Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-01-09
WHOLE NO. 365.
From the Csntreville, Queen Annss county Ma
ryland Times.

OcftTCUfttc,
ryland Times.
There is nothing more true than that events in
a nations history develop the characteristics of
men. Cur own Revolution is striking illustra-
tion. The time that tried mems souls produced
men whose souls, when tried, were not found want
ing. We have just passed through political rev.
olution. A great triumph has been achieved by
men whose mental nerve, unquestioned courage,
and indomtable energy were necessary to the
achievment The American party has triumphed
gloriousiy triumphed-and every member not
wthstandiDg all that may be said to the contrary,
has the satisfaction of knowing that il is the tr-
umph Of patriotism and principle. As far as the
State OF Maryland is concerned, one Of the chief
fruits of this triumph, is the right to elect mem
Der Of the Senate of the United States, and pro.
pose to make few plain remarks upon this really
important subject. There are certain elements in
political party which must necessarily be adhered
to--a departure from these elements is departure
from principle aad departure from principle is
the certain forerunner of destruction. The princi-
pal elements OF the American party is embraced
in the maxim: Americans shall rule America
IN other words, give preference to our own people,
design to apply this maxim TO the subject under
consideration, and respectfully suggest that the
American party in Maryland owe it TO the State
and the party to send Maryander to the Senate
OF the United States-not only Marylander, but
one who has fearessly done good and active SER
vice in the American cause from its commence
ment to the present hour, whose life and action
are Enthusiastically identified with the masses.
Have we such man, and who is he Funniest
tatingly answer, we have. We have him in the
person Of one born in this country--one whose
ancestors tor six generations past lie mouldering
in the soil of the Eastern Shore. The gentleman
to whom / REFER is William Alexander ESQ, of
Baltimore. have known him from infancy. l
knew his father and his grandfathers, on both the
father and mothers side, and say without fear Of
contradiction, stock more truly and thoroughly
American, does not exist. Our old people here
will remember his maternal ancestor, Samuel Jack
son, of Caroline county, who raised and equipped,
chiefly at his own expense, company of minute
men, which he commanded while four OF his sons
served in the ranks, and rendered, is well
known, throughout the Revolutionary war; and up
to the surrender at York Town, efficient service
in the glorious cause of freedom. The bravery
Of his grandfather, Robert Alexander, who was
born in this county, who throughout the Revolu-
tion, was in the Maryland line and distinguished
himself at the celebrated charge Of bayonets on
Long Island, at the battle ofMonmouth, the battle
of Brandywine, the fierce onslaught Of the Hes
slams, and subsequently in the Southern campaign,
needs no comment here.
The balls Of the enemy, carried by him in his
body to the grave, and the noble service in which
they were received, were themes of patriotic con-
versation, when was a boy, and am sure there
are many yet alive who remember with delight the
war-worn veterans narrative. l am not one Of
those who believe that mans merits are necessa-
rily increased by the merit Of his ancestors, but
think at time when the maxim, Americans
shall rule America is beginning to be understood
1t would be wrong to frown down or overlook the
glorious attributes of patriotic ancestry.
Mr.. Alexander was born in this county, and
lived here until 1876. 1t was his misfortune early
in life to lose both of his parents and by their
death to be placed in situation where it was ne
cessary for him to make exertions for his own sup
port. As youth, he maintained an exemplary
character, struggled bravely with adversely and to
my knowledge declined to accept the generously
rendered pecuniary assistance Of his relatives pre-
ferring that it should be exclusively enjoyed by his
younger brothers. From this county he removed
to Baltimore where he commenced the study of
the law, and was admitted to the bar in 1889 or
40. His success in the practice Of his profession
is well known; as quiet, persevering, practical
professional man, he has few superiors.
With this brief sketch Of his personal antece-
dents, | now desire to speak Of him in connexion
with the American movement There is not man
in the Union more completely identified with the
American party than William Alexander. At a
time when the Democratic party was In It's strength
and power, and when he had as fair prospect of
preferment as any of the junior members of that
party, he, upon principle, left it to join what
then regarded as a hopeless cause. The American
party did not then number fifty known members
within the State of Maryland, nor was there even
any regular place of meeting for Council. With
a few devoted friends, he was among the most
active and efficient in bringing about perfect as
sociation. hazard nothing in saying he it was
who first saw the necessity of national organiza-
ton. The members of the party in this State and
elsewhere viii recolect the labors of Mr.. Alexan-
der to establish the dea that as long as the Order
va Il ha f,,I. tha IN,
order to make its measures felt upon the great
national questions of the day, its principles which
were then chiefly confined to the large cities, must
be disseminated and discussed in the rural districts.
Without disparsgement to the labors of others, /
think it may be fairly said, he chiefly instru-
mental in bringing about national organization.
1t was upon his resolution, introduced in the
Maryland Council, that committee was appointed
TO visit New York for the purpose of adjusting
difficulties of the Order and calling together Ma
tional Council in which every State and Congress
sional District in the Union might be represented
and, as one of that committee his exertions mainly
contributed to the success which attended its
efforts.
1t viii be remembered that only thirteen States
were represented in the National Council which
assembled at New York in June, 1854, and that
therefore the council adjourned to meet at Cincin-
matt in the following November. At Cincinnati,
Mr.. Alexander represented this State in commit
tee Of one from each State upon the framing of
the constitution Of the Order; how faithfully he
worked, and with what untiring activity he parti-
cipated in the debates upon all the leading topics
which came before the council, is known to every
member of that body, and / take for granted
cheerfully admitted by every member Of the Amer
icsn party. He was also member of the Natisn-
al Council which met at Philadelphia for the pur-
pose of framing the American platform. There,
too, his unremitting attention TO the business of
the body won him, as | well know, the spproba-
ton of the members generally. His speech upon