Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1856-05-07

-dfCS6TS.1 EQ1tO7tF-i nave Dec1 hi 1b>chIi' p
observer of occurrences in our county for some
years past, and especiallyof the movements Of
some politicians who have been aiming 70 man
age the people and our elections for their own
benefit.
Among other insuperable objections l enter
tanned against Know Nothingism, when it first
appeared amongst us, was its ready adaptation TO
the uses of such politicians Isaw it might be
controlled by the worst of men for the very
worst of purposes. Consequently, lhaye watch
ed it narrowly.
More than twelve months ago, when the "Sons
of Temperance" united themselves almost en-
masse with the Know Nothings, their object
seemed to me to be too plain to be disguised.
believed it could be no other than to control the
organization for their own purposes. They had
beforetime tried their hand in our political con-
tests, but without success; and they were anx.
ious to retrieve their fortunes. While could
not doubt the result, | have been watching, with
some curiosity, for the developments. The
"Sons,n | saw, had all the advantages OF the
game. Holding their own secret councils apart
from their secret Know Nothing associates they
could mature their plans and direct their forces,
50 as to make success certain.
This, es conceive, they have now DONE The
Convention Just held to nominate party candl-
date for the Office of Commemorative Attorney,
has been effectually used by them, and Know
Nothingism itself as efectually used up! Their
defeat is inevitable. That there is dissatisfaction
with the nomination on one side, and chuckling
on the other, cannot be concealed 1t was known
DAYS before the Convention met, that the "Sons"
would succeed, and a compromise man was talk
ed of among the Know Nothing leaders. But it
III l. hal via kl,asr
game too well; and those of the party proper,
who urged the nomination of party candidate
for the Attorneyship, are left to the agreeable
pastime of sucking their fingers over their defeat
Thus, at least, things appear to one not actu-
ally in the secrets!
BY the way, Messrs Editors word to YOU
see you endorse the party Issue in this election
How is this? | had thought there was no prin-
ciple upon which conservative men here, in pir-
ginia, were more fully agreed than that the
Courts of Justice should be held aloof from the
strifes and contaminations Of party; and, so far,
| believe, it has never been violated. In other
communities, less circumspect, where party in
fluences have been allowed to enter the Courts,
they have soon become corrupt, contemplate
and intolerable and bitterly have the people been
made to lament their folly. Do you not know,
mcSSTS. tLIS 10 tio CdSo la 1'o"
! York, Ohio, Louisiana, and indeed every State
where the vicious practice has been introduced
Why, then, attempt to shackle as with party, in
matter with which every sentiment Of duty
and patriotism plainly dictates that party should
have nothing to do9 A grave charge is made
against the new party to which you belong BY
the "old line Whigsn of Kentucky. In their adj
dress to the Wings of the Union, they say, "They
''cannot join the American party, because they
''beeve its principles and spirit involve a me-
'nace against the securities of civil and religious
"liberty, and because, furthermore, that party
ehas systematically introduced the alarming rae-
.tice Of subordinating the Judiciary to political
"and party Influence and control" From the
character of the signers of the Address, it is not
to be presumed that the charge has been lightly
made. Is this, then, the system, and this little
Court Office only the beginning of it herei The
grounds assumed for it are certainly not JUSTIFIED
By the facts. That the present incumbent OF the
Office is party man in party matters, all who
know him will agree; but that he has ever car
ried that feeling beyond its legitimate limits, l
have vet to learn. Where is the instance in
which he favored party prescription in offices
not political? Not in the case of our old Wing
friend, Mr.. Brooks, the late Postmaster; for Col.
HARMAN fought manfully against it to the last,
as his Democratic friends can testify. Not in
the case of the old Wing officers prescribed at the
Hospital for he opposed it, with all his might,
while some, Messrs. Editors, who are now acting
with you, as learn, were urging that proscrip-
ton ~
/ / profess to know COL Hartman WELL and lam
well satisfied that he is incapable of carrying
party feeling into the Office of Attorney. Ii so,
there can be no well-tounded objection to him on
the score ofparty. The only Legitimate question,
then is as to his fitness for the office. Is he
honest, is he capable and efficient IN officerl
If not found wanting in those requisites,-and
the records of his official term show how severe
ily they have been tested, the people, have no
doubt will be disposed to weigh his claims fair
ly and equitably, without regard to party. To
do otherwise, would not comport with their
known character for liberality, intelligence and
justice. lH A WING.