The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-12-05
THE WASHINGTON UNION.

ously apprehcnsise that the joint reso uon for the an
nexation OF Texas which recently passed the House Of
Representatives, will be defeated Ia the Senate. o
Why is this Why do the senators from the southern
States unite with the flnacal Of aboltonsts 10
defeat measure In which their constituents feel the
deepest interestwhch indeed Indispensable TO the
safety OF their institutions and the peace and prosperity
of their people = and nearly year afterwards ON the
9Th Of January 1896 in the very last number Of the
" 81 issued under his editorial management, he gave
utteanoe to his joy at the accomplishment Of the great
work In such jubilant strains these
s"TExAs ANNEXED This glorious news will be read
with pleasure by overwhelming majority of the Amer
lean people. The abOtonsts and their friends will pour
forth their amenaon and shower abuse upon the heads
OF those who have been most instrumental in carrying
this noble measure O But the sovereign people
will applaud their representatives, o and we
believe the day Is not distant when the wisdom Of the
measure will be admitted by nineteen-twenteths of the
American nation. Ii will eventually be popular as
the acquisition of Louisiana"
We have thus traced Mr.. Letcher's status and senti-
ments party and southern up to the year 1876
The necessary limits OF this article will permit to
follow him through the ceaseess and ardent efforts OF the
last year of his editoship behalf of State
ton and constitutional reform. Nor will turn aside
here TO go the refuton already given in this and
other papers OF the absurd impuatons upon him in
nexion with the 'Ruffner eae of ls47. Suffice IL to
repeat in brief that this affair the ephemeral of
spring OF the violent excitement then prevailing through
the entire West the questions of constitutional reform
and internal Improvements that Mr. fletcher had moth
ing whatever to do with its orgnaton and that during
its progress he uttered endorsed word sent
ment that could give just of offence TO the most
sensitive spirit Had he done so, it would have been
directly n conflict with all the sentiments and express
sons of his previous career with those Of his whole
subsequent history.
Our remaining space allows to allude merely to the
great public services in which he has been unremngly
engaged for the last ten years In lsi8 he nomna
ted for presidential elector by the State democratic
ventlon and having accepted the position discharged
his duty with characteristic fidelity ability and zeal He
elected and thus endorsed by his party in the State
We have before us democratic papers published
during this canvass which bear ample testimony to the
vigor aud effectiveness of his efforts aud in which his
pointed attacks upon Haot prOpsosn, and aboonm
especially commended. na#
When the convention to remodel the State constitution
was called he became candidate and having actively
canvassed the district composed Of the counties of Rock
bridge Augusta and Highland, trumphanty elected
by II majority of than 200 votes. The district
overwhelmingly whig but it is proper to say that
party politics discarded from the election His
in the convention gave entire satisfaction to his
constituents and added greatly to his growing reputation
for talent energy industry and all the sterling qualities
which constitute the valuable and reliable public servant
In the fall of 1851 having been nominated for Con-
gress by democratic convention, he elected without
opposition He has since been three times reelected
without regular opposition, and his has not only
confirmed him in the esteem and regard of hs party
but has rendered him almost universally popular In his
own district at least with political friends and foes alike
Not only has he been thus rewarded by the increasing
hold which he has gained in the confidence and affection
of his people at home, but may safely say that his
eminent public services his industry, fidelity punctua
attention in the committee room in the hall of the
House of Representatives his quckness skill and ab
ty deber, End his promptnass to defend southern
rights and interests have gained him most enviable
national reputation. .g ....5rs ........ ......s.