Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-10-01

mean to be under.iood ss saying that "Mr. Letoher'
frieuda were principally political asprants in his dii
'rct," but that the political aspirants in his distric
were principally Influenced in urging bis nomination
by the desire TO get him out Of the way" for them
selves. A very wids difference, as Justice" wi
| admit.
We readily acquit Justice of having lever en-
erained anti slavery sentiments" aud, further from
the category of those knovn 10 ourselues "who fsvo
his, Mr.. Letchers nomination, as an amnesty 70
Themselves If Mr.. Letchsr had more friends as dis
Greet and fair ss "Justice" the discussion would ne
yer have assumed its present asperty harshness an
acrimony.
We come now to the last point made by Justice
in favor of Mr. Lstcher: Justice says:
"Mr Lecher's peculiar qualifications for the Office
Of Governor deserve word: they are found in tn
practical character Of bis craftsmanship In his habit
of economy, his rare ability as hnancsr, his tho
rough knowledge of Virginia, and the wants of he
people, and particularly those living West of the
mountains, who nosd facilities for market Readily
acknowledging Mr.. Letohers "atstesmsnship," "eco
nomy." ability as a 6nancer, knowledge of Virgni.
and her people East and West, we claim all o
Mr.. Hopkins and others.
But upon the question of internal Improvement
we would like to be further advised. Economy" in
statesman is most lsudable quality; it's wise exer
cise is very difficult 1t may be diligent watchul
ness Of the public exchequer, preventing wild and
visionary schemes of expenditure but it may degrade
into parsimoniousness as reprehensible as the too
lavish squanderipg OF public money. A statesman in
whom economy" has become a"habit," may fail to
that usefulness Of udicous expenditure which of
ten constitutes the very wisdom of public economy.
We do not intimate that Mr.. Letcher would fail to
discern wiss and proper of the public funds
Since the question Of internal improvements has
been introduced We would say, that no man who
could be nominated would dare TO interfere with the
present system of public works-but while none
would attempt TO interrupt the completion Of those
works, we fear a gentleman who comes before the
State heralded by the cry of ECONOMY" and "custo-
dian OF the Treasury" might not deem it bis duty 10
push tortrdrd with an earnest Zeal their immediate
completion Would Mr.. Letcher feel it 10 be bic duty
to urge the quick and immediate completion of the
James River and Kanawhs Canal by the further ap-
preparation of public money! Would the Covington
and Ohio road find In Mr. Letcher active and per.
sstent advocate; and, if necessary would he recon-
mend the immediate appropriation necessary to its
complstion7 Would Mr.. Letchsr favor the compile.
ton soon practicable of the Richmond and York
River Rail Road Would his "hsbit of economy
retard, in any manner. the quick completion of all
these lines OF communication Let him or his friends
anawer.
We welcome with unfeigned pleasure, every such
communication that Of Justice" published to-
day. As Democrats, we all seek the same great OBJ
jecs-the success of party, and the honor, well
fare and prosperity of Virginia. These great objects
can be obtained without the use of harsh expressions
epithets, or unworthy motives.