The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-10-26
TneI,ata Senatorial Eiection. =.

The Late Senatorial Election. 1880
Tho ,notiues controlling the Legislature
in the late senatorial election were ga"o'
We synipathized with them most near or.
There were differences as to men but gene
-, concurrence among the great bulk OF
Tho members in the objects in view t" con-
form entirely to the laws concerning recon
struction, and to facilitate the restoration OF
Tho sfafe to her position Of equality amongst
the States. and full participation in the TO-
vernment and the benefits of the union OF
confederatei States: It WAS conceded oy
nearly eyery man that in eleeting senators
..hooe only should be elected who We're NOT
obnoxious TO any legal objection, and the
majority were Of opinion that such men
sho,ild be chosen as would at least present
no obstacle in the way of amicable reiatiots
between Virginia and the Federal Govern
meuI. in order that she might not suller
from prejudice in the matter OF equal pas'l-
c;pation in the advantages OF the COMMON
government Of MI the States.
At an early day we became acquainted
with the valuable services rendered In behalf
Of our people by General WILLIAMS one OF
Tho nominees. and were so impressed WIN
the proof they gave not only Of dispose
tion. but of the capability to help u.s. ina.
we ventured to depart from our genera
rule, not to take sides in personal ponCie:'
and supported the claims presented oy i'ls
friends for the senatorial office. we De-
reved then. and believe now, that he collld
bore belped Virginia most materially. he
would have been elected but for the oDlec-
finn that he lived out Of the state-an oo-
;oct;on that could have been most readily Cd
waited, and which should not have been con-
sidered against gentleman VINO
cor,d render such service as we supposed
General WILLIAMS could. The noblest SEN
t;nert Of the human heart next to adofa-
t;on Of the Deity is love of native land
sentiment honored and protected by the
laws. From it proceeds the acknowledg-
ment of certain sacred rights, among when
il the rioht Of domicil. This is secured 70
evnrv man who enters the service Oh MS
country, and it would be both unjust ana
unpenerous to deny it in any manner.
But we did not reopen the subject TO as
cuss these points, into which we have heen
BETRAYED. The legislators acted upon 'he
dictates of their judgment under the pes'
motives. We respected the claims and ieel-
incs Of all. and so, generally, did all those
who participated in the canvass. uehei"l
wu11.ss. however, under the excitement
of tbe moment. was the object OF some I'M
kind filings. whose authors no doubt no" re-
cret that they were made. 1t Is but Jus. 10
that gentleman that the public should 'ihoer-
stand the spirit with which ne receives ue-
feat. Therefore we venture TO Vlolale Tue
sanctitv of private letter from that gentie-
man to q friend. rs it can wrong no one 20
do so, by making the following extract from
II. II shows the true feelings OF his neart-
devoid Of resentments and devoted 10 'hf
welfare Of his native State, as his recent
conduct has so signally testified:
"If were to say that was not sorry at
"not being elected, after my name mac
"been so often mentioned in connection
"with the senatorship, should be saying
"what was not true but you can no douDI
remember that to you have always sald
"Idid not wish the position unless with II
"I conld have the goodwill and confidence
"of the best men of the State. This, as
"sr1re you, was my true feeling, and l have
$50 stated to nil my friends. Far from feel
cling any modification on account of my
"dcfeat, 1 give you my word of honor that
81 regard the matter, Notwithstanding my
"want of success, with much satisfaction;
"for it has. am confident, given me the
friendship of many gentlemen which l
"prize beyond all description, and which i
"sincerely trust and believe will be for my
/" Lifetime. -...... r..-.f s,-.-
Gas for what may have done for the
"dear old State, or what may in future be
cable to do, i have done, and shall be only
"doing, duty. Nothing that shall ever
..be able to perform for her shall be neg
elected"
The letter from which this is extracted
was written with no idea that it would ever
see the.light through the columns of news
paper The sentiments expressed are the
utterances to, a friend in the sincerity Of
confidential intercourse.