Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-07-02
For The En-
muI, AruXn NAIIEDNOD


As there have bsen the names OF several gentlemen
brought before the public with their respective claims
for the office Of governor Of the Commonwealth it
perhaps may not be improper at this time TO set forth
some of the claims Of the Trans Allegheny country
for filling that chair at the ensung election especially
when il ia remembered how few governors that grow
ing half of the State have furnished from the very
organization of the government to the present time
Ii ia hoped the time has arrived when the tide water
section no longer consider Virginia bounded on the
west by the Allegheny, and the balance the outskirts
of civilization. The mighty genius of Wise has
done much 10 dispel such feelings and sentiments,
and unite the two extremes by railroad, which
would build up the whole rs Commonwealth.
Permit to say, there is one growing evil in our
country and that s there is not enough OF virtue and
temperance among our rulers. In electing men to
rule over us, We the people, should select those not
only we'll qualified az statesmen but men filling the
high places, either in the executive or legislative
branches Of the Government, should possess high
moral character. The perpeuty of our institutions
depends greatly on this. If We take retrospective
view of the nations OF the earth that have succes'
sveIy passed away, their history informs us the
growth of dissipation and vice of every kind was
the true of their overthrow. There should
be All incentive to virtue among the youth OF
our country, who aspire to the dignity OF our
law makers and this example should be set by
those filling high places. II the people, on whom
rests our form of government, do not take this i'm
portant matter seriously into consideration at the pal
u
may present the melancholy spectacle OF decay. But
il is not the object OF the writer at this time to dis
cues questions of ethics but TO bring to the notice of
the country an individual eminenty qualified, both
as regards morals and craftsmanship for the distn
gu:shed office in question. refer to the gentleman
who occupiss a seat in the State Senate from the
Greenbrer District, whose long established character
as profound jurist for nieIibe integrity, Roman
patriotism, as we'll as eminent qualifications as a
Statesman, call aloud for reward from his country
men.
II we look into the past history of the Hon. Wm
Smyth of Greenbrier, can see bis claims Tor the
gubernaoral char at this time. He served many
years in Congress, when Virginia, in her palmiest
days. was represented by most gigantic intellectual
strength. Even then he figured IN way that drew
a compliment from John Randolph OF Roanoke, who
was spsring of compliments to statesmen. He also
served with distinction in both of the Virginia reform
conventions, and many other responsible stations,
with credit TO himself and country
All | have to cay in conclusion is, as Mr.. Smyih
has of late, been neglected member OF the Demo
cratic party it ia hoped his high claims at this time,
will be appreciated and not overlooked. 1t is also
hoped the claims of the Trans.Alleghany half of the
State will at this time be appreciated in The election
of Governor; remainder its growing importance and
forget not that is part and parcel of the good old
mother of States and statesmen We believe the Hon.
William Smyth, OF Lewsburg, would If feeced, prove
himself as patriotic as the great and gifted Wise, who
in all his public acts while governor Of the Common
wealth, exerted his mighty genus and successfully IN
building up the honor and glory of the Old Dominion.
TRASs-ALLEoHAEY.