Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-05-13
ALEXANDRIA,:
FRIDAY MORNING, MAY IS, 1859.

The election of Representative in Con-
gress from this district. has, this Spring
created more than usual attention and ex-
element. This has been produced by causes
which are seen and known by all. 1t is a
subject Of congratulstion to the friends of
Mr.. THOMAS, that, in this contest, they can
advocate, cheerfully, warmly, heartily. his
election, upon his merits, his services. his
abilities, and his principles. In giving him
their support, they look to the facts. that. if
he should be elected, q large and respectable
portion of the people of Virginia, opposed to
the party in power, would have, at least, one
tongue to speak for them. and express their
political opinions; that they would have rep
resentative who would vote and act for reform
in the administration, and retrenchment IN
the expenses of government; who would con-
tend for the interests of our own home indus
try, when that is brought in unfair competi-
ton with the cheap labor of the manutac-
turers in Europe; who would favor policy
which would establish FORCES and workshops
for mechanics here instead of forcing us to
buy abroad who would SET his face against
unlawful proceedings to, f2tIuSter and annoy
neighboring nations; who would not coun-
tenance "entangling alliances" with other
nations, or "protectorates" over them for
purposes of aggrandizementi who would
oppose such uses of the public money as is
asked for in Thirty Millions Cuba bills; and
who would. generally, strive to effect re-
turn to the practices and measures Of the
earlier days of the Republic.
In addition to these matters touching
general and national politics, the friends
of Mr.. Thomas recommend him to the
voters of the District, as a gentleman who
would make practical, efficient Repre-
sentative. His experience and efficiency IN
legislation, his good sense, tact, and concil-
iatory manners, are acknowledged. There
is no one to say he has not been "a good and
faithful servant" in the public service. hlth
erto. The same qualifications he would car
~ upon the floor of the House of Kepresen
tatiyes, and he would there. too, be enabled
to further the local interests of his constitu
ents, whenever they could be promoted b,
the action of Congress.
We think then, that apart from all conslde
rations of personal respect and friendship
which we feel and acknowledge We can ap
peal to the unprecedented and intelligent
voters of the district in his behalf. We re
quest them to examine the reasons we urge
in favor of his election. and to ask them
selves if they are not worthy OF their acc'p
lance. We beg them to consider his qnalifl
cations, and determine if they are not excel
l.nt-to recollect his services, and answer
he is not deserving Of promotion-to look a
what would be best for their country. ant
see if his election would not be most likel,
10 contribute to the common interest an(
general welfare lie has never. so lar, dis
appointed them, when those who know HIN
best have honored him with their confidence
aud they can rely upon the future by tn
guarantees of the past. We submit TIT
matter with great confidence to their patriot
ian, their sense of justice, and their obilga
tons TO their country. We believe. from nj
we see and hear, that the people are rally
ing around him, and that the result OF TIT
election will be his elevation to the honora
bic position for which he is recommended.