The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-04-19
LETTER OF HON JAMES G. JONES, or TENSES-
See TO HIS CONSTITUENTS, on POLITICAL PAR
TIES, HIS PAST COURSE. AND FUTURE NTEs-

o
Regarding II the duty of public confer fuiiy
aud freely with his constituents touching all matters OF
public interest address you this letter ibis duty Dc
comes the necessary this time from the anomalous
condition Of political parties and the necessity imposed
upon respond TO the inquiry frequently addressed
TO BY my political friends What shall we DO or rather
what do you intend do ia the present conpcaed state
OF thingsf e
shall 30 forget the relation sustain to you as TO
presume dictate 10 what should OF should
can only suggest to be the course proper
TO DO pursued declare what u my purpose 10 do
In addressing this letter intend TO embrace my entire
constituency without distinction Of party name because
have neither the right the disposition separate my
seffrom obligation under which feel TO be the repre-
sentative Of the entire people OF the State But fankness
this present duty grows mainly out Of the interest man
Tested by that portion OF my constituents with whom
have heretofore acted and by whose agency called 10
occupy the position now hold, in knowing what course
shall pursue in the coming political contest
1t il my purpose to deal plainly and candidy with you
yet in the strange and unprecedented revolution OF things
can scarcely hope find community Of sentiment and
feeling existing between myself and the party Win whicn
have heretofore acted and to which am indebted LOT all
that public man, that has hitherto characterized
intercourse and guided actions Whilst THIS lear
Of painful regret to me yet II should IA the
,ai appossng saa o. my s.,s should mot su,
prove myself unworthy Of all the bonors you have confer
red upon me- but also secure to myself convictions OF mer
tied contempt. p, p. II. Il.
Ii is well known to you all that have been ever since
my entrance into public life, wing of the old school, Ia
king the patriot sage ofAshland as my political
the By which was wont 70 be guided In looking back
through the long vista of the past and calling TO aid
all the advantages which increase of years and ex-
perience presumed bring find nothing TO regret IN
The adoption Il that political creed Iteommanded my
approval and BY that chart was content TO steer ms
bark, amidst the storms and breakers by which 1t was
surrounded. 4se 4aarsae " ss ..# .a#.
The proclamation is being daily made by three promi
nent and leading parties OF the country that the wing
party Is dead This annunciaton may be grateful TO
those who make it but il brings pleasure 10 heart
believed in its principles ready abide its for
tunes in It's prosperity and triumphs reoced in It's mis-
fortunes and defeats wep,. Ii Others march with
rude and careless step its remains for must be
excused from participating in any such strange unnatural
vocation would rather bedew the sod under which
said 10 repose with tears of grateful memory. sa#a
Whether this declaration exuungly made be true
not shall stop inquire. 1t is enough may,
than enough for mel TO know that this great party which
lenged the respect of its enemies not dead has fall
len It's high and proud estate and in disorder
end confusion. f5e -&N
By what agency this result was produced--by whom
this great wrong the affections and sympahies of the
living and the memories OF the nstrous dead was done
it is not necessary that saoud inquire only rejoice TO
know that stain of the blood Of the victim is 10 be
found on my garments
Public position always carries with its responsibilities
and the obligation of fidelity to those from whom
ceve them is either expressed implied. The position
hold has brought its responsibilities and acknowl
edge its obligations. The questions submitted to
daily almost hourly-why stand weeping the grave
of your buried political affections why not join the
American democratic party FL am ready to answer
because do not agree with either of them and because
the obligation assumed in accepting the position hold
contemplated such result. ##
was elected to the United States Senate a whg,
committed TO the support Of whg principles and whig
men, and have felt myself bound by every conside
ration of duty and honor vndicae and sustain them
deem the pledge thus given, and trust shall be faithful
10 the end Soon shall return my commission to those
from whom received it, and rast in God stain Of
dishonor unfithfulness will attach to it.
Thus much for the past Let turn to the and
the future.
With feelings such entertain and have endeavored TO
lima vc,rr
interest at stake should be inclined take part
in the contest but would content myself with the quetude
ana retirement o. private ne but under the srcnm-
not only the peace and happiness of the country but
the integrity Of The constitution and the stability of
Unon-no patriot feel Indifferent patriot has
right fold his and refuse all can TO arrest
such evils cannot be silent indifferent spectator Of
fraught with such momentous consequences
erty.
Il cannot have escaped the observation of the most
casual that state OF things exists at this time wholly I'M
precedented in the history Of parties 0btuse indeed,
must be the who does not resd in the signs Of
times dangers most imminent to the perpetuty OF the
country. Circumstances to be combining together
which, IL arrested eventually end in the over
throw OF this fair fabric of human liberty To avert ca
lamiy full Of all that fearful full Of
throw OF all the hopes OF the lovers OF freedom
the world the best energies Of the wise the good the
patriotic invoked. Us .# rs.
In order fully appreciate the difficulties and dangers
that surround us it rs necessary look things they
And be who, through indifference the bias Of par
~ prejudice, refuses make this examination bersys
disregard OF his highest interests that find palia
ton in the requirements OF duty patriotism.
What is The condition OF parties this time and what
likely 10 be the result of the approaching presidential
election "
You may not have given TO this important question
much serious consideration and may not therefore have
had your fears aroused You may Aaer yourself that all
IS wel-tbat there Is danger TO be Appreciated II
this be your condition. would dispel the deluson which
II persisted in fear prove fatal In order
Pish this bog your attention 10 short facts
as they are now presented TO the country.
AS before stated there three prominent parties
IN the country each Of which, IL is certain will present
their candidates for President Vice President The
American party has already given us the names Of their
Candidates Soon the democratic and (socaled1 repub
canrares 20 hold conventions to present the names
OF their candidates With three candidates In the field
is II nj all certain that election be effected by the
peope2 There is such certainty; but there are many
veigrouDded fears that election by the people will he
defeated and that the House OF Representatives win be the
tribunal before which this great question must be tried
decided With the late proracted contest in that body
foe the election OF Speaker and its results before u.s. II can
not be that who desires protect rights
Of The South can wish, would be willing TO see our
rights submitted TO such arbitrament the perma-
nency Of the Union exposed TO so severe test Bot
should election obtain before the people which of hcS
pares most likely TO succeed In order form some
thng like correct enlightened Judgment on this subject
proposed to inquire what is TO be the nature of this
contest ny what circumstances Is IL be surrounded
and what questions are to be scted by IL? May ask
what issues are TO be involved In this CONTEST il IL
lands internal improvements the Acquisition Of more ter
Tory isit the annuncission OF the Monroe doctrine as
Proclaimng our foreign pocy7 lis il any one or ali az
tesef No, not of them all IL spoken of as the ssne