Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1855-12-15
The Election of Speaker.

consumed Two weeks III attempts 10 eject
Speaker, and there are some things con-
nected with this arduous struggle, which
ought to be specially not ced. and deeply
impressed upon the public mind.
When the election was held in our State
last spring, the Democrat candidates told
the people again and again, that the North
ern Know No.hings with whom our op-
ponents were then united, we're the bit
ter enemies of the South aud its institu-
tions, and would show themselves as such,
in the organization of the House Of Rep
resentutiyes. and on all other suitable &C.
casions. All will,recolIcct how indignant
" the Know Nothlngs denied the charge,
and how solemnly they assured the peo-
Pile. that the Know Nothings Of the North
were National men, who were seeking to
put down all slavery agitation. They de-
sounced the Democratic party as unsound,
und told US on all occasions tina: they could
not be safely trusted. Well, the time that
tests the truth Of these allegations On both
sides, has now arrived, and we teaIlessly and
triumphantly appeal to the record, in sup
port Of the views presented BY the Demo
cracy. Campbell, of Ohio. a notorious Know
Nothing aud abol;tionlst, has been run for
Speaker day after day. and during the
whole struggle has failed to receive even
a single Southern vote. The Southern
Know Nothings, who united with their
northern allies, in all their efforts to car
~ the last spring and fall elections, now
spurn all association with them, and OPEN
ly denounce their sectionalsm, and hostil-
ity to the Constitution and the Union.
But this is not all. When Campbell with.
drew his name from the lis, of candidates
for Speaker, he made the following signti-
cant speech, in which he avowed his sem
timents on Slavery and Abolitionism, and
declared tina. he would not organize the
committees III the way that was desired
by his associates. He must have been ap-
preached on these points, and if he was
SO approached, then it follows that Know
Nothlngism in this selection ola candidate,
was as unfortunate as usual. Read this
carefully, aud ponder upon the astonishing
indications which it contains.
Mr.. CAnrBrLr., with the indulgence Of the House,
said the country is looking on our proceedings with
deep anxiety, and every member ready toaeknowi-
edge the Importance OF a speedy organization. We
have been voting five days. Twenty,threc
votes have been taken; | find have, through the
Partially of friends, received in six of them higher
number than any other candidate, and in all great
or number than any other candidate In opposition
20 the Administration. Yet it is obvious to me that
II ia impossible for friends to succeed unless can
perform one OF two conditions, naniely-repudiate
my we'll known principles on Slavery and American
ism, or, in way directly or indirectly make
pledges as to the organization of Committees, which
would amount to sacrince OF my seii-respect, ana
make me in my own Judgement, tit object for pub
lie contempt. Under these circumstances, and feel
ing that the interests of the country require car
II Organization; and regarding these interests as
paramount to every other consideration, withdraw
my name as candidate and, IN taking my seat,
desire to express to my friends whe have shown so
much fidelity, my sincere gratitude, and to my po-
litica opponents who have given evidence Of their
personal regard, my thanks.
Can it be possible that Southern Know.
noihings were willing TO vote. tor. Campbell
If he would modify his "well know prin-
ciples on Slavery Such seems the fair
inference, from the language Employed
What "pledges as to the organization OF
Committees. was he asked to give, aud by
whom were those pledges asked ! These
ore curious developments, that require some
explanation. The people have the RICH.
to understand what those declarations
mean, and to know who are the persons OIL
parties referred to. Time will perhaps
solve the riddle.
After Campbell Withdrew, Banks Of Mas
saehusetts was taken up and run up as
high as 100 votes He is as thorough an
Abolitionist as Campbell, and up TO this tin {
has failed to receive one Southern vo.e.-
His entire support has come from the
North, ana he is therefore thoroughly
sectional candidate, representing Black
Repubicanlsli aud Northern Know Moth
iugism. So sectional is he. that he declar-
ed in a public speech in Maine, IN speak
ing Of the "UNIoN," IL am willing, III a
certain state Of circumstances, to let il
slide"
We commend these facts to the sober
consideration and calm reflection Of all
Southern men. They show that the OPP
position have nothing National, in their
ranks-that they are thoroughly sectional
ized, and that our section Of the Union
has nothing to expect from the triumph of
such a party. Their whole course proves
them the enemies Of the South, and shows
clearly that the, are willing in the Ian
guaee Of Banks, their leader, ITO let The
Union Aide"
In contrast with this, now turn your al
,ention to the Democratic party aud its
leader in the struggle now going on, and
10 which the attention of the country is SO
strongly directed. When they went into
Caucus they adopted sound national
platform, and then placed upon it, as Their
candidate, man. whose course has been
strictly National. and who has received
not only the Democratic, bu. also a por-
tic, If the National Wings of he BODY