Nebraska advertiser., 1857-07-30
FOR DELEGATE TO CONGRESS,
B. 2. RANKIN
Of Sarpy County.

I
NIB. cHAPMAN-HIs sPEECH-ETs COURSE
his CLAIMS HIsPUBLIC ACTS SHOULD
BIZ BE REELECTED.
AS we remarked last week, We had
determined to take a position against
No. one in the Congressional canvass,
aud regret that circumstances now
compel us to depart from that deter
mination. Those familiar, and init
mately acquainted with US will bear
testimony that it is contrary to our
nature to array ourself against any
one, in any way, or for any purpose.
Our apology for writing the present
article, if any be necessary, is the
heartfelt interest we feel in the welfare
andultimate prosperity of this country
and its people-convictions of duty as
a iournalist-one standing as it were
upon the watchtower of public interest.
We feel hat in remaining silent, and
not crying aloud-in not sounding the
trumpet of warning in time of danger
we would prove ~traitorous tothe posi-
ton We occupy among our fellow citi-
zens. When we look around US and
see that our people are being deceived
that portion of them, too, who
arenew cOmers-who are not personal
ly acquainted with the man-his char
acteristics-his history-his acts-his
.shrewa cunning manner of working
upon the feelings and sympathies of
strangers. For it is a notorious fact
in proof of which we ask only that
you cast your minds eye for a moment
around you-that nine out of every
ten of Chapman's supporters are new
corners, entirely unacquainted with the
man. or his public acts; and further
that nearly Or quite all who have here
tofOre been his most ardent supporters
are now his most violent opposers.-
We repeat that when we look around
us and see such a state of affairs, and
are possessed Of the mass of fact.
which ought to convince any rejecting
mind to the contrary, We cannot longel
remain silent. To convince the publ,
of the sincerity of our representation
that We have no personal feelings tt
crafty in the defeat of Dir. Chapman
no "friends to reward or enemies *
. punish, "-wewill briefly state the rela
'lations between Mr.. c.. and ourself VI
to the opening of this campaign.
When we arrived in Nebraska anC
commenced the publication of tn,
advertiser" Nh. Chapman's seat wa.
undergoing a contest in Congress. w,
d: examined carefully the grounds, o.
basis of contest, the testimony pro
dueed, and as lawyers say, "~aceordin,
to the evidence in the case,"-whicl
wasall by which We cOuldbe governed
came to the conclusion that Chap
man was honestly and justly entitled
to the seat; and have never ha,
reason to change that opinion. W,
felt equally convinced, however, a
that time, and do yet, that had Judg.
Bennett contested the seat on tn,
ground of ineligi5aity, the resul
would have been to the contrary, an,
Bennett would have been the Delegat,
from Nebraska. As evidence that W,
arrived at this conclusion from n,
feelings Of personal or friendly desire
we state further-that we had not thel
a personal acquaintance with Mr.. C.
never ever having seen him-neVer il
fact since have we met him but twice
Arriving at these conclusions We tool
position in favor of him, an,
for which BY the way We received NOR
than one lecture from WI friends i
tbs county. During histerm as Dele
gate from this Territory, We have bee
with him-upholding him, %endeavorin:
as a journalist and as a private citizei