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


We have watched with deep interest the progress
1of public sentm ent in Virginia, upon the various
Questions of constitutional reform not however, or
1.-The purpose of adjusting our sails to the popular
breeze. While respecting public opinion, and will
ling 10 yield TO it a reasonable submission at all
times, when fully ascertained. it is plain that this
only be done by individual expression of senll-
5ment and we hold the oldfashioned notion ut may
be with some that in this case as in all others, hon.
8esty is the best policy il there be frown from Al
zviruous and intelligent people moro indignant and
efearful than any other il is that 10 be encountered
sby him, who, for love money! popularity or place.
SACRIFICES his Judgment stiles his convictions, up
on great questions Of public concern and interest.
Confding in the people when calmly viewing any
question connected with their welfare, the matters of
most anxious solcilude TO us have been,a serious
waking up, In the first place. to the importance Of the
Questions at issue and then the passing away OF fe-
sversh excitement so common upon the agitation of
new questions. All change is not reform {; and the
condition of mind best suited to just discrmina-
Htion, will always be found in the "sober, second
Nthought" From all we see, hear and read there is
reason to believe that jus! this state of things quiz
Aetly taking place.
q In Western Virginia proper, the one great and alb
sorbing interest is the basis question This, like A
Aaron's rod has swallowed ups that quarter, all other
Mquesons, in spite of the great and little magcians OF
She land There is nanifestly settled purpose to
srugge on to the last for the principle Of represen-
Hation, in reference TO which the reform agitation
Recommended. We hear little Of il noao.
q In Eastern Virginia, the calls made for candidates
or the Convention have awakened spirit of inquiry
ShigLly commendable, and elected well-tempered and
liable discussions, through the public press, OF the
Nwhoie subject of reform. Some of these writers
&renk among the abesl men in the State. 1t will give
Nus pleasure to republish Of their articles and
#altnough not agreeing with all the positions taken
Nhe profound views and general style will commend
Athem to public attention. 1t is better to err the
Aconservatve than the radical side.
d In the Valley, the essays of"Potomac," elaborate
and yet glowing, had interested the public mind more
&lhan year ago. In this District, and especially in
$hs County, more or less discussion has been in pro-
Ndsposed to meet ell questions with calmness and
Escandor becoming grave investigation of grave
Subject. Excitement, however, the appropriate ali
%ment Of some minds, adjudged most polite foi
1.-The occasion. "We'll go it with rush" seemed
for time, TO be the rule of action. Then we heard
Sof platlorms-then Of enemies to thepeope's rights
then of arisocrats, anti-reformcrs and all sucl
Mbugbears The people were amazed TO find such
monslers in their midst and from among those OF then
Mellow citizens whom they had long known, assoc
Mated with and confded in. The game was too strong
E]and hence the reaction. Tia! "sober, seconc
Ethought'- conservative moral people arc
ALWAYS capable Of self government, and however
Edeceived for time by false issues and erroneous
staements they are sure to be right in the outcome
We speak advisedy when we say, that great changes
Ehave taken place in Augusta, Rockbrldge aud High
q land, This thing of pledging freemen TO par'lcu
aar vote wont go down-nether do the charges o
l&monarchy, aristocracy and anti-reform. The game
has been TOO strong for the policy and the charge:
j too serious and absurd for sober minded and mtell
Hgent people. Anti-Reformers Who are they' The
*unrouuded charge is mere ruse dc guerre vel
understood by the sensible portion Of our popula
ton. The term tenure, sought 10 be made the les
ueson Of reform, because none other of importance
could be laid hold of is not the only question in thu
eyes OF rejecting men. The basis of representation
1.-The extension of tho right Of suffrage which putt
81 power in the hands of the people, tho remodelline
of the county courts and the veto power entrusted
ITO the Governor are all questions Of vital import
lance to Virginia, and requiring tho bes, talents ant
Wrpost experience she can command,