Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-12-25
conores,,onalC Conventions.

The more we reflect upon the ConultlOh VI
the Democratic party, and observe the course
and policy of tho opposition, the more are
we convinced Of the necessity for ConVen-
tons 10 the different Congressional Districts
Of this State. Unless the policy o.; Con7en-
tions is adopted, our party must become
hopolcssly divided, if not signaily defeated.
To divide US and then conquer US, is the aim
and policy of the opposition. To encourage
independent candidates to oppose incumbenis,
under the promise that 10 opposition candi-
date shall run, is a most deceptive but die
organizing subteriuge of our enemies. Ihey
we'll know that the announcement next
spring of opposition candidates for Congress
would INN ediately cause the union OF the
Democracy 10 every now divided District,
and eventuate in perfect harmony, and COZ
seouently complete victory. Hence they in-
yite stree fight" well knowing that when
once the party is divided between men,
when once acrimonious debate has broken
down the organization of the party, and ex-
asperated the friends Of one man acal st
those Of another, an easy conquest awaits
the opposition. \ "iree fight" makes enc
mics among those who should be friends; "a
divided house cannot stand" and this the
opposition well know. Hence their latter
dan conversion to extraordinary .tairncsS -
A free fight" already exists in the Seventh
Congressional District. between Mr.. Smith
and Mr.. Shackelford--a "fI ht," with al!
the severity and personality Of the most en-
Uttered opposition contest Mr.. Robert h.
Scott has Just declined the candidacy A.
gainst these two gentlemen, well knowing
that this eight" il continued, will become
an iuternecnc warfare, destructive alike to
men and party.
10 the 9Th District. VIC have another Gree
fight" between Mr.. Powell and Mr.. Loake,
and here, also, we have the assurance that
no opposition candidate will be run. Both
of these gentlemen have very numerous
friends and, as in the Ito District, vii! very
equally divide their own party. -.
IL the Oh District, "the Tenth Legion"
Of Democracy. we ere to be treated to anUth-
er "lree fight" There, too, assurances are
given that no opposition candidate will run;
and every Democrat is invited to pitch il"
And should the very citadel Of Democratic
strength DC divided by the quarreis and ami
mosities of those who hare so long kept It
the Gibraltar of the Virginia Democracy, it.,
too, will fall al easy corqnest TO those who
arc now so anxious for free f,ht."
These "lree fights" are tn, most dagger
Gus pas;imes patty ever enjpyei; they cz'
asperate friend against friend; they divide
and distract the organization Of the party;
they tend to laxty of principle, by the in-
ducements they offer to c1urtirg and daily.
ing with the sympathies and support OF the
Opposition. 10 gain the votes of the Oppc-
sltion 10 these free fights" one Democrat
abates little Of Democratic principle, and
thus hereses, such IS Distribution, creep 10.
to the faith. To be equal with his c0mpeti
tor, and to preserve untarnished the faith Of
his fathers, the other depvccates the asperi'y
of party, aud opposes the views of bis party
caucus.
Now we would not be understood as dis.
couragiDg any man from announcing him
self as candidate for Congress. We be-
lievc this 30 be the right OF every man; and
We are disposed to lend every encouragement
to the procurement OF the best talent the
State can afford. We are the friend both Of
the incumbent" and the "rotationist," and
we are alike the enemy Of both; We would
not give any man a life estate" in Congress,
and we would ne. displace any man merely
because he had been loag time in Con-
gress. Bot we demand for the party,
through its Convention, the right to say that
the incumbent" has or has not been q
faithful representatives that the rotation
list" is or is not entitled to be the rarty's
candidate; aud We likewise demand Tor the
party, through its Convention. the right II
Discard both "incumbent" ant "rotatOuist,"
and select some third man.--Rtch. Inquirer.
Faithful Shepherd but UnTuiy Eiock.
The German church difficulty Of the Fourth
District is the richest thing of the day. A