Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1857-05-12
pEmocRAcy AND DISTRIBUTION.

Since the question of Distribution has been
revived in Virginia, many things have been
brought t. light which otherwise would have
remained in darkness, and the opinions of
men made known, which under other and
different circumstances. would have probably
been unexpress0d. Some of those who were
regarded as most reliable, and most ardent 10
their attachment to the principles of the Dem
ocratic party, and who have fought valiantIy
for their triumph, have placed themselves in
direct opposition to the positions they were
previously supposed to occupy. 1t is not
strange that the views of men should undergo
changes, and that they should see questions
at different times in different light, or OBJ.
serve them from a different standpoint. 1t is
scarcely to be expected that a man should pass
a long life in this world Of mutation and CON
tinual change, without some alteration in the
views incident upon early education. Nor
will it be deni.d that it is the duty of every
man to hold himself open to honest convic-
ton; but it is equally certain that the mind
may be Influenced to a change from motives
that can hardly be considered just and sufTi
Gent.
Every one will acknowledge the right of
party to lay down the principles by which its
adhereuts are to be governed, and its power 10
defne:its own views upon important questions
of governmental policy. In exercise of this
right, and acting under this power, the Dem
ocratic party bave freely and openly spoken,
through its Ma ional Conventions. Upon the
question of Distribution, these expressions
have been particularly explicit. No one can
possibly misunderstood what is the position of
the party. upon the only question now at issue
in This State. The language used, as we have
before remarked. admits of but one construc-
tion-unqualiied opposition to Distribution
In any shape or form
Now. since all other questions have been
discarded by the opponents of the Democratic
party. is it not plain, In view of the language
of the various Democratic platforms, which
have been adopted since 1896, that any oppo-
sition upon this one question, is opposition to
the party, and nothing hut opposition. If
candidate arrays himself against what is the
candid and honestly expressed views of party,
upon question which is the last lingering
and expiring hope of its enemies, what claim
can he have upon the members of that party,
even though bis former life has been without
spot or blemish Docs be not at once forfeit
his claim to their confidence and support, and
IS he not, by his very attitude, giving " aid
and comfort to the enemy" More than this,
is he not endang-Iing lie welfare and success
of the party, to CRAFTY personal aspirations,
and Is It not evident that such course is cal
culated to divide and distract the members Of
what should be united fold, upon the fmsey
and untenabIe Pretext that few of those
whose motto is to "rule or ruin" have called
him into the field. and that he has no right to
say that they should not nominate him?
Apart from the question of Distribution,
enough has been done in this District, to make
the duty of every loyal Democrat perfectly
plain. The usages of the party have been
complied with; District Con vention has
made 1ts selection :; a candidate worthy of the
support of the party, has been placed in the
held, and that by vote larger than any ever
Before given in any District Convention; and
every thing has been done, which reasonable
>@%SN GA PSSdSlO pI0SCIFo udTIuOuy uuu
maintain the ascendency of the party in the
District. 1.-THE men who composed that Con-
= ntion, did not reflect the wishes of those by
wAom they were made delegates, why are
they not held personally accountable, and why
should the whole party in the District, be
made TO suffer for the acts of those who may
have misrepresented their constituentsG We |
say may have done so, but we de not believe
that any man in that Convention cast a vote
for its nominee, that did not fully reflect the
wishes Of those who made him a delegate.
q But we deem it useless to pursue the sub
jet further. We appeal to the Democratic
party in the 9Th Congressional District, to
stand up to principle; we appeal to them to
endorse and uphold Conventions. as the only
means ofdeciding the claims of aspirants; we
appeal to them TO stand up to the nominations
of'those Conventions, as the only hope of pre-
serving the ascendency of the party, and
maintaining its unanimity. !