Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1857-04-28
THE D1scuss1oN on MONDAY WEEK.

THE DISCUSSION ON MONDAY WEEK.
On Monday the Goth instant, Hon. CHAs.
JAS. FAULKNER, according to general expecta
ton, addressed a large assemblage of the citi
yens of this county, on the various topics Of
political interest, now. exciting the public
mind, and more especially upon what the OPP
position is pleased to cali the vital and impor-
tant subject of, the public lands. 1t is need
less 10 say that the distinguished gentleman
acquitted himself with his liability. and in
mastery manner exposed the utter fallacy
and impraoticablity of the distribution scheme,
showing wherein 'suchra measure was opposed
TO the constitution, and at variance with the
honor and interest of Virginia; how if carried
out, instead Of relieving the present burthcn
of Indebtedness, its tendency would be to
stimulate to still further extravaganza, and
reckless outlay in unwise and ruinous plans
of internal Improvements. he looked upon
the subject as not being urged by its advo
Gates, upon hepeople, for real purposes of
public good, but Il deceive and mislead their
minds, By appealing TO their avaracious in
stincts, and thus 10 SOW the seeds of dissension
aud division in the democratic party, and
bring about. its overthrow notwithstanding
its acknowledgements to the Constitution, and
deYotion to the rights aud interests Of tho
South. He put the pertinent inquiry, which
met With NO response, was it that this
question has been permitted to slumber SO
long, without agitation and without discussion.
in the tomb Of the CapuletsH He thought it
belonged to history, having been discussed
and thoroughly examined in times past, and
fully discarded. Why was it that during the
late Presideatid contest; when the. country
was in innainent peril, and the waves of Sec
tional violence and fanaticism were threatening
to oyerwhelm the Constitution and the Union,
when all true patriots were trembling for the
result, this subject was not broachedi Was
it of less importance then than nowl Those
oRhothen 'refusedsto act with the Democratic
party, Notwithstanding they recognized it as
the only means OF saving the Union, and were
.rejoieed at its triumph, are now seeking to
raise false issues, and to revive old whig tricks,
TO gull and entrap the people. 1t would be
impossible to do full justice to Mr.. FGULkNER's
address suffice it to say, it was characteristic,
able, logical. and aboundipg with the evidences
nof enlarged'views and enlightened statesman
ship, meeting with the entire appreciation Of
his friends, and of all true aud loyal democra IS.
And althoughthe ungenerous and unworthy
natures of some political preteuders may
prompt them to indulge in low aud miserable
slang directed towards his antecedents; ye'
s he has proved himself every way worthy OF
the, confidence aud support Of the democracy
of this district having performed all his dusscss
! representative with unwavering fidelity and
distinguished ability, as we'll as success. With
him as the standard. bearer, appointed by a
fairly organized Convention of the Democratic
!. party, it cannot and will not fail to triumph
. in the coming election, notwithstanding the
coalition Of disappointed aspirants for Office,
andsthe motley and 'incongr uous party which is
nely>raliyipgits shattered columns fer the vain
effort of.oEerthrowihg it. -8a
Attic conclusion of Mr. FAuLRsER's ad.
dress.. In The midst Of great .eonfnsiSR and up.
roar Hon. lyAi.Luo4s was called forth, and
proceeded to address the meeting, with his
usual earnestness and effect, differing with
Mr.. f in regard to his views of tho constitu-
tionality of the distribution question, stating
that he had been placed in position of en-
-s4barfassment and pain, without any agency OF
4 bis own lie sohght to take an. elevated and
. patriotic view of the subject, holding it to be
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