so far
as bis health permitted. been useful and at
tentive member; and il Virginia holds within
her limits sons of higher oloquence and genius,
she can point 20 none more true and loyal to
all of bel. cherished principles than him whose
loss from her public service We this day de-
plore.
Mr.. Snodgrass was not brilliant man.
His friends would seorn to dishoaortbe MEM
DRY of one SO distinguished for truth by I'M
deserved praise sitter bis death, such as would
not have been held to have been just II pro-
nouncei while alive But, although not
brilliant man. he was eminently good man;
be was an honest man, scrupulous in the dis
charge Of all his public and private obligations.
charitable and benevolent in his feelings. firm
in bis friendships, and faithful to all bis ASSOC
Citations. And, sir, when the places which
know each and all Of us now shall know us
no more forever on this earth. it will be q
source Of proud consolation to our children
and friends IL we shall leave record % free
from blemish and reproach az that which will
universally be accorded to the late Repre-
sentative Of the eleventh district Of Virginia.
Mr.. Speaker. / offer the following resolu-
tons: 81
RESOLVED, That the House has heard with
deep regret the announcement Of the death Of
The Hon. john FRYATr SNoDGRAss. late
member Of the present Congress, and from
sincere desire of showing every mark Of res
pect due to bis memory, will wear Grape on
the left arm for thirty days.
Resolped, That the Clerk of this House be
directed to communicate copy ofthese pro-
ceedings TO the family Of the deceased; and
that as further mark prospect, this House
do now adjourn. %
Mr.. Letchcr also delivered an eulogium
upon The deceased, when the House adjourn
ed.
nE-The New York Tribune informs the
g Anti-Fugitive Law men of the North, that,
it behooves them to be wary in their con-
Duct Excellent advice, as far as that goes.
If they are not wary some of them, if they
escape powder and ball, may yet have their
necks stretched, for committing treason
This is government and it occasionally
shows that it can exercise the power of gov
ernment. In the executions of the laws of
the United States, we desire to see the civil
authority prevail peacefully, if possible