Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1854-12-12
ffror, iii. Wheeling Argus.

The laLors of tho Democratic convention assem-
BLEED ut S,aunton were concluded Saturday night
During tho session OF three days there VIA considcra.
be warmth Of feeling manifested by the friends of
the different gentlemen WHO were prominent before
tho convention FOR nomination! to: the various Offices.
The greatest contest, however, was between the sup
porters uf McsSrs. Wise and LeaSe. The Western
portion of the State presented au undivided delcga-
ton 10 favor of Wise, amd III the Eastern delegation
were numerous friends OF the same gentleman. Mr..
Lcake's whole strength consisted IN Il portion and
lurgc portion vi the Eastern delegation. Mr.. Smith had
scarcely 4 c%orporGl's guard in his support. The quail
cations Of the two prominent gentlemen running for
the nomination. Tor The uilice ut Governor were fully
and freely discussed before any vote wac taken. Mr..
Leake's friends were particularly urgent III pressing
his claims upon the convention tor its support. Dis
tinguishcd H. he il, beyond all doubt, ior eminent
ability Us u statesman, Tor purity of character On a
gentleman, and souudncss as Il States Right conser
vative Democrat. the appeals made in his behalf
convinced all present that liis claims were second
to only one other man 10 the State, for the highest Of
tic. in the gift OF the people OF the Commonwealth
That other man is HENRY ~. WISE OF Accomac.-
And he, at the second ballot was declared tho nomi-
nee Of tho convention for the Offices OF Governor for
the Old Dominion. 4 moro gallant standard-bearer
could not have been presented to tbs Democracy of
tho State. When the news has been spread FAR aud
wide that Henry 4. Wise will lead the Democratic
cohorts Of Virginia through nic next campaign; when
il shall have boon known that on their banner IL lnscrib-
cd his name - commander in chief of the forces, All
uprising OF tho people heretofore unknown will
tu!le pIuce. Although considerable time will
intervene between the preseht aud the election,
nud occurrences unforeseen may take place between
now aud then, We anticipate ono OF the most bril-
liant victories ever won by tho Democracy OF the III.
WAYS democratic Old Dominion. Brilliant because
achieved over a secret fuB. La former tlmcs the con-
test was fair, manly, anu open between Democrats
and Wings, each cuntcnGing Tor avowcd prlncipl"S.-
From indications, tho mode OF warfare has boon
changed. On the one side this cn,inrilIg principles nt
Democracy, good old iash:nucd Democracy, which
has ., often rescued tho country from the hands OF
federalism, will constitute the irtior at the Chief aud
warrior. On the other, tho secret machinatlons OF
midnight conclaves, consisting of men, good, bad and
indifferent, will be the shield under which our ene'
mics will protect themselves; ani, il we mistake not,
o veil will be raised during the ensuing winter aud
coming spring that will make certain political. trick.
STEERS exclaim with the poet.
80 Tor u lodge in soiue vnst wilderness
Where rumors Of oppression aud deceit
MAY never reach me more
Already has ono vollcy been fired into the camp Of
the enemy that has made them trcmble with fear
Another and another will be poured forth in the same
way until this last resort for opposing the Democracy
will be laid bare, and the enemies OF the country rout-
cd 'horse, foot and dragoon."
But the contest will not rest on the strong arm OF
Mr.. Wise alone. ELISHA McCoMAs, Esq, OF kanaw-
ha, the nominee for Lieutenant Governor. and Hon.
Willis 7. BococK, nominee for Attorney General,
sill DO enlisted in the cause. Mr.. McComas was
nominated as candidate for Lieut.. Governor on the
second ballot by q large majority. He is a young man
possessed of superior talents and eloquence, aud VIII
add n tower OF strength to the ticket. Virginia will
be proud 10 honor him. Mr.. Bocock, the present in