Phenix Gazette

A letter from Mr. Branch has been published, in which he refers to his "unenviable situation" between hawk and buzzard. We pity his case—but think he has only herself to blame for the predicament. We extract the conclusion of his letter, to give him all the chance possible.

The administration papers abuse me, because they say that my feelings and wishes are against them, though I dare not, from fear of the indignation of my constituents, take a stand openly in hostility to them, and that I am pledged by declarations, made during the pendency of my election, to give the administration my support.

It is very true that I did declare that I would use my best efforts in its support, so long as the principle which brought it into power should be acted upon—and this I should have done as fervently without a pledge as with it; and this, in the case supposed, will be faithfully given. But, should it happen that the administration, regardless of its pledges, shall depart from that course of policy and depart from the line of limitation of its powers as fixed by the constitution, it will be seen that I dare do what I believe to be right—what I have all my life determined to do—that is, support principles rather than men. And if the intelligent district I represent should be dissatisfied with this exercise of my discretion, I shall cheerfully surrender the trust which has been confided to me, to some one less scrupulous on these points, and who will be ready, fas aut nefas, to obey the dictates of the powers that be. But I trust that this will be unnecessary, and that, adhering to the principles which have always governed my public conduct, I shall be justified in giving a fair and decided support to the administration; and at the same time promoting, as far as my influence can go, the best interest of the country.