Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1858-07-10
WAs1E1Na June %, 1858.

orposed to the present administration, to
open a correspondence with prominent indi-
viduals in various States whose general
sentiment accord with theirs; in order to
Interchange opinions, learn their views as
to the reorganization of parties, ascertain
what public sentiment is in their respec-
tive localities in reference to the course to
be pursued in the contest for the presidcn-
CIV in 1860, and to draw out, and to give
expression to that sentiment through the
channels of the press.
They are Of opinion that, without giving
NATIONALITY, to the opposition party, BY
whatever name it may be called though
the term UNION PARTY is deemed APP
propriate-it will be idle to think Of defeat
ing the party now in power in 1860; and
shat such nationality cannot be given to II
if It's candidate shall be an ultra sectional
man. Such man could only receive the
support of the distinctive organization to
which he has belonged; and it is clear that
such nomination would drive the demo-
craic party into unanimity, whereby a dem
ocratic President would be elected by even
a larger majority than Mr.. Buchanan OBJ
tanned.
The questions may suggest themselves
to you, as they have to US can d NATIONAL
party be formed of sufficient strength to
wrcst the government from the corrupt and
reckless party NOW in poWor2 aaa # 50 by
what means
It is Confidently believed that the first
quo stioD may be answered in the afirma-
lives. that a large majority. Of the people
are opposed to that party, and that united
action is only needed to insure victory
But how can this. be brought about? An
aver: by uniting in support Of man in
whose character, principles and abilities
the whole nation can repase in confidence
who has 8 strong hold upon the heart Of
the people, who is neither charged with
nor suspected Of sectionalism-a statesman
Of the old school, Of elevated and cQnserva-
tive views, high sense Of national honor
and who viii be as ready 10 render even
handed Justice TO other nations as prompt
to exact it from chem It may be asked
upon what ''platform is such party to
stand? IF anE platform IS necessary il
is believed that the Crittenden-ainend-
nent'' will be found broad enough for the
whole body Of the nation to stand upon -
But, after all, the public character Of the
candidate for the presidency, his principles,
public services, patriotism ard abilities,
are better platform tllan any that
could he manufactured FOR She occasion -
Tie people voted fer General Washington,
because they had confidence in him; MT for
any political confession Of faith, creed Or
promises he had made or subscribed, 20,
which be would have scorned to do. It Is
not the platform, bit the man, that the
people vote for: it is the man, and not the
'.platforn'' that inspires confidence, and
wins support. Henry Clay and Andrew
Jackson needed no s'platform" to insure
them the support Of their respective par
tics
Undoubtedly there is a growing convic-
zion on the part Of the people that the Am
erican interest and American labor should
receive more of the fostering care Of the
federal government than has been bestowed
OH them Of late years; that the ballot-box
must be purified, and its purity preserved;
that more intense national feeling should
be cultivated and that the immigration Of
foreign paupers and criminals, who are al
most instantly transformed into voters, ana
by whom our elections are often decided,
should be prohibited But for these and
other salutary reforms we must rely wholly
upon the people themselves; though our
candidate for the presidency in 1860 should
be man whose public career affords a
guarantee that. in bringing about these re-
forms, his partnership would be cheer
fully given.
VIII you DO me the favor to reply 70
this, stating how far you eoncnr in, or dis
sent from, the views [ have expressed, and
the suggestions I have thrown out; and
also inform me what is the prevailing sem
timent Of the people in your vicinity, 50 far
as you are cogni2ant Of it, in regard to the
organization Of the Union party as sugges-
ted
must also ask The favor Of you to-send
me the names and address Of such promi-
nent men i'll your county or State as will
be likely to take an active and willing part
in attaining the object proposed, as we hope
you will.
1 am. very respectfully, your obedient
servant, N. SARGENT