Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-07-17
COMMUNICATED.

District at least important from its position, and pro
verbal for the intelligence OF its Citizens, the canvass
for seats in the Convention would be conducted
onen1 and with disinterested desire for the general
GOOD Of the State at large. While the East and Wes
no donbt exoect us 10 send 10 that Convention oui
strongest men, would respectfully ask it the pecu-
liar wants and rights of Western Virginia does moi
demand this duty at our hapds ohall we now, al
this most important and momentous Juncure, be iase
TO ourselves Shall we atteryears OF 1oii, IN con-
Test for our rights just as success Is aoout 10 crown
our effort, permit individual aspirations, county anu
sectional pride, and local preJudlces 10 snatch the
fruits from us Whilst none are disposed less than
am 10 place too much confidence IN men, or indl-
vidua influence and services still 1t IS true that, IN
all great noltica iuncues and emergencies, we haue
some men pecuarly and better fitted than others, for
narticu,ar political services. In this District we have
many men of superior abilities. would not say one
word uniustly in disparagement of any one. Many
candidates have already announced themselves; some
have magnanimously Withdrawn their names from
the public notice as candidates, and in the walks Of
private life, doubt not we have many strong heads,
and honest and patriotic hearts, whose names have
not been brought to public notice, but who would do
no discreGi to the District
But. if public rumor is correc (and fear she tells
too true ale) there is dissentlon and dscord IN our
ranks. No juncture presents better opportunity
for the demagogue to fauer the people, and TO ride
unwards on the ode in the affairs of men," than
when The people are about to change their organic
law. The age is peculiar. This is the aye of theo-
ry and experiment. Honest men, many Of them, en-
terlain plausible notions about popular rights. The
demapogue steps forward, and without stint or draw
back advocates any and every change. lie bows,
not like Patrick Henry, to every demand. The cam
did and honest politician who will not jump on the
popular tide who had rather administer TO the pee
pie .counsel than fattery"-"disaseful medicine,
than sweet poison" is branded as an "dnti-retorm-
ern boldly and fearlessy ask if that game has not
already been commenced in this District and if COM
5nations have not been formed, and plans adopted,
which smack more OF the demagogue than the States
man This gentlemen, is no time 20 m,nce matters.
The particular interests and rights Of West Virginia
the glory and honor of all Virginia-the happiness
and we'll being Of generations 10 come, are involved
in the contest going on in State. Party spirit in
its most Objectionable shape has been called up from
the "vasty Deep" Leading journals in our Slate and
District, as we have SEEM have branded the party TO
which you and l. and host Of others belong, as en-
emies 10 free government and incapable of sell gov
ernment Is this the time for discord amongst US
Is this the time for intrigue and strange combination
and low scheming? In this District will we surren-
der our rights, our judgments, our dearest interests
to any triumvirate or quinumpirale whatever. Are
the people of this District TO be paroned oil 10 GER
tain men? Upon what meat are our Caesars fed, mat
they have grown so great? appeal TO the people
against the wire-workers. am not the. advocate OF
men for their own sakes. wish no man honofeo
for the mere sake of the honor ] would not pluck
one feather from the cap OF any young aspiraht.-
My doctrine is, honor 10 whom honor Is que. am
not striving 10 reverse this just sentiment Have you
not experienced men amongst YOU, oil profound Judg
ment, of tried capacity, Of ripe age; men not OF
Yesterday, but men you haze delighted to honor Ia
many hard contests, and who neuer deserted your
interests men who are the advocates Of reform, but
who are now branded as anti-reform by the par-cf-
cellent reformers Who will you rather Kustt The
Young lheorist and some even who cannot originate
theory, filled with glowing representations and con.
fdent declarations of present oppressive evils, and
future golden benefits; or men, who making no ap-
peals TO your passions or prejudces-subscnoers
fully and completely to the true doctrine OF popular
sovereignty who advocate properreorm, but who will
not yield honestly entertained opinions on certain
points, even though they be not in exact accordance
with popular sentiment.
In conclusion, permit me TO say, have weighed
we'll all that have said. Let US have ambuscades.
would accuse no man falsely will appeal 10 no
prejudice will make no appeal but to the reason,
the good sense, the patriotism of the people, call
not on "own influence" or country lnfuence-on
Augusta, or Rockbridge or Hghland--on this clique
or that chaue-but rejecting ard patriotic peo-
ple, to discard all crong influences, and see to it that
their true interests do not suffer in the presen! i'm
nor,,rt contest HOMO
Msssrs Editors On reviewing my work, find
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