Wilmington journal., 1874-01-09

ing to prove, that every member OF the
42nd Congress was n"lliristian States
man." we propose simply to testify
the sentiments of the community IN
approval of the Hon. 4. NJ. Waddell,
who in that Congress was our repre-
sentative. It does seem as II there are
two considerations which should be
regarded by the people of this district "a
an especial Providence il their behau,
first, that "A. M. Waddell was the
nominee at the time Of his election
and second, that he was their repre-
sentative in the And Congress. The
time when he accepted the nomina-
tion was O dark one, and the chances
of election were all against him. No
one else could be found willing to lead
the forlorn hope, against the solid
ranks of Radicalism. Waddell, fear
less Of consequences and regardless of
the result, threw himself in the breach,
and what q glorious victory did the
district obtain, as the result of Wad-
dell's fearless and earnest struggle.
The hosts of darkness, with Dockcry at
their head, were ovecthrown and
buried SO deep beneath the ruin they
had made, that never yet have even
IL groans of their reviving been
heard and this district by and
through A. NJ. Waddell, was delivered
And can the people of this district
ever be 80 recreant to a sense OF their
honor, duty and obligation, as to be
willing to forfeit the privilege of hail
ing with applause him, who by his
subsequent career still adds to the
laurels he SO gallantly won in the con-
test for liberation? The only charge of
wrong aginst him is that he voted for
the increase of pay. Let those who
can successfully, honestly and satisfac-
torily refute the arguments he makes
in his letter to Mr. and who
can answer Stephens speech ON the
same subject, cast the first stone of
condemnation. And even were this
done, is it fair to condemn u man for
one error in career when his virtues
can be counted by the score? It is
hardly the part Of wisdom for the peo-
pie to cOncede to any set of men or
newspapers the right to dictate pub
lie sentiment which must be regarded
as infallible and not to be questioned.
Far be it from me to reflect upon the
action of any member of the Legisla-
ture III this matter, especially upon
that Of cur distinguished representa-
tive, whom the people of this county
have tried and found true. He whom
they delight to honor in their admira-
ton of him as man, and who as a
representative, they know is the right
man il, the right place. There is no
neces-ity whatever for any s,;oh reHec-
ton. The best and wisest men Of our
own land have often differed, and
differed honestly in their views on the
same subject. These men have been
leaders of the people. Each has had his
followers or friends OF the Same convic-
ton
Still. each man and each party accord
ed to the others integrity of purpose
and honesty of intention, and SO to-day
ought we to feel. And while we as
citizens endorse and approve the acts
of A. NJ. Waddells congressional rec
ord, with which we are familiar, we
are willing to accord to all others the
right to act as they think best, md be-
ieve them honest in it. Congressional
) presentatives are elected, not by the
Legislature, but by the people, and we
can but sustain Col. Waldell when lie
says to his constituents alone is he re-
sponsible. Every question has two
sides, and his defense Of his position,
IS far as it goes, appears to be com
plete vindication from the charge that
be had committed al act ''indefensible
III principle" either moral or legal.
The best evidence Of its merit is to be
found in the impression it has created
upon most Of those who have read it
for il j. certain that the opinion large
ly prevails that he is equal to the occa-
sion. There is another point here
u-l,:ol, - ,t,o,,ily I, I
cred. The resolutions Of the Legisla-
tnre were, to say the least of them, not
complimentary to ot1r members in
plainest kind, upon their honor ard
integrity. These are tit1' g,Ii,.ts-'
with Il mAn Of honor his good NAM. is
lis greatest treasure-most highly
rriZed-,nOst yirilantlv guaricl-aud
most -c0f0ttsly 0cftnGfd. Lit every
rnan make this q home question antl
asll himself how he would do ii thus
attacked, and, fcllow-c;tizcns. is it
not the most natural thing il the
world to suppose that such & man
smartlng under such stiny-sIould
defend himself with ri. the ability he
has. and rctort upon his accUgcrs with
all his spirit and power, unshaathiug
his keenest blade and striking for
those points most tender and vulner-
alIe? l think SO. 1t is pity that
such is the case, but under the cir
cumstances. from man of spirit,
honor and pride, much less could not
have ..beec expected. II conclusion,
he is no longer our representative.
We still have one whom we delight to
honor, and against whose good name,
whose honor and integrity we would
give no credit to any accusation,
which the New York Sun, and ali the
other papers and men who especially
represent themselves as the ''elnbodi-
ment OF modern virtue" could bring,
but still we can but regret that it is
not our privilege again 10 prove, BY
our votes, our faith in Waddell.