Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1863-06-18
From the Richmond Wing.
Clement T.. Vausndi~hara

From the Richmond Wing.
Clement L. VaIIandigham.
The person whose name heads this article is man
of fixed prominence His name is historical. He is
man of positive identity. People, both n 0rth and
South, may diff to the wisdom Of the he has
pursued during the present Bet fail to
accord to him the merit of moral frmness. From the
incipiency OF the pending revolution to the present
time, he has occupied neutral ground. In the midst
Of terroism which would have appalled, any ordinary
man. be bas stood up aud denounced the tyranny and
usurpation of Lincoln, in language which admitted OF
no double meaning. He has employed no ambiguous
phra seology in publishing bis sentiments.
Being thus prominent actor in the violent trCublOa5
times through which we are passing, ana being now
upon the soil OF State, bgiut biographical
notice Of him may be read with interest. The facts
which give may he relied upon, as we have takea
some trouble to ascertain them. We publish these
facts with additional interest," because we have seen
many contradictory statements respecting Mr.. Falan
I dghaIn's nativity, his early surroundings, &c.
Clement Laird Valandigham was born in New Lis
bon, Coiumbiana county, Ohio, in 1922. He is there
fore, in the full prime of life H is descended from
Huguenot family, and takes his second name which is
purely French, from bis mother. His father man
of humble meaos. From his earliest b0yhO0d he
ifested strong inclination for intellectual improve
ments. This ambrtiOn for educational distinction was
marked that bis father resolved to afford him every
possible facility for the improvement OF his mind ~
Young Vallandgham therefore, after the usual prem
mary preparations, matriCulated at Jefferson Col
Iege Pennsylvania. At this institution be remained
ege from the want Of peCuuiary MEANS without grad
uatng.
| Having attained an age Us years. at which he
could dc something for himself he went Snow Hill
Maryland, where be became principal of Academy
This institution became very hOuTishing ODe and
quite profitable pecuniary, to Mr.. Nalandgham. At
the end of two years he returned to Ohio, with his
pockets considerably repeniehed and his mind greatly
improved in classical learning. This in 1840. He
next applied himself to the law, ard the age of Il
| years admitted to the bar.
! Mr.. Vallandigbem removed to Dayton Mont
gomery county Ohio, where he has resided ever since
Applying himself diligently to his profession, he OBJ
tanned large practice and high reputation. In 1845
his career active politician commenced In that
year be elected to the Ohio Legislature from his
| adopted county. In l847 he became editor of the
| DdHton Empire, daily democratic journal, which be
conducted for two years. Ia $40 be retired from his
position editor for the purpose Of devoting himself
| more assduously to the law. He did not, however,
cease to be an active politician
In 1852 be became candidate for Congress. His
competitor was Lewis D. Campbell Wing, who was
very popular, personally and politically The district
was largely Whig, and Mr.. VaLa1digbam failed Of
an election, though he far ahead of bis party
strength.
In 1854 he was again a candidate for Congress
against MIR. Campbell. In that year be also failed Of
an election He ran again in 1856 against Mr. Camp
bell. The contest was very exciting One and the
result very close. Mr.. Campbell obtained the return.
But Mr.. Vallandigham Immediately served upon Mr.
Campbell notice that he should contest his right to
seat. Accordingly, when CnDgress met in December,
1857, the House decided in favor of Mr. Vallandig
ham. The position maintained by Mr.. Valandgbam
in the Congress of 1878 is well known. 1t there
fore requires further comment here than the obsu
vation that he most uncompromising enemy Of
the sectional and ruinous tendencies of the Abolition
party.
He was a candidate for Congress again in 1850
In the that year he laid the foundation Of
all the troubles which have resulted to himself since
the commenced. In that contest, a national
man he he he cOul1
vive the election OF man to the Presidency upon
sectional platform, such the one which Mr.. Lincoln
had been made to endorse. He said that the South
had given formal notice that, in the event of North
sectional faction getting possession of the Govern
ment, she would withdraw from the Union. The South
having given this fair notice, he demanded to know OF
the Black Republicans what they would do n the
Republicans should elect Lincoln and the South should
Withdraw? Would the Republicans attempt to pre-
the withdrawal of the South by force of arms =
That was the practical question.
For himself be took The ground that, IN tie contn-
gency supposed he would vote dollar in favor
of war upon the South. This a bold position
for Northern man. 1t produced much excitement in
Mr. Vallandgham's district and throughout the North
His Black Republican competitor certain of an
election But in this be mistaken. In October,
1860, Mr.. Valandigham was elected by handsome
majority.
Mr. ValIandgham'a record eilce tie common
ced is well known. He has opposed Lincoln He has
voted against all bis measures Thus far be has
been consistent with the position be assumed before
hostilties commenced
1t is perhaps, proper to observe that object is
not to show that Mr. V VallaIdigham, in proclaming
himself enemy to Lincoln, is necessarily friend to
the Confederate States He has never taken any such
position. He has never, SO far as We know, taken The
ground that Southern secession is proper remedy for
the grievances which Suffered, were likely 10 sui
fer at the hands OF the Northern Ab0lltioas lie
thought ought to have battle ior rights ID the
Union. But a practical statesman be maintained
that tie South after having resorted to the remedy o.
secession, would be brought back by force OF
will enable the intelligent reader TO form a correct
opinion of the character and position Of man who,
just at tbs time fills very large space in the nuoAc
view.
wrRE-J NJ. Ho~ie & Co, of this place, have
e,,cted machinery for making wire of all sizes. We