Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-08-10
To the Public

Leen the subject of SO much remark, anu has
accustomed 50 many inquiries to be addressed
TO lie by my friends, that feel it to be due
10 myself to make public statement of the
facts connected with the subject. 1t is well
known that | have been constant and con
ss,ent political opponent of VIM. Smith, and
that have never voted for him. This pro-
yokcd his hostility. and he determined to
have his revenge lie sought its gratitica-
ton bv an effort, in 1857, Ia effect the reno
val of Edward 5. llough, esq, from the Col
lectorship OF this port and sought to place
in his stead, his cousin, Richard NJ Smith
knowing that he could rely upon him tn re-
move all the subordinateS from office who
were obnoxious to him, and fill their posi-
tions with those who were subservient to his
will. Ii is well known that Vim. Smith was
defeated in this attempt to inflict Il punish
ment for independent thought. and for the
free exercise Of the elective franchise. In
the exercise of my right Us freeman,
thought proper, IN the Congressional cleo
ton of 1857, 10 vote fora Democrat to 60 to the
Congress of the United States, IN opposition
t. Vim. Smith. Awaiting himself of the au-
thnrity and influence which the corrupting
USAGE of recent wears allows to each MEM
Der of Congress over the Executive appoint
mrntS in his own district. he attempted 10
induce the Administration AT Washington
to be guilty OF the petty tyranny OF eXpcl-
linz me from the humble office which held;
ne formally applied to the Secretary Of the
Treasury for an order I" the Collector for
NV renewal When one Of my friends called
upon the Secretary, Ia know whether such II
demand had been made, and whether IL de-
fence would be- heard. he WAS informed that
Mr.. Smith had requested my removal On the
ground of my opposition Ia him, and tha!
any defence which would make in writing,
addressed Ia the Collector at AleXandrla.
would he considered by the Executive. |
accordingly addressed To the Collector, r.. ;.
lIough, esq, 4 written defence, which Is ap-
pended 10 this paper. This defence was re-
icrrcd to the Secretary by Mr.. llouGh, the
Collector. After the lapse of four or five
months, | WAS informed by the Collector
that he had received II note from the Secrr-
tury OF the Treasury, requesting his attend
ance at The Department, and had attended
accordingly, and found that my ease was the
subject OF the interview. rs the result oi
that interview. he stated that the Secretary
said that it would he agreeable 10 the Prrs'-
dent. and himself if | would withdraw my
dcirucc from the Department, and that this
should be the end Of the controversy. With
this assurance, | consented To withdraw the
document. Thus the matter rested until
1859. In the last election again refused
To support VIM. Smith and voted for IL.
Shackelford Without notice or intimation,
an order was made in June, 1889, by the
Secretary of the Treasury, for the addition
of the offices held by James FoS>ctt and my
self Several OF our personal and political
friends accompanied me To- the Department
and to the Presidents House after thus order
was made The Secretary informed us that
Mr.. Smith had demanded the removal of
Mr.. Fossett and myself on account Of our
opposition to his election The Secretary
had taken action OH this demand lay instiin-
ting an enquiry whether our offices might
not he dispensed with, and had abolished
them. The President informed uS, that per
sons who hold office under his AdmlniStril-
ton would be expected t" support the re-
election Of members of Congress who were
friendly to his Administration, regardless Of
their antecedents. Opposition to such Il can
didate, ho regarded rs Just cause for removal.
consideration of the political orthodoxy OF
Mr. Smith, and requires otiice-holderS, not
only to support candidates who are faithful
to their party, but to support every one whom
the President may regard aS ms adhrrrnf.
TO this doctrine do not acccde. In my
written defence in 1857 distinctly inform
ed the Executive that would hold office "n
no such condition. Whether in office, or out
Of office, ! will only support such candidates
Is, i'll my opinion, personally and politically
merit support My defence i'll 1857, demon
stra,ed that WAS guilty of II" offence w"r-
thy 81 prescription III opposing VIM Smith ;
reelection then. This was conceded 10y my
retention in Office after several months DELHI
crate consideration. Since then. nothing has
occurred to change my opinion "i Mr. Smith:
on the contrary. the developments "l the
recent canvass have strengthened II lN the
additional light, shed upon his political
course. | append two of the most lmpor-
tant of those developments. II WAS iusti-
fled or excused in lSjI. how could he fairly
condemned III lSjo? have uniformly sup
ported the principles and the candidates
of the Democratic party viewer voted for
II Wing or American when there was Dem
ucratl; candidate III lllt ntlu. am iIhN OUT
of office because regarded distinguished
Democrat rs more worthy Of public station
than William Smith.
IrNrRArrl
CrLrrrrH &. H.. May L., 1883.
Mr.. Smith. in 1879. did. both III conversation
with me- and on the stump, advance some "i tn.
strongest arguments. in my "piniou, that heard
adv anced Uy any one, in favor "i Know Nothing
principles. aud did more by his speeches and his
influence i'll my opinion. t" BUILD up aud strengthen
the Know Nothing party ill this District, than any
man III it and one OF the reasons why | was I'm
willing myself To- accept the nomination Of the
know Nothing Convention for Congress, III "rr"-
siton to Gov. Smith. was. that believed that Gov.
Smith, both in the canvass and III Congress, would
render more efficient service 10 the Know Nothing
party than any member of the order. believed,
then. that he fully agreed with the Know Nothing
party in all their prnci, lies, and would carry them
them "ut if elected.
Mr.. Smith has frequently stated To me- that the
Know N"thiugS did not z" far enough and that
he was in favor of u total repeal o the Naturalila
tiun lnwS. q. ID. GRAY.
GOV Smith has stated the same thing I" me.
about the repeal of the Naturalization laws
PHILIP G. SLAUGHTER.
WASHINGTON. bee. -. lsji
Dear Sir am in receipt al IL letter dated the
Sth mt. subscribed 10y Martin F. Lirsr"mh, Ser
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