Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1844-03-14
TO THE PEOPLE OF AucUsr.

new era has occurred in your history Hitb
gro az "ds oe1" o"S or sire r-~.ssSt vsasts Of this
county, and justly, that her representatives should
be sustained in the independence of their action.
anu encouraged in the faithful discharge of their
duty. The idea that the representative should
exercise ms best Judgment, freely and without
rear has been carried almost 10 an extreme and
instances could be pointed out i'm your history.
"here great errors had been committed by your
representatives, and yet were overlooked and for.
given through fear that their punishment might
check that freedom of opinion so necessary for
Inc welfare OF the people. Few-very few in
stances can be adduced, where the representative
has been punished by his constituents, for errors
committed by him IN Legislation, however great
and no instance whatever, where having discharg-
ed his duty failhlully-having conducted himself
SO That even his worst enemies could find nothing
10 blame, but On the contrary much TO praise in
his public conduct, he has returned TO his constit
uen,s, offered himself again for reelection, and
Deeh met'-not with Triumph, not with thanks
and praises for his fidelity, blu. by an Organized
active and viruent opposition.
ms thing, however unprecedented, has at
length occurred, and il remains 10 be seen whether
the people at the polls will rebuke this innovation
on their ancient principles; or, whether haviDg
changed their character amid the me,anorphoses
OF modern times, they deem il best to foreoo all
the advantages they have heretofore derived from
the encouragement of public virtue and fidelity in
the discharge of public duty.
what have Messrs. Bell or Fulton done TO de-
serve the reproba,ion of their constituents! MIGHT
II not be triumphaDiy asked-what have thew not
done, which could have been accomplished by a.
Die, faithful, industrious and energetic DELEGATES Z
Devoting their days and nights to the discharge of
their public duties, being both new members, but
yet IN the course OF short session, and laborno
under the disadvantages of political minority ha-
wing by their integrity, and the irankness and anne
my OF Their manners, acquired such weight in
me House OF Delegates, as TO enable them sue
cessiully to carry through that body almost all the
measures of interest TO the county that were pro.
posed, one who had known the former character
oil this county, would have anticipated a cordial
meeting between them and their constituents on
their return home. Having on all subjects of
general interest, given satisfaction both to the
county, and to the State at large, Old Augusta in
other duys, would have taken them BY the hand,
and with hearty shake have exclaimed, swell
done, good and faithful servants, We have earned
our entire confidence, and ye have it," They
would not only have been reelected by acclama-
ton, when voluntarily offering themselves again,
but the county would have mourned over their de-
termination to decline, had such determination
been formed.
Why then should one or both of them be os-
hacised! Why they not met by all, with o.
pen arms, and cheered and encouraged for their
persevering and successful abors in behalf of
their country What dark spirit is TO be appeased
by their political death? What end TO be accom-
pIished! These are grave and important ques-
tons TO be considered by the people. And can
not but believe that know the people Of Angus
ia well enough 10 anticipate with absolute certain
ty that their verdict on the 9TH Thursday in April
next, will triumphan,ly vndcate their ancient
reputation for wisdom and justice. Another con-
sideration is worthy Of the serious attention of
the people. Messrs. Bell and Fulton are farmers,
closely bound to the large body Of the people by
community Of Understanding intimately and
sympathizing deeply with their wants. And
while would abhor as much as any man tina,
spirit Of prescription which would exclude profess