Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1854-12-11
.save me from NV Friends. /"

Under the above caption the Spectator
OF the 6 til, has an article which requires
some notice. The editors state that DR..
Harris name was withdrawn by his friends
from the consideration Of the late Demo.
cratic Convention in connection with the
Office OF 1t. Gov. at time when il seemed
almost certain that he was about to receive
the nomination. 1t is true that DR. Harris
received the largest vote on the first ballot
that was east, and wanted but few hum
ed votes TO be nominated. But under the
then existing circumstances, II was also
clear tina, Harris could not have had cham
eed TO himself enough votes to have nomi-
mated him. The Spectator, in its report o
the proceedings, says: "Mr. Brown, o
Stafford, insisted upon changing his vote
and casting il for Pendleton, and some half
dozen members from Rockingham. who
had voted for Harris, ask ed leave to change
their votes From this report it would
seem quite clear that the Spectator IS trying
to make capital against DR.. Harris friends.
including Col. Hartman. without the shad-
ow of foundation, for it is here plainly
indicated that DR.. Harris was losing ground
aud woult. probably have been defeated on
tie second ballot. The suggestion for the
withdrawal of DR.. Harris name came from
and was urged by his brother, J. 4 Harris
Of Rockingham. He saw, aid others Of
his frieuds saw, that the current Of feeling,
iroK some cause, seemed rather unfayora-
bic than otherwise, and as DR.. Harris had
received the honor Of the highest vote cast
on the first ballot, showing that he was
the most popular and prominent. candidate
presented it was deemed advisable TO with
draw his name. The suggestion did not
meet with Col. Harman's approval. In
fact, he was the most ardent and active
friend DR.. harris had and would have done
more (for satisfactory reasons) than any one
present to have had DR.. Harris dominated.
When MIR. Barbour nominated Col. Har-
man, on the withdrawal CT DIR. Harris, no
one was more surprised than Gel. Hartman
himself. He did not seek the honor, moi
did he expect 1t; ard the insinuation that
DR.. Harris was sacrificed to serve the in
ieres,s Of Col. II. is unjust and grounlless.
DIR. Harris stands first in the affections Of
the Democratic party of Augusta and no
one is more willing TO award him that po-
sition than Col. Hartman. To Dir. Harris
influence, Oh another occasion, Col. H. is
greatly indebted, for which he feels duly
grateful, and he would be the last man, di-
rectly or indirectly, Intentionally TO throw
any obstacle in the way of his promotion.
To DR.. II. the Democracy OF Augusta owe
much. 1t has been from his exceeding per-
sonaI popularity and eloquent appeals iiom
the roslIum, more than anything else, that
Augusta county has thrown off the shack
les Of whiggery, aud enrolled herselfin the
Democratic ranks. He is man Than whom
there are few more effective before tbs
people. We are sure he would be the last
man, knowing him as he does. even to
suspect Col. Hartman, or his friends, Of the
least uniairness, or intention to lnjure his
prospect. We think the whole cause of
the 0sIeat OF DIR. Harris was the determi
nation ct the Wise men to vote down eve
nv Lealle man who was proposed for any
Office. They had the power, and they used
il for their owa purposes, regardless ofthe
superior popular demonstrations of thei.
opponents.
Although, We quote the Spectators report
relative to the Rockingham delegation, to
show no inconsiste ale the statements
Of the editors. in order to make capital a.
eainst Col. Harmon, we will state that they
/, are entirely mistaken. MOT one member
from Rockingham proposed 10 change his
vote from Harris who hai voted for him.
Several members who had voted scattering
proposed to change their votes 10 Pendle-
ton but no one asked leave" TO change
from Harris to PendIeton,