Mississippi Democrat

We insert the promised explanation, or defence, of Secretary Walker, in relation to the much-talked-of Senatorial commission. As might have been expected from the character of the distinguished gentleman, the document is plausible-very plausible. We have not time now to analyze and compare the statements of the Governor and Secretary, but may do so at some future time. We will only say now, that if Mr. Walker's statement furnishes the "satisfactory reasons" promised, then is there no skill in common sense to discover truth, or conjecture motives, beneath the surface of expression.

The Governor assigns as a reason why the commission was not forwarded direct to Thompson, instead of Walker, that he had not "absolutely accepted" the resignation, and hoped it would be withdrawn. The Secretary assigns as a reason for this unusual course, that the commission was placed in his hands only to be delivered on conditions-to meet certain contingencies mentioned. But the reader will readily detect the discrepancies in the statements.

If the honorable Secretary was really actuated by a desire to have these "contingencies" met, why did he fix his resignation on the 10th March, by which time, as he tells us, he was certain the Senate would have adjourned?

Again, as to Mr. Walker's contingencies: The nomination which was "unexpectedly objected to," was that of Mr. Bancroft, as Secretary of the Navy. A Senator, claiming to be a democrat, objected to Mr. B. for his sentiments expressed in relation to the Rhode Island controversy. Mr. Walker could see an urgent "contingency" in the paltry matter of the election of a printer, but felt no concern when the great principle involved in the Rhode Island controversy was likely to be brought in issue before the Senate, with defection in the democratic ranks!

All the circumstances connected with this noted "commission" are unusual and extraordinary, and we hope may long be without a parallel. The very idea of transferring Mr. Thompson to the Senate chamber was a novel and curious one, and took people by surprise. The honorable Secretary gives us to understand that he only considered it a "make-shift" to meet urgent contingencies; but sensible of the slur thus cast on Thompson, is careful to "wring in," before concluding, an eulogium upon his (T.'s) worth and services, intermixed (of course, it's just like him!) with a mass of self-praise. He tells the public that he (Walker) originated the idea of building the piney woods railroad; of locating a government hospital for disabled and worn down sailors and soldiers, at Natchez. (a fine location for health, especially in yellow fever season!); of leveeing the Yazoo swamp-with other small services much magnified.