Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1859-04-23
digtnct eoneassion that he was now aound and pen

distinct concession that he was now sound and per-
fectly reliable on This question.
Nh. Faulkner replied to this with telling force,
that the gentleman now SO filed with holy horror
at doctrines set forth by him in 1882, took the hust
ngs in the campaign in 1851 with great zeal and
thusiasm In behalf of George w. Summers, who
bore conspicuous part in that very same debate
and went as far as any one at that day in his war
upon the institution in Virginia. Mr.. B. spoke of
the moral weakness Of Mr. n in amy defence Of slas
very he might make in Congress. II thisisise we
ask how much more the objection would have APP
plied,to Summers as Governor of Virginia. But
it is too late to urge this stale matter and to call
upon the Democratic party of the District to stnlt
~ itself by prescribing Mr.. Faulkner, whom they
have trusted eight years in Congress.
and to pronounce him at this late day uusound up
on this vital subject The more SO, when that re-
cord to which he now points with pride breathes
in every raet aud word the most earnest and deep
seated attachment to the honor and rights of the
South whenever and wherever assailed by abolition
miscreants and traitors. We cannot follow Mr.. B.
10 his rambling and desultory remarks, He made
many hits and facetious illusions, which provoked
considerable merriment In the crowd, especially
among the boys; quoted the great Dramatistla large,
ly, in which he excels to a limited extent.
Upon the whole, We can concede that Mr. b. is a
fluent and pleasant declaimer, bnt there can be no
doubt that he is sadly deficient in the powers of
close and logical argument, and evidently has but
an imperfect and confused knowledge of the politi>
cal history of the countryor of the philosophy Of
our government and constitutional system. These
only attained after long mental discipline and
training, aud the constant exercise of solid mental
powers, and cannot be apprehended without much
labor and study. Diyested of these no man is COM
petent to represent district in Congress eicient-
ly or with credit It requires something more than
that graceful style of thought and expression which
is required to address the knights at mock tourna-
ment, or to crown The Queen of May at female
school. For these exercises we think the graceful
style of Mr.. BIS oratory is peculiarly suited; but
men in real life expect and demand something in
fnately more practical and substantial.
Mr.. Faulkner, in reply, said that he was utterly
astounded at the statement made By Mr.. B. that
there men who would vote for him, and lend
their influence to Mr. B; denounced their treachery
and baseness, and repudiated their support. Such
conduct was infamous indeed
''oh for tongue to curse the slave, 81.
After fully meeting Mr.. BIS points, such ae they
were, and vindcating the Administration against
the Black Republican charges of Congressional ex.
travagance and corruption, he took his seat after
playing some sally upon Mr.. B, and hisRattempt tc
ride two hobbies.
Mr.. BOteler replied in the same vein, and the dis
cussion ended tremendously and pleasantly, only
being occasionally being disturbed by the mani
festations of bad whiskey operating upon imper
! fectly developed brains.
Loud calls being then. made for Mr.. IsBHLI, tina
gentleman came forward and made q few felicitiou:
and well>received remarks, but declined engaging
any discussion of the political issues of the day
in consequence of the absence of his opponent
whom he complimented highly as high>minded
and honorable gentleman, and the worthy son of s
most worthy sire.