The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-11-10
The Contest Ina Virginia.

The oral and written warfare concerning the
respective merits Of the opposing candidates
for the gubernatorial chair of VIRGINIA CONT
nues fierce and strong, without any immediate
prospect of abatement.
At the outset the DEMOCRATS were the as
sailants, and alleged abolition tendencies on
the part of Mr.. SUMMERS formed the main OBJ
iect Of the attack Facts were. however,
brought to bear in reply, which demonstrated
the lalsity Of the allegation, so far as an appeal
could be made to matters Of fact; and this de-
fence has since been completed by the publica-
ton of speeches delivered by Mr. SUMMERS at
different periods in the State, all tending 10
show that he has uniformly acted and spoken
consistently with his interests as an individual
stakeholder, and with his duty as member Of
the Commonwealth
Victorious in defence, the VINO journals set
themselves to work to enlghten the world as
Colonel JOHNSON; and right vigorously have
they performed the task They have proved
that, both in word and deed, Colonel J6HNsoN
has been one of the most inconsistent Of politi-
cians--that since his entry upon public life he
has at one time or another acted Numerically
opposite 70 his present professions, and to the
principles of the party by whom he is
supported. Some days ago the Richmond
papers showed that he was supporter Of the
WILMoT proyiso; and now we have, in the
Ssunton Spectator, indisputable evidence that
he was great admiTer of Mr.. CLAY, and a
strenuous supporter of measures with which
the Wing party have always been identified.
We have not room for the Spectators proofs,
and therefore avail ourselves of the condensed
view of their purport furnished by the Rich
mond Whig. Our contemporary says
They demonstrate conclusiyely that Mr.. John
con not only supported certain measures Of
Wing policy, which have caused us to be denounced
as Federaiists, but absolutely sustained the admin
istration of for the support Of whom the
WING party has always been exposed to the shafts
Of prejudice and calumny. 1t is true that, in de-
ference the will Of his constituents, he voted for
General Jackson, though Mr. Clay tcds has first
choice yet then such the pability Of his
| principles that he thought Mr. Adams 'dfserUing
! Of the high office conferred on him These devel.
opments arc contained in bis circular Of the Goth
March, 1925. One would naturally have sup
| times Of party excitement could entertain such
| favorable opinions Of all the candidates would
after the election over, sui influenced by the
will Of his constituents, sustain the policy of tho
| candidate for whom he had voted. Yet we fine
him as late November, 1877, Mr.. Adams Their
| being President, taking part in an Adams meeting
uniting with his friends and those of Mr. Clay in
vindicating their characters from the basest Of Lo
cofoco calumnies, and absolutely going 80 far az tc
favor his election for a second term. Now, we have
no sort Of objection Mr. Johnson because 0
heopinions he then entertained, and the part h,
: took in this meeting But we have right to com
plain that he is the leader of a party, and il
nominee for the highest office in the State, which ha
always, and with unceasiDg virulence, denounce,
the Whgs for holding these very opinions, ant
for supporting man he desired to see reelected
Does Mr.. Johnson agree with his party in believing
Mr. Adams to have been FederaIist? Is he pre-
pared to endorse what Democratic editors and ora
tors delight to say Of his administration? We d
not ask these questions with any expectation o
their being answered As reasonable would il b
to expect the former editor Of the Enquirer TO cx
plain why he denounced Gen. Jackson's eectio
a cUrse to the country, and afterwards susaine
his administration with the most afectiOnate yea
"In truth Mr.. Johnson's public life, insignifican
it has been for aught Of good conferred upon hi
race, does not possess the merit Of consistency
r lie was once Wing in profession, if not in name
and has not the candor TO acknowledge his opoa
tacy. Twenty five years ago a national bank, in
ternsl improvements, and a protective tariff, wer
cardinal doctrines Of the Wing party, and all VII
supported these measures were properly comprise