Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-10-12
For the Spectator.
A Word 10 Wings and Americans.

a Wofo u w ulSS anu f1uhCiActAhSs
MeSsrs. Editors AS it seems to be generally
conceded that Mr. Letcher is to be the next
Governor OF Va. the attention of the people Is
already directed to the selection of bis successor
in Congress-on this point wish to say few
words.
am Wing, and desire to express my views
as to the course tile Wings ought to pursue in
the matter. Ofcourse we cannot expect to elect
man OF our way of thinking, bat still we may
have preference among Democrats, and we
oughtto act in such manner as TO secure the
choice OF the least Objectionable man. Although
we are in minority, we still have some inter
est in the country and some rights 10 protect
and |, for one, cannot agree to the Democratic
pretension that the government belongs exclu
svely to them.
My notion is that the Wings and Americans
should, for the present, stand of, and enter into
no bargains or understandings with the Demo.
Gratis, and let them decide tor themselves wheth'
er they will hold convention or not.
II they determine to hold no convention, but
let every aspirant run on his own hook, it will
be time enough for MS to decide what course we
shall take, about the 1st of May next.
If, on the other hand, they shall conclude to
hold convention, it is possible that it may be
the best for US. Many of US would like to see
an Augusta man take Mr.. Letcher's place, and
that object would most probably be accomplish
ed by convention. In general scramble
Rockingham or Shenandoah would probably
carry the day, but should convention be held
am greatly mistaken if Augusta does not win
the prize In convention, the great Wing and
American vote of Rockbridge and Augusts
would be looked to, and much weight would
be given to the man who could carry that vote
Thus, though we could not get Wing nomna
ted, we would probably get the man most &C.
ceptabe to the Wings, and approaching most
nearly to them in sentiment. Of late years the
Democrats seem to manifest strong regard fol
Wings. They seem to be sensibly that Wing:
are the best men, and hence they have filled
most of the high offices of the State with mer
who have been Wings. Before long, hope tc
see them go little further, and not only adopt
Wing men, but Wing measures also. Already
] in Maine, New Jersey and PENNSYLVANIA the
Democrats are adopting the Wing policy on the
tariff question, and confidently expect to see
the next Congress re-adjust the tariff with 6
view to the protection of American industry.
| Irepeat then, let us have no entangling al
liances-no bargains or understandings with any
of the democratic cliques, but leave ourselves
free to do as circumstances may show to be bes
for the country. 1t is long time until mex
May. Many things may happen between thi'
time and that. Great changes are now going
on 10 the public mind, and there is no telling
what may be the condition of things at tha
time. The present dominant party may be de
feated in the approaching elections in the Nortl
and broken up throughout the Union. Our pol
10y is to wat-to watch the progress of events
and to decide wisely when the proper tins
comes. A VOTER.