Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-08-09
For the Spectator.

Messrs. Editors II see by the 10th Legion
papers and numerous circulars and hand bills
which have been issued from the Vindicator Of
fee, calculation to show that Mr.. Skinner
received large majority of the Democratic
vote. see several errors in the addition which
makes the calculation unreliable; but admit
that Skinner received majority of the Dem
ocratic vote it does not prove that the De-
mocracy wanted Convention; for thousands yo-
ted for Letcher & Skinner who were opposed to
Convention. Why, sirs, there were Demo-
Gratis enough in Shenandoah and Rockingham
who were opposed to Convention, and who
voted for Skinner under the influence OF "you
must observe the usages of the party" TO have
turned the tables. If the question of "Conven-
ton or no Convention" had been left to the
Democratic masses at the polls in Augusta, ma
iorty would have voted against it. The Rock
ingham Register opposed Convention but &C.
quiesced; SO did the Spirit OF Democracy and
the 10th Legion, Woodstock. Mr.. Skinner and
his friends ought to keep quiet,--al Gen. Har-
mans friends who opposed Convention, voted
for Mr.. Skinner, and had Mr.. Skinner received
majority of the Wing vote, Mr.. Skinner and
the Vindcatior would not have said word.
| Harris and his friends said they believed the
Opposition when they declared they wonld have
no candidate in the field. Mr.. SINNERS Caucus
friends said they did not believe them. Harris
was not the first candidate in the field, but after
he took Lis position he stood firm; he did not
quail or retreat and he stands BOW where he
first stood. But it is horrible for Harris to get
majority of the Wing vote. How could Mr.;
Skinner expect them, although gentleman, and
a man of talentsg The Wings were told that
you shall not have the poor privilege OF choosing
L n will No IN me
take Democrat, as we haYe the power, but will
not even allow YOU the chance to select between
them.
Yet the friends of Mr.. Skinner everywhere
through the county of Augusta, with here and
there an exception,) actually refused to cast their
votes for the worthy and efficient representa-.
tives, who were candidates, D. e., Messrs. Massie,
McCue and Christian, all gentlemen OF character,
talents and honorable bearing. What etftonte-s
ry! Harris is to be stricken down and bis De-
mocracy questioned because the Opposition gave
him liberal support instead of voting for Skin.
ner. when Mr. SINNERS friends actually refused
to vote for the Opposition nominees, although
they had no Democratic candidate In the field.
Yes, the Opposition must vote for the Harrison
burg nominee, but we can't vote for the Augusta
nominees for the Legislature. We will not COM
pliment them by throwing awey our votes on
them.
Why all this to do against Harris9 Is it be-
cause the "Herring has killed the Frenchman,"
or that ssDad's under the Wagon2"
If Harris Democracy is not reliable because
he carried majority of the Wing vote and the
large majority in the strong holds of Democracy,
ought not Mr.. SINNERS Democracy to be ques'
toned upon the same mode of questioning Har-
ris' Democracy. How did Mr.. Skinner get to
the Legislature in 1882 Why, by Wing votes.
How were DR.. Harris and Mr.. Koiner elected
Why, by Wing votes. How was Mr.. Hunter,
the special favorite Of Mr.. Skinner, 1--WE learn,)
first eected2 Why, by Wing votes in opposi-
ton to the Democratic nominee How was Mr..
Hunter first elected Speaker of the House OF
Representatives Why by Wing votes 10 oppo'
sition to the Caucus nominee, and this same Mr..
Hunter who is spoken OF for President, and will
take his chances before the Charleston Demo.
cratic Convention for the nomination for Presi-
dent owes his whole position to the fact that he
has defed the usages of his party, and his espo-
cisl friends in the 9th Congressional District, who
are the bitter opponents Of Harris, cant deny it.
"FAR PLAY"