Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1851-06-21
The Wing Convention, &c.

NJ ~ I~foA
the converting of the Wing Convention to no.
inmate candidates for the Legislature-a Sena'
tor and two Representatives-and for Sheriff
Coroner and Assessor of the Parish. We
earnestly hope, though we are not sangguine,
that full and legitimate representation of the
Parish will attend. There appears to US to
be something of an apathy prevailing in our
party-and it requires some extraordinary in
c~entive to arouse them from their ~listlcss-
ness. That they will have that incentive soon,
we have no doubt. The Democracy are not
sleeping on their posts, but now and long since,
have been laying the wires for dexterous work
ing, and with unparalleled e%xertion. Depend
upon it, their swiftest nags will be brought IN
to the field, regardless of their boiling lncl'na-
tons, and forced to take the track. If they
beat US, it's all right, of course; and we must
succumb to the power and the will which we
would not contravert if We could. But with
the same ambition that characterizes our oppo-
nents, we should be w~orking-working with a
zeal that knows no rest, for continued victory.
The idle and the neglectful, in any pursuit of
life, in politics as well as business, invariably
progress bockuards; and are only awakened
to their humiliating condition when they are
derided and hooted at by the more industrious
and Jealous, who have become triumphant in
their affairs through the might of vigilance and
activity.
There is but little chagrin resulting from a
defeat over a previous minority-but it be-
comes tenfold more poignant, when an actual
majority allows the day of victory to be wrest-
ed from them through the superior skill, man.
agement and public spirit Of the weaker party.
This alone, to say nothing Of the defeat of
great public measures arising therefrom,
should stimulate the Wing Party of this Pa
rish the ensuing campaign to greater exertions
for success than have ever characterised it
heretofore-for the simple reason that we have
undeniab'e proof, that the Democratic Party
will leave no stone unturned or allow a nerve
to slacken, in the coming contest. And it is
no secret, either; but boldly proclaimed with.
out fear, or attempt at caution. Now, this is
what we like-it shows a recklessness of re-
suits, and a challenge as it were to the Wings
to do their migh:iest-
clay on then, Macduf,
And damned be he who first cries hold, enoughw
But, in this struggle for supremacy of party,
we do not conscientiously believe that it is con-
sonant with correct principle to draw the lines
of distinction in reference to the election of
Parish officers. With them we want honesty
industry and ability and when these great de-
sideratums have been once obtained, it is the
part Of wisdom and of justice to retain the
tried and faithful servant, instead of exchang-
ing him for one who has not been tried-or, if
tried, has given cause to doubt his possessing
to the fullest extent these indispensable requi-
sites Of character for a proper and successful
Parish officer.
There is one principle, however, which we
hope will not be forgotten in the ensuing or
future contests, and that is the good feeling
and friendship which should ever exist between
neighbors and citizens Of a Parish, whether
Wing or Democrat. If we allow personal feel
ing to be mixed up with political strife, we are
acting a very u~nenlightened and illiberal part:
mutual good will and mutual exertions will
render our homesteads happy and our Parish
in spite of bad laws, and the igno-
rance of public men.
We sincerely trust, that the Wings to-day,
(f the Convention is general and carry into eff.
feet the business befort i) will select candi-
dates for the Legislature without any bias of
personal feeling-but select them for their abil-
iy and moral worth, and for the industry and
eloquence which may be expected Of them in
our Legislative halls.
For Parish offices, particularly, let "honesty,
capacity and fidelity" supercede every other
consideration. As for the choice for the Sher-
iffalty, (the most important local Office to be
filled this year, we are confident there is but
one sentiment in the Wing ranks. We do not
believe there is a man Of either party who will
say that he ever knew any one to be better fit
ted for the Office he fills than our present She
riff; but such words are entirely superfuous,
if they are construed into a recommendation
SO well known is he to every one one in
the Parish. That the Office Of Sheriff requires
peculiar tact and qualities not essential to 9th
er local Offices, is well known to the discerning
it is of paramount importance that a Sheriff
should be firm, mild, liberal, decisive, lenient
and courageous, as occasions may require, and
educated and of high integrity; and who will
that the present incumbent is wanting in
my of these qualities? This is the first occa-
that we have alluded to him, after an ac-
luaintance of nearly three years, and if he and
lis friends will excuse us this time. we will