Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-12-05
The S,alntsn Convenilen.

The Stalnten Convtn,ien.
We annouccd in our yesterdays issue, the result Of
the Democratic Convertion-hed at Staunton, SO far
~ the nominees wore concerned. We did not
have time to consider and comment on the scenes
which were enacted and tho Developments which
were made during the deliberations Of this heteroge
neous assemblage Of pace-seekers, party hacks and
broken down politicians: nor have the time
or inclination to do so. Now and then-in the pro.
gross Of the ensuing campaign, we shall have occa-
sion to rccur to this subject and anmadvert the
various and striking evidences Of the weakness and
desperate con dton Of the democratic party OF Nir
gina, as il was represented in the Staunton Convcn
tion. At this time and under existing circumstances,
to draw faithful picture Of the occurrences and
citing scenes OF the Convention, would be fruitess
OF good as it would be prolix and unintcresting.
We rather feel inclined to turn, in sorrow, from
contemplation Of the wild acknowledgement con-
tests - individual rivalres-stormy debates and
reckless party desperation which every stage and
every subject of the deliberations characterised
this collection Of politicdns-and consider the grave
responsibilities and solemn duties which now devolve
on the Wing party.
The past is full of admonitions The present fruit
full in suggestive warnings The future is rendered
Events are fast crowding, in rapid and confused
cession, on the American people, which challenge the
wisest caution and demand the most sagacious policy
As party, the Wings have been eminently
servative and prudently cautious opposed to wild
experiments and in favor of n settled policy-progrcs.
sive in its scope and conservative in its tendency in
State and Federal matters.
1t is not unworthy Of remark, that in past times
when the wild msrule Of party desperation had well
nigh precpitated the country on a runous line OF
poicy-that many Of the leading members Of the
Democratic party, as il then existed, joined the
Wing ranks, to battle for tho Constitution and 10
shield the liberties Of the people from the evidently
approaching crisis. In this point Of view, it is with
deep sense Of pride take retrospect Of the
past, and claim for the Wing party unquestionab,
testimonials Of its uniform conservatism and unsellsh
patriotism. True to the Constitution, deeply
devoted to the chartered liberties of the people
and fearless Of defeat. time and again have the
Wings Of Virginia rallied under the banner Of
;~""' liberty. when it was endanger-
red by the reckless assaults of facous party re-
yolution. In every trial, every occasion, under
every circumstance, have they stood firm and I'M
daunted in the breaches Of the Constitution. With
arevoluton which knew nothing but duty, and with
a zeal undimnished by defeat they have perssvercd
with proud consciousness of their lofty patriotism
The great men, who formed and sustained our
party, are gone. But their examples and noble rcso
lutions live fresh in the public mind As an evidence
of this, we ask where is there split in the Wing
party Of Virginia at this time United now as hereto
fore, they stand firm and unmoved on the great funda-
mental principles of party action which first cemented
1.-THE UNION OF THE WIGS FOR THE SAKE OF THE UNION,
No voice of discord the harmony of their or
ganization. No acrimonious conflict, as to their
measures chara their deliberations No spirit
bitter determinations brings their leaders into rivalry
On the great issue Of the day-the slavery question
as 1t is effected by Northern ssion they stand firm
and undaunted. On tn. leading questions of Fedora,
Legislation they united. On the policy of the
State government as it effects the leading interests o
the people, and the rapid and genera! DEVELOPMENT Of
the industrial resources Of each and every section
they are, as heretofore undivided in sentiment and
united on settled principles. Now as heretofore the
Wings of Virginia consistent in principle rs they
are resoute in duty.
How 10 IL with the Democratic party? Are Then
united, harm 'nous, Consistent, ,self.pols.d2 Wbet.
are The Hunter Land Bill men! Whef, The anti
Hunter Land Bill men? How can these agree or en-
operate The readers Of the Enquirer and Erar,iaer
VIII recoect "the essential and cardinal PRINCIPLES,
which divided this class Of democrats but sh,r, ,iue
since. This Is but Of the innume,abte mint, ~
diheence, on principle, which, but recently dviIsd
the democratic press Of Virginia Will the mamma
lions made at SiaunOn merge these ant,uonis,ic and
yet' fundamental principles of governmental ,c,n
VIII the democratic party be unit on this min,
How will MIR. Wises known position on the Nahr,.L,
OIL meet tho support OF the Enquirer l. there ~,
principle Involved in this great issue7 How will Tho
democratic party Of Virginia relish Mr.. Wse,s ante
ceden's respecting the jackson dynasty? In word
hiw can the Debates the issue, involved anil ,,,o..
over in the Stanton Convention be reeoa,;l,I nm ,;
cipie7 ''"'.
We ask these questions in no taun,ipr m,od. rhev
Involve 'he sraVes principles. they be slight
ingIy passed over The period in the history IF r,.
"a' pissed when. by the mere application Of par
" Screws, the will of fresmen can bo paralysed The
OF The people have learned to disregard the
dictates Of King cauem How the Eaqui,ey and y,
"""e' ana DINERS OF the democratic press Of Virginia
can harmonic IN the results OF tho Staunto, Convs,
canno' well see Nor is the difficulty less
psrPleIing be;wrcn the Hunter Bill men and their m,
po"e"''-oe'"ecn The Nebraska Bill men, and Mr.
Wise. IL is not Tor us u s,ulc thes, difficulties we
essential
on'td'ed principles n governmental action. between
the leading presses and politicians Of the democ,a,ic
party. Ihes' differences aud Discussions are in str
KIM contrast with the position of the Wing party a.
we nave SHOWN. Whit. then, should b. the curse
pursued by the Wings.
we feel no heSitency in expressing the opinion
That tho true line Of policy of the wing party Is far
TIC present to await quietly the developments Of the
next few weeks. The people Of Virginia are ,rue ,o
their State and Federal Observation-Disclosures 10 ,ber o.o
beat Interests and not unnndrul of their pros.r,
s'tion on tho great issue Of the day. onl vo
douot not they will, in tho fitness Of time discern
their real interests, all the issues which the ons
ing gubernaoral clmpaigr will necessarily involve
as events open up and practical issues are evcope
We VIII meet them On the spirit 81 true conservatism
ahi with Ih' distinct view Of sustaining the rrco,
ic.Gin; lea area Of that line Of policy. which la.
81 ""rio c''r"cl,riscd tic Wing parfy--JascI on
fiS c"nsln!. D"al and chartered rights 81 the reni
b" in'esny Dftbs Union AID tie rapid ais ncc,,ent
~ 'rs''"a Interests .aI Ia snre .ulfantsc 81 y,