Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-03-25
Hon. John r. Tompkins.

In cspy the Mobile Adrcrti.er d. Regi..er
of Jan. 18th, which has accidentally fallen into
our hands, we find the following articles concern
ing gentleman born and bred in our midst one
who, as citizen of Mobile since his early man
hood, has done his native District much credit.
As duty due much esteemed friend and class
mate, and former fcllow.citi1en, we publish the
said articles.
From the Evening News of Yesterday.
RESIGNATION OF Mr.. TOMPKINS.
MOBILE, Jan. II, 1868.
Mr. President: In Juno last, with yourself and
other citizens, accepted position on the Bosrd
of Common Council, under circumstances the most
remarkable in the history of our country, perhaps
of Time ITSELF In doing so, then stated that the
chief motive which actuated this acceptance, was
disinterested desire to relieve the lsborine cred
tors of the city, and to further protect and pro.
mote the interests Of my homo and my own peo-
pie. And without endorsing the constitxtionayity
os the so-called Reconstruction Acts of Congress,
to which owed my appointment, could not ig-
lore the fact that by the corrective poper of the
military, their provisions would be enforced until
such time as they may be declared unconstitution-
al. And until that time arrives, be 1t soon or
late, held it to be the duty Of the true citizen to
protect, in every possible way, from the rapacity
Of impecunous adventurers, what little the sack
ings Of war had left us. Since then have had
no occasion to change this opinion. And if being
deprived of my vote would leave your Board at
the mercy of this element Of the municipal gov
ernment, 7 could not even under existing circum-
stances, be induced to address you this commu-
ncation, already delay to assist you in perfect
ing certain measures for the public good.
But permit me, Mr.. President, further to add,
that also at one time regarded it the true policy
of the unfortunate and politically oppressed peo-
pie Of Alabama, to organize the State government
under the provisions Of the Reconstruction Acts,
provided the same could be accomplished by the
qualified voters Of the country. Such organiza-
ton, in my Judgment don" under protest, would
not have affected the validity Of tie acts them
selves when presented for adjudication. But when
by the Vaccinations Of an unscrupulous party the
plan of reconstruction developed itself into an
adroit scheme to perpetuato party rule and PARTY
power, in utter defiance of reason, justice and
law, and at the cost and 10 the degradation of my
own race and people (though not personally pro.
scribed) unhesitatingly denounced it as an in
suit to civilization antl TO the white race of Ala
bama And as the issueis now presented, cannot
longer obtain my own consent to hold position
which might by possibility be construed into IN
implied sanction of the nefarious schemes Of Rad
icalism.
To what extent Mr.. President, my energies
have been directed to an industrious effort to pro-
tect and advance the interests of the people of
my ward and of the city during my labor with
you, permit me to say, that my record as O coun-
Gilman will attest. Irow tender you my resigno-
ton, and subscribe myself, with much respect,
Your obediept servant,
JN0. R. TOMPKINS.
To COL R. S. Bunker, President Common Coun-
Gil, Mobile.