Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-06-21
For Tie p'indicator

.NeSSrs. Editors In pen0lng card Which APP
peared in your last issue, and which has since
been published in the Spectator, was actuated by
desire to allay, MT To excite, controversy. In
Justice TO myself. and out of solictude for the
welfare of an Institution in which, on many ac-
counts, take an interest, prepared statement
which had hoped would prove as oil upon trou-
bed waters. knew the delicaey of my posi-
ton. and cautiously sought to avoid even SEEM
ing imputation upon the motives or conduct Of
others. | made no illusions which | thought
likely to beget contention. | remembered that
pcaccmakers were blessed, and believed that my
office made it my duty TO act, for the time being
in that character. II is with extreme reluctance
that again address you. | shall do so dspas-
sionatey, and trust that the necessity Of doing 50
again may not be imposed upon me.
A writer in the last Spectator, under the sigma
ture Of Resistance" makes my card subject of
comment, and draws from it differences which
cannot, by silence. seem to sanction. The stale
ment have already made Of the motives which
prompted that card, should convince him that
did not mean what he nfers; but will GO further
and in justice 10 myself and others, explain what
did mean In stating that whenever have
been invoked to any given line Of action, either
as member OF the party or lis Representatives, |
have enquired," &C., intended TO be understood
as asserting in the most general phrase that at
all times when (whenever) have been called
upon in whatever capacity Gas member of the
party or lis representatives. to pursue any given
| line of action (of whatever nature soever it might
| be) | have inquired, Sc. did not intend to in
innate that any special appeals had ever been
made to me, on the score OF politics, with regard
to appointments TO office, and have heretofore
| a.. g tba
physician elect until after the election. When
stated that 81 have always recognized the gene
raj welfare as the sole end Of my party, &c., and
that believed the honest masses of the party en-
tertaned my views" meant simply to predicate
patriotism OF the great bulk Of the party to which
| lifelong. | could not in truth. say that believed
every man calling himself Democrat was patr.
otto, any more than could say that believe ev-
cry man virtuous but can say that am satisfied
that the great nulk my party look with an eye
single TO the public good and that the great mass
of men are controlled, in their political action, by
| honest intentions. did not intend to draw dis
tiucton between those who may be calltd ''lead-
ers" and the rest Of the party, for, in the first
! place, it would have been invidious and impo-
tic in the next place it would have been an act
of injustice in me towards many prominent men
in my party whom ! have the honor to call friends
and in whose entire lniselfshncss have an un-
doubling confidence; and lastly, it would have
been contrary to the spirit in which my card was
conceived which have already explained was
TO c0nciliate and not 10 offend. In remarkng that
'recent events had had the effec. Of confirming
me in my pre- existing opinion that it wonld be
improper to introduce politics into the manage
meat of our public Charities, lhad reference sole.
| IN and exclusively to the excitement which had
been manifested in more han one quarter because
the Board had refused, On party grounds as was
commended, to re appoint the late incumbent ofihe
Office of physician-which excitement deemed
reiudical 10 the Institution itself. Finally, SIS !
have been referred to to sustain the position that
''the leaders Of the party 60 which belon2) are
resolved 10 appropriate all The offices within their
reach 10 their own party purposes" can say. in
all sincerity. that both believe and hope that
such is notihe case. Thus much, in way of
explanation. ! have felt at liberty to say, and
now ask that, so far at least as am concerned,
this matter may be allowed to rest As the writer,
to whom have alluded. has not undertaken to
question either my conduct or motives, VIII not
! presume that his comments and differences had
their origin many feelings Of personal uHkindness
| bnt even should | be in this mistaken. submit
whether he will not be acting more generously
should he husband them for some other occasion
| when might be able to meet them under fewer
embarrassmepts than, from the very nature OF
things, now environ me
am, very respectfully,
JAMES II. SKINNER.