Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-07-06
MIR. Letcher's Letter.

MIR. Leteher's Letter.
Tie letter of Mr.. Letcher, which is published
in another column, is in most respects frank an(
manly, and just what we expected from M
We required no diclaimer on his part of hostility
TO the Institution Of slavery, to satisfy us of hi
soundness on that delicate subject but we must
confess some surprise at the readiness of our
Democratic contemporaries to accept his expls-
nation. Even the Richmond Enquirer, which
at 6rsr seemed disposed to believe anything to his
prejudice, now appeals "to all fairninded and
candid men, if Mr.. Letcher is not exonerated
from the charge of approving the Ruffner pam
phlet." This appeal is certainly remarkable in
view of the fact that we have before US Mr.,
Letcher's own confession that he did approve OF
the object of the discourse, which was the re-
moyal of slavery from Western Virginia, and
only objected to certain unspeciied passages
which were interpolsted in the address as print.
ed.
But we have no idea of assailing Mr.. Letch
er; we believe him to be as sound and reliable
as any man. Our position, however, is very diff
ferent from that Of the Democratic press of the
State. We defended Summers from the same
charge, and we would not convict ourselves OF
dishonesty by urging this objection to Mr.. Letch
er. How was it with Democratic politiciaus9-
They unanimously denounced Summers, because
in 1882 he held the same opinions which Mr.
Letcher avows he held as late as 1S47; they
would listen to no explanation or defence, but
scounted him as unworthy of the confidence and
support OF the people of Virginia. Summers in
1882 and Letcher in 1S47 occupied tho same
ground precisely-both did what they could to
promote slave emancipation in Yirginia-yet
Summers was an abolitionist out and out, while
Leteher is thorough going Southern mani
Mr. Letcher slludes to his career in the Re-
form Convention and in Congress- as proof of
his fidelity to the Institution of slavery. We
have nothing to say to the contrary. But was
not Summers also in Congress- and the Reform
Convention Was he not while in Congress,
as some thought, an ultra Southern mau2 Wit
ness his course in opposing the repeal of the ia
nous 2lst Rule. We think he erred in that par
fcular, but Southern Democrats made it the
great touchstone OF fidelity to slavery. And in
the Reform Convention, did he not go as far as
the farthest in hedging round and protecting
the Institution, with view to its perpetuation
These things were known when he became q
candidate for Governor; but all would not do,
and he was repudiated and cast out as q traitor
to his native State.
The Richmond South commenting on the as
sauts upon Mr.. Leteher, says, 1--WE might well
expect so much of Indulgence from the Opposi-
ton as that they would be reluctant to condemn
an eminent citizen upon an accusation which in
some degree affects the character of the State y
What right have the Democracy to expect in
diligence from the Opposition2 What indul
gence has the Opposition ever received frou
them ! We used the same argument when Sum
mers was so violently assaied. He was as EN-
inent citizen as Letcher, and the character o
State was as much effected then as now. n,
defence can be made for this change of front
and we refer our Democratic friends to the ia
bic of the Lawyer aud the Farmer as contain
ing their only apology.
We repeat that We prefer no charge agains
Mr.. Letcher. So far as we were concerned i
was unnecessary for him to write q letter to ex
plair his connection with DR.. Ruffner's address
we have the utmost confidence in him in regarC
to the institution of slavery. In other respects
also, while Mr.. Letcher has been faithful to hi:
party, he has had the good fortune to secure
the friendly regard of bis political opponents
aud we prefer his election to the office of Cover
or to that of any one who has at present the
least chance for the place. But we wish to ex
pose the insincerity of this groundless charge O
Abolitionism which has been preferred by the
Democracy against every Wing candidate for Of
fee for the last ten years or more. The party
are now perfectly willing and anxious to elect
Mr.. Letoher Governor, Notwithstanding this al
legged blot on his record but just so soon as al
opposition candidate is presented in another
canvass, the same old straw heads and bloody
bones" viii be paraded before the people tc
frighten them into the Democratic ranks. II
view of this fortunate exposure we presume nc
body will be silly enough to be led estray here
after.
The Richmond Enquirer has not expressed
itself satisfied with Mr.. Letchers position, as in