Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1859-02-10
The prouer way to Conduct a Political Contest

We drprccatc the use Of personalities,
- far 4, they can be omitted: aud i'll the
great majority Of cases, they are OF no ben
rit whatsoever. They do not illustrate the
subject: rlrry arouse bitter feeling: and tend,
in nearly every Imaginable instance. to An
ol,,uration of the real points and principles
AT issue in III" discussion.
To come t" thr particular illustration al
our meaning. We >hall speak, rs We have
aid. in the spirit of a neutral, not as partl-
san IN referring 70 it. \ Convention of the
old Whic party will assemble in Richmond
Thursday. The citizens whom the delegates
will represent. are honorable and respecta-
bic conference.-the delegates themselves
have been selected from the best men, hold
ing the tcncts 10 which we are opposed
They will probably nominate for the ofhce OF
Governor. a gentleman of character and po-
Stinu-a man who in all the relations OF lille,
EFFORTS our respect. confidence and esteem.
In dealing with him in business matters, we
should not hesitate TO place implicit reliance
upon his statements, and his honesty. We
should enter his doors without fear Of any
want of courtesy and hospitality In all the
walks Of private life, we should award 10
him a respect. and cordial esteem, an great as
to our candidate, John Letcher Why then,
should the announcement of his name, as
the opposition candidate, be greeted by his
opponcnts. with insult and dcrision? Why
should his honesty be- called in question:
his character attackcd-his personal affairs
alluded To: Why should he or Mr.. Letcher
be made The subject partisan personality,
and bitter denunciation. We are in favor
of lair and free discussion Of the claims OF
these gentlemen upon the votes OF the people
Of Virginia. for the officc Of Governor lfMr.
Lctcher j. an "abolitioni~t at heart. let that
be- proved. lfhi> opponent is untrue to his
section and his State, let that too be proved.
II either Of them holds opinions repup-
nant to the convictions of public good Of tie
majority of the citizens of the State let the
fact be demonstrated, and his aspirations nip
ped by Il 'tin,ciy frost" which shall put an
end to them forever. We are we repeat, for
fair. free. and open discusson-as vigorous
" carried on rs it can possibly bc-and we
think that. thus. without any personalities
the best man. holding the best opinions, will
he indicted into the office of Governor of
Virginia.
To the right of this free and critical discus
sion. We state our claim, and shall assert it,
The aim of this journal shall be to demon
strate the soundness of the principles which
it has announced in it, prospectus-and the
claims of the candidate of our party upon the
votes of the citizens of the State. But we
shall carry on this discussion in no spirit of
bitter partisan anmosity. We think that
we best serve the interests of the Common
wealth at large, by preserving tone Of
courtesy and moderation. 1t is our settled
conviction that nothing will bc lost 10y pur-
suing this course: and We urge, in ii spirit of
friendly Suggestion. on our brethren Of the
press. whatever their views. or whichever
side they contend for the adoption Of Il SINH
lar mode Of action Hgiaid MdGr.