Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-06-11
Confederate States Congrehs.

THE DELEGATIoNS-No. l.
In view Of the approaching session Of Con
gress, the public mind naturally rcverts to the
distinguished men of that body who are to
take leading part in the affairs Of the nation
at this eventful period. Its president, the
Hon. Howell Cobb, is eminent for his parlia,
mentarian abilities; and occupied with much
credit tue position of Speaker in the United
States Congress. Beginning with our distant
sister Texas, we have the Hon. L. 7. Wigfall
and j. Hemphill, former Senators in the q. S.
Congress; Hon. W. S. Oldham, once Supreme
Judge in Arkansas; and who came within a
few votes of being Senator from that State;
j. Ii. Reagan, who held the position of
District Judge of the State Courts, and men,
Der of Congress when Texas was In the Union;
w. B. Ochiltree, who for many years was one
of the chief leaders Of the opposition party in
Texas but who ut latter day Joined the
State Rights Democracy, and battled with zeal
against Hamilton for Congress, who served as
aud fervor for its success; and I. L. Waul, who
rama State Elector in the last Presidential can
Sass, and who has always been linked with the
State Rights party.
The whole delegation are eminent members
Of the legal profession. AS finished scholar
and q classical speaker, Texas presents in Col.
Wiefall a man always powerful in debate,
whether in the forum or on the stump. For
many years he had to struggle against the in.
huence OF Sam Houston, who conjured up eve'
~ terrible spectre in the minds OF his friends
to frighten them against what he called the
South Carolina fire eater. A friend tells US
that in 1874 they met in discussion at Mar
shall, aud that the reply which Col. Wigfall
made to Houston was one Of the most brilliant
efforts Of his life 1t reused up the States
rights men to the contest, and was one oi the
first great impulses which the cause-then
sadly in the minority-received. Houston
found an over match for him in Wigfali, and,
as has ever been his habit, he (Houston) pur-
sued bis opponent with rancor and malign'ty
which knew no bounds, not even those private
relations, sacred 10 the honor OF a mah's family
In the great contest OF 1857, when Houston
was beaten for Governor on account OF his in
fidelity to the South Col. Wigfall took prom
ineut part. He and Judge Oldham met
him on many Of The stumps in the State
The result was an overwhelming triumph Of
the State Rights party, and, finally, even
when under e lnomentary panic, Houston sue
ceeded at the second trisl 10 1859, in being
elected Governor, majority OF the peoples
representatives in the Legislature selected Col.
W. to the United States Senate At this hour,
never has public man had more OF the conh-
dence and regard Of the masses than Col. Wig
fall enjoys in his adopted State In the last
Congress, his powers as debater placed him
at once in the first ranks. His mind is full OF
resources He is thoroughly conversant with
the history and philosophy Of Republican Gov
ernment; his analysis is always close, and his
narration graphic and exciting. In military
tactics his mind is we'll stored; and he would
make dashing and desperate general in a con-
tested field. Owing to his long connection
with the cause Of the South, and the express
sion of moro advanced opinions than the poll
ticans Of a past day, he has had to encounter
the charge of being " an extremist but time
will show him to be one of the conservative
statesmen of our times, and sufficiently liberal
in his policy TO meet the progressive character
Of our people and day.
Judge Hemphill is native of South Caro-
lima, and was long Chief Justice of the su-
preme Court of Texas He has never taken