Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-06-03
lCuMMuSIcATED
Col. John s.. MOSby.

One cannot easily understand why such per-
sistent desire is manifested on the part CT some
journals to misrepTesent the character and pur-
pose of Col. John S. Mosby as q candidate for
Congress from this district.
" batever may be said of him rs a candidate,
it cannot be denied by any one that, as an indi:
vidual, he is man OF the sternest integrity, and
the highest ability rs lawyer and JurlSs; and
cannot think Of another man anywhere III our
district who could exercise more powerful IN
fuence in Congress than COL Mosby. For, IKE
Webster, he would represent the general inter-
est of all and, further, he would not proscrbe
one of his constituents because he is black and
favor another because he is white he would do
lust what high toned and able representative
ought to do viz repre- senting the general inter-
est of all.
And whatever may be said of the philosophy
of political parties, they unqucstlonabiy fall to
attain the grand object for which they were
created if the MIN rity of body polite are To
remain continually unropresented because OF the
more powerful pressure of the majority.
And Col. Mosby would overcome this creates,
of all defects in the practical working of political
parties, because he is alike acceptable to the
white and colored citizens of this district.
And, then, reason more powerful than any
above mentioned in favor Of his election, Is the
great influence he undoubtedly has with Prssi
dent Grant and his administration.
1t will not be claimed on the part of Col. Mos
by's friends that Gen. Epps Hunton is not .
very worthy and able man, but we do Claim thai
it is obviously absurd to oven think of sending
Gen. Hun on back to Congress with the hope OF
his dong his constituents the slightest good
when he goes, by reason OF the condition upon
which he is elected, with scorn and defiance
upon his lips. And if this is not the case literally
it is so viewed by the administration and the
large majority OF the Republican members in
Congress.
And rs this is the case, 1t is sufficiently evident
why nearly every measure introduced IN the
House by Gen. Hurton for the advaIc ment OF
the general good OF his constituents has so in
1t is thought by some that the Republicans
ought to make nomination. but it is apparent
to any intelligent person that such course
would be very unwise; because the Republicans
have only $500 votes, while the Conservatives
have l2C0O; and if q straight-out Republican
nomination is made Col. Mosby will withdraw,
the Republican candidate will be defeated, and
Gen. Hunton will be returned to Congress-. l
say Col Mosby would withdraw, because he has
too much good sense to run WITH no chance OF
success
We are aware that when the canvass opens
the military career and record of Col. Mosby
will be exhumed for the purpose Of frightening
the Republican voters from his support and,
anticipating objections which may arise upon
this lint, It may be we'll to briefly dispose of
them because his military record has nothing
Supreme Court in delivering its opinion by Mr.
Justice Wayne, in ex psrte Wells, Is How, 3l5
held that the pardonng power granted 10 the
President WAS the same as that exercised oy the
Crown of England. And in examining the Eng
lish and American authorities upon this point.
we find in Lillys Abridgement, 270, quoted and
followed in OK parte Hunt 5, English 287, 1t Is
said "a pardon doth not only discharge the
punishment which was to have been inflicted
upon the person tn t did commit the otensc par
doned, but also the guilt Of the ofense itself: 1t
pardons culpa so clearly that in the eye OF the
law the offender is as innocent rs it he never had
committed the offence"
To the same effect see Chit.y on THE Prerog-
alive of the Crown" page lO2; title EFFECT OF
a pardon" ~,
In "a Sharswood's Blackstone, 4O2, it is said:
1.-THE effect of pardon is to make the offender
now man it gives him new credit and capaci-
ty, and the pardon OF treason, even after convic-
ton or attalnder, will enable man to have an
action of SANDER for calling him a traitor"
Bscon's Arrangement says: The stroke being
pardoned, the effects of it are consequently pat
doned."
See Bishops Criminal Law, sec. 49, wherein
he sfirms the principle as laid down by the
above mentioned authorities. Now as this is the
principle of law and justice which governs the
case, this constant and unreasonable grumbling