Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-09-24
THE GuDEnSAroRIAL oFpIoE.

THE GUDEiINATORIAL OFFICE.
The grave question, whether candidates
FOR the Office Of Governor shall canvass the
State, present their claims to the people and
advocate their principles from the stump,
has been started by the metropolitan press,
and sides taken for and against, by papers
OF both political parties. 1t is question
Tor the candidates themselves, rather than
the press and parties, and we should be well
satisfied 10 submit its decision to their sound
discretion. 1t is proposed, however, by the
Richmond Enquirer, that the Conventions
oE the two parties take the matter in hand,
and adopt "short" resolutions, recommend
ing that candidates for the important Office
of Governor shall not engage in public dis
cussion on the stump. Now, we most en-
Phatically protest against any such action
by these bodies. If the candidates nomi-
mated by the two Conventions think proper
upon consultation to submit their cause to
the people without argument. we shall be
satisfied but we have strong repugnance
to the enactment of gag law which may
bind the candidates to particular course,
contrary to the inclination or judgment Of
either or both of them.
The reasons assigned BY the Enquirer for
this proposed restriction upon freedom of
speech, are certainly plausible, and appeal
strongly to our conservative sympathies -
It is thought that resort to stump speak
ing will lower the dignity and importance Of
the office, and produce state of affairs such
IS is witnessed during popular elections
IN other States. We regard the first objec-
ton as mere morbid apprehension. Ifthe
Enquirer really "seeks to add respect and
consideration to the Office" we may sug-
gest simple and far more efficient mode of
attaining the object. We most heartily
concur in the opinion, evidently entertain
ed by that paper, that the gubernatorial Of
ace stands in need of something that will
impart to it new dignity and responsibility;
and that something we take to be digni-
fed and respectable incumbent II has
reached its present low estate under Loco
foco domination, and lost its dignity during
the reign of undigni6ed Locofoco Govern
ORE.
We suggest, then, that the remedy is to
be found, not in sitting discussion and dodg-
ing debate; but rather in the full, free and
fair discussion ofprinciples, which will lead
TO the selection Of an officer of capacity and
character. A gentleman Of this kind we
expect to find in the nominee of the Char
lo.tesyille Convention, and the sures! mode
Of adding dignity and respect" to the Of
fee will be TO elect him to I'LL it.
We deprecate above all other things the
introduction of the electioneering systems
Of other States into Virginia. Against the
low arts and corrupt appliances of the dem
sgoge we have always and shall ever direct
our heaviest artillery. This danger, how
ever, Is to be apprehended not so much in
the higher Offices as in those Of minor i'm
portance. 1t is the result, not ofPubhc dis
cussion, but of private electioneering; not of
open argument before the masses, but of
stcalthy operations upon individuals.
The Wing party have nothing to lose and
all to gain by discussion, As is well re-
marked by writer in the Wing Rerie,c,
discussion of its principles can alone in
crease its numerical power; for while the
so-called democratic party receives in every
emigrant ship, cargo of recruits, who
pledged to the name, will gulp down any
bolus Tapped therein, and smack their lips
over il in admiration, the Wing party must
obtain its recruits by slow endeavor and as
siduous teaching"
The Wing Convention will doubtless
be cautious how they nibble the bait thrown
out by the Enquirer, Whether the Demo
cratic assemblage which meets this morning
adopt It's suggestion we venture to say de-
Ponds upon circumstances. If the Enqai-
rer's fayorite receives the nomination, who
the Examiner says, cant face for an instant,
Gxo. w. SUMMERs-the "short resolution"
will doubtless be appended.
PROCEEDINGS ON MoaDAY.-On Mon
aay last, September Court, JOHN L. PEY-
TOY, Esq, announced himself at the Court
House, as Candidate for seat in the next
House of Delegates, and delivered short
address to the citizens of the County there
assembled. A Democratic meeting was
then organized, and the following gentle
men nominated by it as their party candi-