The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-04-06
District Attorney Wilson ON the Failure
OF the Democratic State Convention 70
Endorse Senator Rice.

OF the Democratic State Convention 70
Endorse Senator Rice.
Editors Of the Pioneer and Democrat
More than q month since my name ap-
peared in several of our State papers, con-
nected with the resolution of endorsement
of Senator RICE, offered by myself in the
last Democratic State Convention. Though
modestu might prompt silence, instead OF re-
viving a matter in which I have already
been conspicuous beyond my wish or ex-
pectation, justice demands that at least one
statement should be made.
If memory does not deceive, it was
charged or insinuated in your paper that the
resolution was offered at the request of Mr..
RICE and that it was through his desire
and influence that delegates were afterwards
asked to sign it. Now Mr.. RICE never
spoke, wrote, nor sent to me single word
nor sign about the matter, and was as ig-
norant as an inhabitant of Timbuctoo of any
such intention on my part. Indeed it was
not until some ten minutes before the mo-
ton was made, that really thought of
making it and, during that time, l asked
the opinions of few persons about it, both
friends and enemies Of Mr.. RICE and every
one acknowledged it just and promised to
support it. All except one, am happy to
say, kept their word. Since that time I
have not had the slightest communication
from Senator RICE, and the attempt to have
favorable delegates put themselves in po-
sition where their feelings could not be
misrepresented, was suggested by myself,
and all that has been done, was done entire
ly without the knowledge of the subject of
our action. So that as to the charge of in
delicacy against Mr.. RICE, feel sure you
are mistaken. l am sorry that absence
from the State has prevented my saying so
sooner.
AS to my own part in the matter, can
only say the resolution was offered because
chose to do so-that 1 chose to do so, be-
cause l thought it due and true. My after
action was prompted by the same weighty
reasons.
Though having said sufficient, 1 would
not be respectful to my esteemed and
affectionate correspondent Major BROWN,
to dismiss the subject without paying him
some attention. In his elegant epistle of
February 5, be declines signing the resolu-
ton, but says that if the word citizens"
was substituted for Democracy" and he
were delegate to a railroad meeting
agricultural convention, or cattle shoau," that
he would sign, but could not see why thanks
to Mr.. RICE for devotion to the interests
of Minnesota should be confined to her
Democracy. One less astute than him
whose mind generates such keen ideas, as
changing the course of mighty rivers, and
annihiating Western time and space with
mud cars-might have, at least, imagined
propriety in combining an expression Of opin-
ion to those expressing it, and not having
Democratic convention speak for others than
Democrats. Nor can l, in my weakness,
see why such an expression as was embodied
in the resolution could not be made else
where, and at other times, than when the
Major was occupying the position, for which
he was so eminently qualified, of delegate
to seattle show - and, even if his ideas of
propriety require him to speak on this sub
Ject then, and then alone--he should scarcely
consider n,alapropoS any of the conventions
in which he has figured with such vociferous
self.exhibition for it would hardly strain
the imagination to fancy, from tone, manner
and appearance, that other than human ami
mails were being displayed.
The rest of the letter, referred to, but
speaks the Majors friendship for Mr.. RICE.
Of this l have but little doubt: for that
gentleman has, deservedly, hundreds of friends
just as warm, with less personal reasons for
admiration and every word that he utters
with regard to Mr.. RICE's earnest, untiring
efforts in behalf of both the "citizens in
general, and the Democracy in particular,
of Minnesota, most heartily endorse. His
warm place in the hearts of so many, in
every station of life, whose helping friend he
has been, gives him popularity far more
enduring and desirable than the ephemeral
blaze surrounding the brilliant action Of
those who for the moment dazzle the popular
eye, but fall as they rise, like Jonah's gourd.
Most respectfully yours,
E. NJ. WILSON.