Richmond Enquirer

TO THE EDITORS OF THE ENQUIRER.
MONROE ELECTION.

APRIL 23, 1835.

I saw an editorial article, in the last 'Alleghanian,' commenting on the Monroe Election—in which the writer says: 'The result was a matter of surprise to all parties, even to the victors themselves,' who, he says, 'only counted on a close election, which would pave the way for the future success of the party.' Can it be possible that Mr. Bayly (for I presume he is the author of the article I allude to) is so ignorant of the state of parties in Monroe? He lived long amongst us, and even now often attends our Courts, in his professional capacity. Does he not know, that Mr. Chapman was earnestly entreated to allow himself to be run as a candidate in opposition to Mr. Alexander, last Spring, and that he (Chapman) refused, on account of the close family connexion that existed between him and Mr. Alexander, his uncle, but promised his friends that he would comply with their wishes, and become a candidate at the next election, as it was generally believed that Mr. Alexander would not again be a candidate? For these reasons, Mr. Chapman refused to be a candidate, in 1834; and I do believe that Mr. Alexander is more indebted to the want of opposition, than to the good wishes of the people of Monroe, for his seat in the last Legislature of Virginia.

Mr. Bayly is perhaps right, when he says, 'Mr. Alexander faithfully represented his party;' but that party, I assure you, sir, is a very small minority of the people of Monroe, and every day getting smaller—a proof of which is the poll-book—although it is not altogether a fair test, upon this occasion, as I know many as honest Republicans as are in the world, who voted for Mr. Alexander, on account of personal friendship of a long standing, long before he became a political man—but who are as much opposed to his political principles, and to B. W. Leigh, as the antipodes. Many others did not vote at all (warm political friends of Chapman, but whom personal considerations prevented from opposing the election of Mr. Alexander. Others, though voting for Alexander, expressed a wish that Chapman would be elected. Does Mr. Bayly not know that Monroe is, and long has been, decidedly a Jackson county—and that they hate Leigh, as they hate the devil? Does he not know that Mr. Alexander is indebted to causes not political, for his advancement to the Legislature of Virginia? The proverbial honesty of Mr. Alexander, in his dealings (which were very extensive) with the people of Monroe, together with a large family connexion, gained for him the vote of many who were politically opposed to him. But, as soon as he dared to menace their rights, by tacitly denouncing the right of Instruction, by refusing to postpone the election of Senator, that they might have an opportunity to express their will upon the matter, and to insult their dignity, by voting for Watkins Leigh, the man whom they abhor, they spurned him, as a disobedient servant, as a traitor, who had basely sacrificed the honour and dignity of his constituents.

As the gentleman appears to know so little of the politics of Monroe, for his satisfaction I will assure him, that Monroe is a sound Republican county ; and that when the election for President comes on, should Van Buren be the candidate of the Democratic party, the people of Monroe will fearlessly vote for him, in spite of all the slang-whang of newspaper scribblers.—If not, they will support the man who they think will best unite the strength of the Republican party throughout the Union, and save the country from the dominion of modern Whiggism; from which, may God, in his mercy still deliver us, is the constant prayer of

A CITIZEN OF MONROE.