Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1857-04-22
Next Monday.

1t will be recollected that on Monday next
the first day of the April Court, meeting OF
the American party, and all persons favorable
to distribution of the public lands, Will be neia
in Union Hail. Staunton, at the hour OF IL
clock, for the purpose of selecting sultaoie can
didates for the Senate and House OF Deiegates'
We repeat the wish that this meeting may De az
tended by all who feel an interest IN the NATTER
and that all who participate in its deiloera''ons
and action, will be prepared to proceed harmo-
niously and with entire good feeling in the work
of framing ticket, with an eye single TO the ln-
terests of the county and the State. IT any one
is so welded to particular men that ne feels an
uuwilingness to yield his individual preferences,
to the voice of the majority then to be ascer-
tanned, in our opinion, he should not participate
in the proceedings of the meeting. Let all at
tend with q fixed determination to abide oy tne
result and to work manfully for the success OF
the ticket, even if it be at the sacrifice OF their
own partialities. This is the spirit that VIII ao-
tua1e oil those who entertain proper views OF
the objects of the meeting. The people do not
assemble for the purpose OF nominating TINS man
or that man for the Legislature with the aInlaoie
desire to confer an honor upon friend, with
out regard to his qualifications for the Office; a
view that is too often taken by men OF lntelll-
eence, who ought to think more correctly. The
object is to select public agent--a servant to
transact the business Of the people, and the first
question should always be us he honest, is he
faithful, is he capable2" Is he the man to per-
form the required service in the best possible
manner, as the public interests demand! In
stead of taking this correct and rational view OF
the matter, it is too much the habit of peo-
pie generally, to ignore the public interests alto
gether in the choice of candidates for office and to
act entirely upon the promptings OF their kindly
feelings for particular individuals. This should
not be so. People do not proceed upon such
principles in the management of their private
affairs. If they wish to employ an overseer Tor
their farms, or q superintendent for their me-
chanical operations, or clerk for their counting
rooms they do not select the men for whom
they entertain the warmest personal attachment;
but those who are best qualified by education
and requirements to perform the desired service.
And 50 it should be in the selection of agents to
perform the pabllo service. No desire to con-
fer honor upon particular individuals, however
natural and laudable, should be permitted to
control the judgment, when great and important
public interests are concerned.
We trust that those who attend the meeting
on Monday next, will concur with us in the SEN
timents expressed above, and come prepared to
act upon them. We anticipate an agreeable and
harmonious meeting of the people and result
that will be satisfactory to all.
As before announced. the Hon. A. Il. fl. Stu
art, will address the people on the same day, in
response to the very fattering call made up
on him at the March Court, to announce him.
self candidate for the State Senate