Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1854-12-08
THE sTAUNTON CONVENTION.

The readers of this paper need assurance OF Its
perfect satisfaction with the action Of tho Staunton
Conventions In no instance did mistake the feel
ing of the Democracy, and every suggestion touch
ing the interests of the party which we ventured 20
submit in anticipation Of the Convention, is vindca-
ted in the result of its deliberations. The established
usaces of the party were observed; the Democratic
doctrine of the majority rule was respected the Con-
vcntion, while maintaining ancient principles, vei''
,urcd upon no unnecessary experiment Of declara'
,ion, and tests and by the selection Of candidates
our feelings OF personal friendship were srahcd and
our convictions of party policy confirmed.
Not the least pleasing incident of the Convention,
was the spontaneous aud unanimous tribute OF ap'
plausc from the Democracy OF Virginia 10 the tGeli-
~ and ability with which the affairs OF the Federal
toycrnmcnt are administered by the present EXecu-
five. It slows thut Mr.. Pierce has not forfeited the
confidence nor disappointed tho hopes Of those who
frat proposcd him for the Presidency and 1t encour.
ages him with tho assurance that the people oi Inc
South will stand by him in his support OF the Constl'
tuition and the Union.
There is much in the Wing pless about the bad
feeling thut was exhibited in the Convention, but Tor
ourselves we nothing in the struggle between Tue
friends of competing aspiran.s for the nominatons'
which should fattcr the hopes of our Adversary
These contests often oscur in Democratic CohFeh-
tons and never TO the dctrmont OF the party Bout
en- in fair and honorable struggle, the minority have
no alternative, rs true Democrats but to abide by the
will Of tho party nnd to labor zeulousy for its sue
cess There is no less trcachcry in the inactivity of
.ucn discomfort than in the bitter warfare OF open
detection.
The minority in the Stauntou Convention have no
prctext for complaint or disaffecon. They may de-
p.ore the defeat Of their candidates, but they canno,
rcproach tho majority with unnecessary violence nor
with resort to any unfair expcent. The friends OF
Mr. Wise conducted themselves with dec'rum
diynyani d forbcaraacc which oNtorted the applause
Of tho u,o, ardent and reso!usc champion OF the IN
terests of Mr. cukc. II they had not been restrain
ed by scruples Of honor they knew perfectly well that
Henry 4. Wise would spurn nomination won by un-
worthy artdces; and they promoted bis interests BY
none but the highest and the most unexceptionaole
means.
There wa, nothing in the proceedings Of the Staun-
ton Convention which should excite the resentment o!
Mr. Leuke or his friends. They discharged their du-
ty to HIN by zeal and coustancy OF support, which
TO noble nature are dearer than any mere official
o,S''ncon' In the highest excitement Of the s'rug'
sle no word Of iiopara-ement was uttered against
Mf' Le"ke; on the contrary he received from the
friends Of Mr.. Wiso overy tribute of respect and adj
mraton.
we nave lo disrust Of Mr.. Leuke or ls friends.
tie does not suk in nglorious inactivity when the
trumpet calls the Democracy to battle. He will