Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-05-11

Persecution.

Persecution.
The cry Of persecution, the usual cry OF
desperation. is again being raised by the
Smith party Of this Congressional District.
How many votes will be effected by it, il
Vet undetermined but if | am not much
mistaken it will, this time. 60 unheeded.-
1t was the cry i'll Island this is but the
echo. coming back after two years alb
sence. 1t is strange that gentlemen ''who
live ia glass houses will continue TO throw
stones" 1t were al easy matter to take up
lsome of the editorials and communications
in the Smith papers of this district, that TEEN
with the most severe threatening against
those. who refusing to be whipped in" to
the support of Coy. Smith, have the efron-
try 10 maintain and express their own opin-
ions Were it deemed necessary or impor-
tant 10 show conclusively who are the per-
secutors. it would Not be difficult task to
convict those who are most boisterous with
/ the cry of Persecution, rs being the parties
who are really guilty.
! Let me ask. when the Democratic oppo-
nents of Gov. Smith ever attempted 10 re-
move men from Office. because they had sus-
tanned him? Let HE further ask, what man
who ever voted against Gov. Smith, Or did
not yield him cordial support, has ever
been appointed to any place of honor or
profit by the recommendation Of Governor
Smith. or his Jealous supporters. Let me
ask still further, what threatenings have
ever been sent forth by Mr.. Shackelford or
his friends against those who prefer To sup
port Gov. Smith? None that have seen
none that have read Of. True, Governor
Smith. political course has been criticized,
but there have been no threatenings breath
I'd forth against him or his supporters.
Compare the spirit and temper of the ar
tcles written by the friends of MIR. Shackel-
ford, with those on the other side, and see
if YOU can find in the former, expressions
similar 10 theses which abound in the Smith
publications. We Gull few examples from
single editorial-"Ii they may indulge
their chronic PERSONAL disiikes against the
notorious preferences of majority of their
party may not others do the same! If they
may carry out their personal prgndices to
the extent of breukiny up the party, dc, may
not othe,s give equal scope to their resent
menis" Here We have two gratuitous char
yes. Of the indulgence of '.pe'Somat disltkes,"
and the carrying out Of ''personal prejndt-
r,S' and two distinct threats. Gan they
SOW the wind, and not reap the whirlwind?"
Threat No. 3--upon the devoted head of
the most enrenomtsd opponent who repu-
dates the "duty ct Submission" to Governor
Smith These constitute but Il 1.-THE Of the
gentle hints that abound in the published
articles in favor of Gov Smith. which are
thrown out 10 frighten and alarm the sup
porters Of Henry Shackeltord. Nay, more.
1t has been said on the streets of Alexandria,
that the Democrats who may vote for Mr..
Shackelford would be marked men in the
party-and that dire and dreadful calami-
ties would befall others, who might choose
10 express their honest preference at the
polls. Men who have been Democrats from
their youth up are being constantly read out
Of the party by gentlemen who were high
priests in the order of Sam" and the lead
ers in Wing glee clubs in 40 and "A, de-
lighting TO exercise their vocal powers in max
ing music from the contents OF the "yeioD
ktrer." Why is it, that gentlemen cannot,
in this contest be allowed to have and ex-
press their opinions in respectful manner,
without having attributed to them personal
and yindictive motivesy DO these ardent
supporters of Gov Smith. claim any credit
for their zeal? If so, why not exercise little
charity for the opinions Of others. and accord
to them at least the shadow Of honesty even
if you claim the substance.
1t is, however, pretty generally under
stood. gentlemen, that no threats of retribu-
ton, no cry of vengeance. no bulls of OK
communication, which you may put forth,
from this to the fourth Thursday in the
month. can deter Democrats from their de-
termination to think for themselves and to
vote rs they think proper. -
A DEMOCRAT