Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1856-09-06

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speaking through its legitimate organization,
thus authoritatively announces the prlncl-
pies which its Representatives, when elected
into power, will be expected TO observe and
execute. In sending out with their nominal
tons this emphatic declaration upon the
great issue which Sc exclusively agitates the
popular mind and absorbs public attention,
they convert the question Of success OF de-
feat q their candidates into the question Of
approval or condemnation Of these doctrines
by the people Of the u. States.
TIL decision of dis great Issue is inogita-
bly, Involved in the result Of this Presden-
tial election. Ii the Democratic candidates
are elected, ii nust be conceded that the
principles Of TIE Kansas Nebraska bill, as
applicable to the past and the future, have
been deliberately sanctioned by the approy-
ing Judgment Of the American people. The
morAi influence Of sdch decision must ex-
tineuish the laischievous agitation against
the equal rights of all the States. and ahfa.
hilate that dangerous party orgahlasglon
which derives its Subsistence and It's growth
from that agitation, These aaitators seek
the destruction Of The Democratic party as
the removal of the chief obstacle in their
way. 10 preserve its strength and stlmu-
late its vger ought to be a purpose equally
cherished BY the friends Of the Constitution
and The Union. 1t stands before the cotn-
try at this moment as the only political or
ganization which darcs to maintain positions
thai do justice to the minority section Of the
Union upon the great questions # the day.
Wk!e the party organizations ere awaiting
themselves of the prejudice winch have been
excited IN the stronger sectiun o. the con-
fedefaey AGAINST the slaveholdiag states,
this ancient party ayows lis antagonisn 10
their prei14iees and becomes the ayowed
champion Of the equal rights Of the minori-
ty. Not appalled, by tie success which has
already crowned the assault upon Cur ri1hs
it stands fearlessly in the breach ard stakes
its very existence upon the maintenance OF
our constitutional defepces.
1t cannot be necessary for us to implore
YOU fellow citizens, not to stand listless spec
tators in such a contest. While the Demo-
cratic party is maintaining fierce and
doubtful struggle for our rights III the non
slapehoiding States, a united and vigorous
support in the South win invi6orate its ener
gies ard give force to its efforts. The party
whieh enters upon the Northern canvass sus-
tanned by the united strength of the fifteen
alaEeh5l5ing States, carries with it pres
tire and moral influence which it will be
bird 10 resist.
Ecu cannot conceal from yourselves that
issues are involved in this canvass which at
feet the very existence Of the Union, and Of
far higher consequence than any Of those
issues affecting the mere policy of the Gov
eminent, upon which former Presidential
contests have been made to turn. Upon
those issues Whatever differences of opinion
may exist as to the position of other parties,
there can be no doubt that the Democratic
party has placed itself upon tfe eoastita-
ton and the equal rights Of the States.
The success Of that party in the present
Presidential canvass cannot be misunder-
stood It must be recognized everywhere
as a decision upon the great question Of the
canvass in favor of those principles announc-
ed by the National Democratic Convention,
and upon which they solicit the support of
the whole Union for the candidates present
cd by The Democratic party. The success
or defeat IF individuals is Of temporary and
trivial eonse4aenee-thc triumph of princi-
pies is permanently and vitaily important
We respectfully invoke your earnest consid-
Grafton of the grave duties which deYolye
upon yea as Americans and as }irginians
in this important canvass.
JN0. RUTHERFORD, Gin.