Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-05-17
For the Spectator.
The Congressional Canvass.

Messrs. Editors AS considerable diversity
of opinion exists as to what ought to be the
course of the Wings of the district in the ap-
preaching Congressional election, propose, with
your permission, to offer suggestion or two
upon that subject. have no hesitation in ex-
pressing the opinion that the proper course for
Wings is to abstain from voting for either Of the
candidates for Congress. This position of "mas-
terly inactivity" is, think, sustained by consid-
eratOns of sound policy as we'll as of patriotism.
In the first place the contest in this district is
eminently ''fanily quarrel" and like all do.
nestle feuds, ought to be settled by the inmates
of the household without interference OF any
kind from strangers, upon the great principle
long ago enunciated by Solomon in the form OF
q proverb, "he that meddleth with strife belong
ing not to him is like one that taketh dog by
ears"
Again, neither of the candidates has conde-
scended to enlighten the people in regard to bis
views upon any one of the important questions
of practical legislation that will necessarily occu-
py the attention of the next Congress and that
too Notwithstanding the repeated and respectful
calls made upon them through the papers, The
simple declaration that they are and always have
been democrats" may be entirely satisfactory,
as an exposition of political opinions, to the par
ty of which Messrs, Skinner and Harris are
members, but to q plain and unsophisticated
Wing, like the writer of this, it conveys no pre-
else or definite Information whatever; inasmuch
as men of the most opposite and conflicting
views upon questions of constitutional construc'
ton and practical craftsmanship, are yet sound,
honored and trustworthy democrats. In Illus
tration of this will only refer to the conflict OF
49, D.oe;1onf Rnohopon nd hia
Secretary of the Treasury on the all important
subject of raising sufficient revenue to meet the
enormous expenditures of this economical Ad,
ministratiop. Therefore, if Wings vote for Ell
Their Skinner or Harris they must do it in total
ignorance of their opinions on many of the most
important questions that will be pressed upon
the consideration of the next Congress. Ones.
tons that deem of such magnitude that would
cast my vote for no Wing even, unless well sat-
|is6ed of his views upon them, ! may be allow
ed to refer to one or two of these subjects Pass.
ing over the great subject of the manner in
which the financial wants of the Government
are to be supplied, we have first the bill conf
ding to the uncontrolled discretion Of the Presi-
dent, thirty million of dollars to be used in ia
cilitatng the opening of negotiations for the 90
QUESTION Of Qaha,
Second, the Presidents plan for the Military
occupation of and protectorate over the northern
provinces of Mexico. Sd, The Pacific Railroad
scheme. 4th, The Presidents recommendation
of bankrupt law applicable to State corpora
tions. 9th, The proposition to increase the rates
of postage, together with others that might be
enumerated upon no one OF which do know the
opinion of either of the candidates for Congress
in this district, This consideration alone ought,
| think, to prevent every member of the "Oppo'
sition" from casting his vote for either Skinner
or Harris. The policy of the Wing party here
tofore has been to require of its candidates an
open, candid and unequivocal avowal of their
sentiments upon all subjects of public charac-
ter | cannot, therefore, understand how they
can consistently vote Tor either of two demo-
Gratis who have studiously avoided an expression
of their views upon many subjects Of great and
pressing importance.
Upon the various and interesting incidents OF
the present canvass, or the personal fitness OF the
candidates I have no comments to make.
They are both democrats; and therefore the
distinctive measures and policy Of the Wing par
ty will receive from which ever one may be
aleoted determined and uncompromising OPP
position. Nor am able to perceive how the
measures or policy Of the Wing party or the in
terests of the country are to be subserved by the
defeat of one democrat because he is the regular
nominee of his party, and the election of anoth-
er democrat simply because he assumes the title
of an independent" candidate. Hence as
Wings oan see no interest we can have in the
issue of this feud in the "happy family" of the
harmonious democracy"
will close this hssty communication with
expressing the hope that no Wing will permit
himself to be persuaded into helping either of
those gentlemen out of the slough Of despond"
in which they are now laundering.
May l4th. AUGUSTA WING.