Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1856-10-16
lIba1rER FROM SENATOR MA.

SON. 49,
IFrom the Charleston Mercury, October
Among the letters read Mt the Brooks dinner,
which we findin the Edgefeld A1eertiser, Is the
following from Senator Mason, of Virginia. What
it says in reference to Federal affairs is equally
bold, true and worthy of the past course of that
distinguished statesmen:
SELMA. Frederick county, Va,
29th September, 1856.
Gentlemen: have had the honor to receive
your letter of the 18th instant, inviting me, on
behalf of the constituents Of Col. Preston S.
Brooks, to a dinner to be given to him, on the Sd
of October next, in Testimony of their complete
endorsementof his Congressional course
1t has been my good fortunate have enjoyed
the acquaintance of. your able and i,lstly-honor-
ed Representative, on terms both of social and
political intercourse, from the his entrance into
the House of Representatives. know of
none whose public career hold more worthy
the full and cordial appreciation of his constitu-
ents than his.
lie has shown himself alike able and prompt
to sustain the rights and the interests of
stituents in debate and by vote; or to vindicate
in different mode, and under circumstances OF
painful duty, the honor of his friend. would
gladly. therefore, unite with you, were it in my
power, in the testimonial proposed by his gener-
GUS constituents; but regret that the distance
which separates Us, and my engagements at
home must forbid it.
1 ILlhu4 IiOJ GlOSiuS
this letter to'say few words to my fellow-citi-
zens of Edgcffeld District, whom you represent,
on the condition of the country.
None can mistake, or in the South, can re-
main insensible to the times that are upon US.
The issue (until now avertcd) between nu-
merical majority on the one side, and sworn
faith TO written compact on the other, is abou:
to be tried. The Southern States represent the
minority, both in States and in people, on this
issue. Not their property alone, but their hon
or and safety are at stake in the result; for |
look on the pending election of President in-
teresting chiefly to the South, as it will be a
type of opinion anu purpose at the North. Rea-
son and argument are cShauSted-we have done
| whatever lay with us to bring the majority back
within the pale of constitutional power; and
can now only await the popular vote.
Should it be found to stand by, and to uphold
the constitution, then We should once more look
forward with confidence and hope to the contin-
uance of a Union established in mutual and pa
trioc sacrifices, and having its sanction in fra
tcrnal faith.
But in reverse of ali this, should dominant
sectional vote be directed to bring into power
| those pledged in advance to break down the bar
ricrs interposcd by the compact of federation,
for the security of one section against the other,
then, in my calmest Judgment but one course
remains for the South.
Ilnnietgiats, G6sotute and eternal separation.
Better far better, to stand toward the North
ern States as we stand to the rest of the world
"Encuiies in war. in peace trends"-than to re-
main hating under common government, enc
mics under the g,,ise of peace, or friends at
war.
Again regretting, gentlemen, that cannot be
with you. ain, with great respect
j. NJ MASON