Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-05-05
To CORR EsPoNpENTs.
For interesting news, ,clegraphic, &c, sec outside.
The Staunton Convention.

For interesting news tclegraphic, &c. outside.
The Stanton Convention
The public perhaps more intimately connected
with the deliberations of the convention which is to
meet at Staunton on Tuesday next than is generally
admitted. Though professedly a meeting Of the
American party-for the purpose Of arranging FOR
the Presidential election, the plan adoped-the cleo
tors omnated, the organization established, must
to very great extent influence il not control the
electoral vote of Virginia in the ensuing Presidential
election. heavier responsibility could not well
rest on any deliberative body. This statement
alone is sufficient to Impress the members of that
Convention the necessity for the maturest delibera
tons-the wisest iorecast-the most iudicious ac-
ton. Ii is not only the American party, as such
which is directly and intimately interested in the
results of this convention, but the of .
sentative principles revouti onary tendencies ;
the triumph Of constitutional order partizan
misrule the power OF law seditious procvities
depend on its resolves, great measure.
We, in this view, can but feel deep and sincere
interest in the deliberations Of this important
assembage; and can but hope that wise and saga
sious patriotism will characterize the proceedings of
body, on which so much depends Indeed, we
need not disguise the fact. that so far as we can
Judge, from the present posture of affairs the sue
the course adopted by this convention
Under such convictions it will not be deemed
1--WE hope) inopportune for us to present few sug-
gestions for the consideration of this convention
I'VE have disposition to dictate nor do we feel
the slightest inclination to exercise any other nu-
ence than that which springs from a thorough con-
victon, that, the election of Willard Fillmore as
matters stand, great deal of the future pros.
perity and happiness of the country depends As
we have before said we do not plead the American
cause; do not advocate its peculiar tenets, but
We do with the members Of that party, feel a deep
abiding, increasing interest in the defeat Of the De-
mocratic party, by the election of Mr.. Fillmore
When we look back upon the past and contem-
plate its many and serious admonitions; when we
consider the incidous commencement and rapid
growth of the sectionalism, which is of such
fearful influence; when survey the field of ac-
ton and estimate the mode of attack and defence
which characterised the rise and progress of the
principle of abotonisn, that now overshadows the
future; when recall the recolections of those
thrilling scenes, enacted in 1919 1888, and 1850
and recoect that the great spirit which then swayed
public sentiment gone, we confess that we feel
indisposed to approach Presidential canvass with
any but the gravest sentiments of responsibility
an seek, in abiding trust, in popular deliberi-
tons and national conservatism, that security which
is not vouchcd safe to by the individual influence
OF those great OF both parties who are removed
from the stage of action and whose examples are so
poorly followed.
Mr.. Fillmore is a statesman of tried experience and
attested political wisdom. His past administration
was one, under the peculiarly trying circumstance
which surrounded it, which has impressed ever,
candid mind with the conviction that as public of
and h.;
ence, and beyond the reach of every unworthy aul-
biton that he is not only national in his feelings
but thoroughly conservative and Constitution en-
forcing officer; that, President he recognized no
rule of action but the Constitution and admitted no
influence but the legitimate sway of the scope and
force of the laws they existed Such is the result
of the observation and experience of an enlightened
public based on his official acts.
1t is the success or defeat of such man. so much
needed by the pressing exigencies of the public
which depends, in a measure, on the deberation of
the Stanton Convention. The responsibility is
therefore, intellectually great and have no doubt
the patriotism and action OF its members will be full
ly equal to the responsibility.
We hope this Convention will so shape its action
frame its resolves and make its appointments as to
place it in the power and thus render it the duty of
the 'od line Wings to rally to man, to the sup
port Of Mr.. Fillmore Let there be no shifting or
equvocal resolves; no halfway course. Let all ac
ton and every resolve rest on the solid basis IN,
Constitution; and each step in its organization recog
mise the influence Of that noble principle that "the
Union must be preserred. Let no idle vagaries MS
TO abstract principles theorec rights invade its
deliberations Let it not be forgotten that the Uion
rest no basis but the Constitutions and that
slavery is, and Of right ought TO be- especially EN-
braced in, and regulated by the provisions of the
Constitution. Let itnot be forgotten that the South
and its peculiar institutions is entitled to the same
POLITICAL mordi and social eieCdtion awarded to the
North; and let it be remembered that it is under the
Constitution, and 10y virtue Of the provisions Of the
federal compact, that the rights, political and legal
which appertain to slavery derived, and that to
maintain these intact, all that needed is fair i'm
partial, effective administration Of the laws.
Keeping in view these considerations, with the
that the man, Of all others, now living
who can aud will best execute the laws is Mil
lard Fillmore Let the action Of this Convention
be such will comport with the dignity Of the occp
sion, respond TO the integrity of It's MEMBERS and he
equal to the exalted worth and attcsted wisdom of
their leader and the will be plain and victory
almost assured.
We have received from the most reliable source
graphic account Of the Sayings aud doings" Of the
"Danvie Convention" which met to appoint dele.
81. A