Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1878-04-10
Letter From Major Douglas.
KING W1LLILM @. g., April 3, Isl

TO the editor OF the Virginia Star:
Dear Sir-I an we'll aware of the futity, if
not absolute folly, in one situated as I am to
engagoi in controversy with powerful reHspspers,
nor do propose 10 do so now. But since reach
ing this place to attend to important profession
al business l have learned that certain publish
ed articles asssiing me have obtained such ex-
tensive and injurious circulation that find MY :
self, in pure self-defence, compelled. so far to
vindicate myself, IS to pronounce all said artl-
ces gross exsggerationa, and, in some instances,
Misrepresentation Of my conduct.
In regard to the recent scene in the House, in
which admit 10 have violated the rules of Or
der, l hsvo to say that it was wholly owing to
the evaporation st tho discourtesy l met with
when proposed to ask simple question OF the
gentleman than holding the floor. and in no
wise due to into1lcstlon IS charged My OBJ
ject was simply to vindicste some of my own con-
etituents from the sweeping charge of an attempt
on the part of the South to defrsud the gov
eminent by paying mail contractors for services
before tho war, which had been settled by the
Confederate Government. believing that was
I not heard from my seat. l moved a few steps
down the aisle to get nearer, and if l rested my
hands upon the desks it WAS not because l WAS
drunk and unable to stand, but because the
| position was easier and protected me from the
| jostle ofthe crowd always passing up and down.
| My Effort 10 be heard wss rudey repulsed and
the Speaker commenced 10 rap at me
most furiously, and ordered me to take
my seat, which refused to do improperly
ADMIT and the Sergeant alarms was sent to
enforce order When he came to me- 'suppos.
ing he intended to lay lis hands on me, |
showed him of. I IVES very angry, and did
wrong but that I WAS instigated by an undue
allowance Of drink is not true; nor g 1t true that
have at this session or the second session of the
44.h Congress, or at any time in MY life, any
where, been addicted 10 habitusl intoxication.
| AS to the di:orderly scene referred to, many,
quite as offensive to true decorum, have occur
| red in tho House since have been a member,
| in which l had no part yet which have net
called down the severe Reproduction of the press
| which was visited on me, and | am freed to con-
clude thst among the knights Of the quill there
are some who are animated by aspecia! dislike OF
me, and avai themselves Of the slightest occa-
sions to in ure me. That their future statements
may be clear y unjusttsble or deliberately mali
| cious and fase, have determined, during the
remainder of my term Of sesvce, to abstain en-
| tirey from into1icants.
In the meantime, I assert. without fear
of successful contradiction, that have missed
! as few important votes IS almost any mem Der OF
the House, and as to the views and opinions re-
aeeted by my votes, 1 iesrlessIy chalenge the
scrutiny and judgment CT the world. SO far
| as my political future is concerned l am indifer-
| cnt; but nay past has been sufficiently sc:ive
| and aggressive to raise me up many enemies,
| and write this merely as personal Vndlca-
ton against tho assaults OF foes too s!rongy en-
trenched for me to attack or wage any kind OF
war with. The anonymous ssnderer who &C.
cepts every newspaper article IS gospel truth,
| and throws it at ule to wound and Insult. is too
| base TO excite my ire OF awaken even the desire
for revenge. The intimstion in one paper that
l sought aome newspaper correspondent with
arms is an unmitigsted fssehood, for have car
ried no weapons since the war. and the only paper
er have approached I called to demonstrate with
in mild way against the injustice it had done
me, and reasonable, fair explanation followed
| the call
so much Mr.. Editor, hsvo doomed due to
myself. anu now only ask suspension ofjudg-
ment till future dsy.
| Very Respectfully
| B. B. DOUGLAS.