Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-08-14
DEMOCRACY VS.. RADIcALIsa1.

Il is remarkable fact that while modern Democ-
racy is the natural mother OF the radcalism which
now threatens TO sweep away every vestige Of the
Republican government Instituted by our Fathers,
many prominent members and leaders of the Demo-
cratic party are at this time zealousy contending for
conservatism, even to the extreme Of "anli-relorm."
JOHN NJ PATTON, Esq, of Richmond, for instance,
one OF the ables lawyers in the State and distn-
gulshed Democrat, is so very conservative as to re-
gard Messrs. STUART and NICHE, candidates for the
Convention in this district, as decidedly RADICAL
Col. YANsEY, Of Buckingham who has for many
years borne the soubrquet Of s,he wheel horse of
Democracy is another striking instance. At a pub
lie meeting of the people Of his county, few weeks
ago, he arose and solemnly warned his fellow CHI
zens against The u!rasm of the day, Gen. WIN. F..
GoRpoN, of Albemare, who has enjoyed national
reputation as leading Democratic member Of Con-
gress and Father of the famous Sub-Treasury sys-
tenn, has also raised his in opposition to most
of the proposed reforms. On Monday week, the
candidates for the Convention in the Albemarle dis
trict addressed the people at Charlouesyille--th
Jeiiersonian Republican says
After all the candidates had been heard there was call
for Gen. Gordon who responded to it and gave his views
He said he had listened TO all the speeches of the candi-
dates not of whom agreed with the other and he diff
feed with the whole Of then He said there was no me-
cessy for the call of Convention the people of the West
did not want it he said it called by the politicians in
the last Legislature body which he said was the weakest
that had met this commonwealth from the first settle
ment of jamestown 10 the present day. There only
thing that he in favor of changing, and that
extend the right of suffrage all white men 81 years OF
age The County Court he considered the BEST cheapest
and most efficient Of any system that could be devised
take its place. The Governor should be elected by the
Legislature as at present when elected the last Cunven
tion he for eecng the Governor by the people. but
while the Convention in session he had changed his
mind and brought in the proposition to elect this officer by
the Legislature, which was adopted Mr.. Madison also
changed his mind and concured with Gen. G. The cleo
ton OF the Judges by the people aught with ncalcu
liable mischief and evil, and he warned the people against
the doctrine Twenty years ago, he considered as be-
ing too radical, but such idea eecng The Judges
and all the petty officers the State by the people he never
thought Of lie considered the Constitution Of Vir
gnia aud the people, the best in the Union change
in the organic laws of the State he believed would change
the people burhen them with make them couen
tious and ltgious. He would vote for Mr. JOS c. CaSe
with pleasure but did not say he would vote for either
the other candidates,
Gen. Gordon was solicited by several persons fer he
had spoken. 10 himself candidate he declined
and said was his intention never 10 be candidate fol
any office while he lived