Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-11-25

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HON. WILLIAM n. RICHARDsON.
1t is now well ascertained that this distin-
guished Democrat has been returned to the
House Of Representatives by his congressional
district That district has been close one
at all times, and it was very confidently pre-
dicted by the Wing, Abolition, and Know
nothing presses, that in the recent contest, he
would be defeated. The prominent part he
bore in the introduction of the Nebraska bill
into the House of Representatives, the ability
and tact displayed by him in the difficult
part. of its management when before the
House, had marked him as particular OBJ.
ject Of attack. Every element of oppo-
sition that could be brought to bear against
him was summoned from every quarter.
As the intimate friend of Judge Douglas, and
especially as he was so peculiarly identified
with the Senator's great measure, Free-soil and
Abolition clamored for his sacrifice. All this
had no terrors for his soul. His spirit quailed
not for an instant before the rapidly mustered
ranks of such an opposition. He had received
the baptism Of hotter fire than that before, with
out blenching. Boldly assuming the response
bility of his acts he defended them fully and
triumphantly on their own intrinsic merits.
He lodged no issue-he courted no aid by
the surrender of any one or part of any
one of the principles Of the Democratic
party.
1t is grand sight, TO behold man thus
bravely fronting his duty, in the midst Of
a sectional pressure, the force of which the
people of the South can hardly understand,
and risking his political life upon the hazard
of the contest. If such man is borne down,
he falls with the respect even of his foes. If
he triumphs, it is crown Of glory unto him,
10 be ever worn with true royal pride. Every
man is expected, by a sort Of common
understanding, to defend his own section
and those institutions that plant themselves
alongside his household gods. The rela-
tons that cluster around his own or his
neighbors' hearth-stone, are his, are theirs, in
defense of which all viii make common cause
1t is no great sacrifice to risk everything then
and there. But when a man proudly lifts him
self above an unjust popular clamor, boldly
combats the stout prejudices of his own seer
ton, and amid jeerings at home with an I'M
quailing spirit, defends the cause of the absent,
and upholds the sacred cause of truth and
right, he has in him the "stuff Of martyrs
If such man falls, it is without the dishonor
that always belongs to disgraceful victory.
We hope the example set by Colonel Rich
ardson will not be without its teachings to
Northern politicians. His election has proved
that in close district the Nebraska bill can
be sustained, in spite of the most desperate
endeayors Of Free-soilers. Instances are not
wanting on the other hand, where districts
largely Democratic have been lost, which
might have been saved il the candidates had
taken the bold stand Of Colonel Richardson,
and prosecuted the contest with his vigor.
Two things are now very essential in Demo
cratic nominee at the North-1erre and indus
try. Let them, like General jackson, be ready
to take responsibility, and like him they
will beat back faction bowling TO its
den. Timid counsels and fearful men viii not
do now. Neither the party or the age wants
such. They only bring confusion and disaster.
All compromises with error or faction are
fraudulent tricks, which the soul Of an honest
man despises. The party or the man who
makes them, generally gets deserved defeat,
over which the very Gods themselves rejoice.
Colonel Richardson merits the thanks Of the
Democracy and particularly Of the South, for
the manner in which he conducted bis canvass.
No one could have been more faithful TO the
trust reposed in him. His exertions were un.
ceasing-his labors unremitting. He threw
whatever Of force and FIRE there were in him
into the contest, resolved, at least, that the
ghost Of defeat should not "shake its CORY
locks" at him. His people, approaching him
and his efforts, have returned him TO the Ma
tonal councils, where he will receive the hearty
congratulations Of his friends personal and
political, upon success so well deserved by
him.