Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1839-03-28
To the Noters Of Bath COUNTY.


Fellow ENCOURAGED bv
the very liberal support which | receiv-
ed when before you last spring. have
again yielded to the solicitations of my
friends, and consented to become a can
didate to represent you in the House of
Delegates of Virginia. AS | bold it to
be due from every candidate for legisla>
tive honors, to the people whom he as
pirts TO represent-to "define his posi-
ton" IN relation to matters OF public in
terest, resort to the press as a medium
of communication, not because | aspire
to the character of ready writer"
but because am opposed to resorting to
practice which has been common in
our county, of electioneering. by riding
from door to door, and openly soliciting
the votes of individuals. l think eve-y
intelligent aud candid citizen of the
county. will agree with me, that it is
practice which is revolving TO those finer
feelings which adorn the human char
ac'er. engaged in it last spring 1t
was the first time and experience has in>
duced me 10 VOW that, it shall be the
last. am not opposed to the custom
OF visiting public assemblies for the pur>
pose Of making known our opinions, but
do object 10 riding from house to house
IN the contemplate capacity of beggdr
of Uotes. 1t remains with you. fellow
citizens. 10 say whether this practice
shall be continued. or whether y GU will
follow the praiseworthy example of some
OF your sister counties in putting down
"a practice. which is as disrespectful to
you as it is degrading to the individual
who engages i'll il.
With regard to my political senti>
ments, deem it only necessary to saw,
that have ever been devoted admi-
rer and staunch friend of the institutions
OF this republican government. have
heretofore supported the presen: admin
isteation, and am still friendly to it,
though some evil disposed persons. have
suggested that changed my politicks
last spring. The only ground for this
aspersion, was the fact, that some Of the
Wing voters Of this county honored me
with their upport.-How will any can
did man undertake to say that this is
good reason for surprising that | have
changed my position ? 1t is true tina, /
do not ''go The ohole hog" as the saving
is,-that is, do not agree with the pre-
sent administration party in support of
all their measures, particularly in their
y views In relation to tie currency. But
is this reason why should be brand,
ed with the name of turncoat and char
ged with the grossest political inconsis-
trncy? Believe me, fellow citizens,
that man who is determined to support
his party at all times under all circum
stances, and at all hazards, is an enemy
to republican form of Government, and
u2tu TO represent a free people. He only
is patriot, who looks beyond the in.
huence which his vote may have upon
the interest oil any faction, and seeks to
promote the good of the whole commu-
nity-he who would do otherwise, is
the mere supple TOOL GA partisan leader.
| am informed that it is currently re-
ported, In order to defeat my election,
that am about to leave the state; this
report is not true. have at last succeed
ed in selling my laud, but do not ex-
pect to give possession of all Of it until
the first of May 1910, and in addition
To this, have entered into partnership
with young gentleman OF the county
engaged in the mercantile business /;
consequently. 1 have, at this time, no
idea of leaving the state. With this
explanation Of my views and position, |
leave you to reflect upon them, until
you are called upon at the polls to accept
or reject the services of
Very respectfully,
YOur follow cit;yan