The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-02-13

Am Assault Upon the State Journai'
In the House of Representatives on
Friday last, Mr.. Porter asked leave to
make personal explanation, and it being
granted, the following, which we clip from
the Congressional Globe, was the result:
Mr.. PORTER. Mr.. Speaker, while / shall
refer to two or three different subjects, pro-
pose to occupy but little of the time OF the
House.
The DAILY STATE JOURNAL, a so-caled Re-
publican newspaper, published in the city OF
Richmond, contained, in its issue OF Tuesday,
January "a, 1871, the following communica-
after reading.
The Clerk read as follows:
IMPUDENT ASSUMPTION OF POWER.
To The Editor of the State Journal
We understand that a few persoas headed by
Aunty Joe Humphreys, have been assuming to act as
executive committee of the Republicans of this dis
trict when in reality, they have authority what
ever to act as such committee. The real commit
tee is composed of the following members, to wit;
John Robinson, of Amelia, chairman; Frank But.
Ter, of Cumberland William p. Manly OF Goochand,
A. T. Johnson, of Hanover; 8. J.. Annabe, Of Henri
CO.. William N. Tinsley, of New Kent; Henry Coz, OF
Powhatan r. G. Jones, of Charles City william
II. Jenkins OF Chesterfield; and LINDSAY, Bailey, ana
Now. in the name of the Republican party of the
third congressional district which is not included in
a few persons located in the city of Richmond but
In the people of the counties and the city, pro-
test against the bogus party aforementioned assm-
ing to act for the Republicans of the district. II
Mr. Porter insists upon acting with these demago-
CUES he must do so openly and iko n man, and not
pretend to act under advisement of the Republicans
of bis district when he knows that their every act
has been repudiated by the people of the district
We understand meeting Of the whole committee
will be called soon as possible by those members
who have not been hitherto consulted. This is
move in the right direction. CITIZEN
Mr.. JUMP. would inquire of the Chair if
the privileges of a member of this House are
involved in this matter
Mr.. PORTER. hope the gentleman will not
object. / propose to show how it affects my
privileges as member.
Mr.. JUMP. will withdraw my objection.
Mr.. JONES, of Kentucky. If proper, I
would call for the ruling of the Speaker as to
whether this is personal explanation within
the view Of the right of member to address
the House in the way of personal explana-
ton.
The SPEAKER. The Chair is of the impress
sion, having been advised by the gentleman
from Virginia TMr. Porterl of what he desires
to say, that it is in the nature offs personal ex-
PLANTATION. But if the Chair is compelled to
rule upon the subject involved in what has
been read at the Clerks desk, he would rule
that it does not involve any privilege of the
House emitting member to make a personal
explanation.
Mr.. PoRrEa. have got through that part.
Several errors occur in giving the names of
the committee, and the article is one of mis-
representations generally, but it is not neces
sary, ON this occasion, that they should be
pointed out This paper has been forwarded
to me by some person in Virginia not connected
with the STATE JOURNAL office; but hold in
nv hand another impression ofthe STATE JOUR-
NAL of the same day, and the same edition
there was but one edition--in which this COM
munication is left out This paper came to
me as one of the subscribers to the JOURNAL,
and from its publishing office.
1t will doubtless occur to the House that this
is very novel mode of warfare on the part of
newspaper against public man, in order to
destroy his political influence in Washington,
for such is the real object of the JOURNAL and
the heartless little clique of which it is the
chosen and appropriate organ. The STATE
JOURNAL does not represent the Republican
party of Richmond, much less of Virginia. It
has long since forfeited their confidence, and is
held in contempt and detestation by the masses
| and the honest leaders of the party. l know
| not how to characterize in beftting terms this
| unprecedented mode of attack--to SANDER a
man in your newspaper, and then have one
| impression of the same date with the objection
| able article omitted sent to the sandered party
| as one of its subscribers from the Office of pub-
| lication.
| The name of the editor and proprietor of this
| very enterprising sheet is B. W. Gillis. A
| Republican Representative on this floor has in
| formed me that he was such good copper
| head thar President Lincoln caused him to be
| removed from clerkship in one of the Depart
ments The sentiment prevails in the
Republican party of Richmond, and
| might say Virginia, that the editor and
proprietor Of the JOURNAL is still a cop-
perhead, though his editorials are not unfre-
| quently of sound Republican character, es-
| pecially when be or the clique have some pri-
| yate axe to grind in Washington. In its issue
| of the 18th of last month, this same JOURNAL,
| which undertakes to palm itself off as Repub-
| lcan newspaper in Washington, and as having
the confidence of the party in Viginia, said
I'VE are not native yirgnian. Had we been, we
would in all probability have been found giving aid
and comfort and assistance to the State during the
late unhappy struggle, and might even not deny
it, be ashamed of having stood shoulder to shoul
COR with cur brothers and nsighbors even in bad
| cause We certainly would not have deserted our
State after she was once committed to the death
Gtrugglc stabbed her in the back, and then returned
and asked her people to receive us with friendly
greeting, aud reward us with high honers."
So,- with one dash of the JOURNAL pen, we
have General George II. Thomas, John Minor
Bolts, and other native Unionists of Virginia,
indeed those of all other States as we'll, CLASH
fed as deserters and enemies OF their native
States. The latter part of the article is one ol
the JoURNAL's habitual fings at Colonel J. M
Humphreys, the collector Of the port of Rich
mond. This gentleman saw fit to leave his
native State OF Virginia after the commence
ment of hostilities, and rendered his services te
the government OF the United States, and was
connected with our army until the close of tht
war. At its close he received the appointment
of collector of customs at Richmond, and hal
been and is one of the most active and influ
enta Republicans 10 the State. The editor
and proprietor of the STATE JOURNAL, having
unsuccessfuly endeavored to obtain the col
lectorship from Colonel Humphreys las
spring, now supports for that position maj
who was chairman of the Walker State com
mittee, and from such position did as much a
any other person to defeat the Republican
party in Virginia in July, 1862 Furthe
comment is unnecessary.
will retain the two JOURNALS of the Oath 0
January at my desk for the inspection of mem
bers and representatives of the press.
MR.. PORTER AND MR.. cox.
When ! asked on the lst instant unanimou
consent for an extension of my time, in th
discussion relating to the test-oath question
Mr.. Cox, of New York, as reported in the
Globe of the next day, said;
"a ofb Jau han