Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1859-01-11
STAUNToN, Jan. 7th 1859.
To the Voters of the Ninth Congressional
District.

FELLOW CITlzENs-In response to expressed
wishes which have reached me from different
portions of the District, and to prevent the pos
sibility of misunderstanding, l hereby announce
myself a candidate for the seat as your Repre-
sentative in the next Congress of the United
States. at the same time, | proceed, in con-
formity with usage, to state briefly the princi-
pies by which shall be governed should it be
your pleasure to elect me.
The preservation of the Rights of the States, in
tact, and OF the Union Of the States unbroken, |
regard as the highest duty of the citizen. Since
my earliest capacity for reflection, have been
of opinion that this Union and those Rights
could find their only security in the principles of
strict construction adopted by the Democratic
party. Accordingly, the separation of the gov
eminent from Banks; q tariff based upon rerenue
principles, and regulated in its incidental pro-
lection so as to do justice, as nearly as possible,
to all sections and interests of the country an
application of the proceeds of the public lands in
aid and diminuton of tariff duties; opposition
to system OF internal improvements by the
Federal Government, and resistance to all at
tempted encroachment upon the equal rights of
citizens by application Of disquaifyng tests bas-
ed upon either religion or nationality, are fea-
lures of policy which have always cordially
approved. In vindication and enforcement of
these principles and measures, my voice has for
years been raised in this District. In their JUS.
tice and sound policy still entertain undimin-
ished confidence.
In assuming, in anwer to the wishes of many
of you, this position, am sure that need not
to the Democracy of Augusta at least, make any
special appeal The frequent and successive oe
casions upon which you have selected me as
candidate to uphold your faith in opposition to
the must trusted leaders of the Whigand Amer
lean parties, assure me of your confidence
however undeserved, in my ability to serve you
while the support with which you have honored
me at times when there was no hope, far less
expectation of success, leaves me 10 reason 10
suppose that your support will now be withheld.
Having endured long apprenticeship to de-
feat in your service, it is left for you to say
whether | merit the promotion which it is now,
may be, in your power to confer Nor can the
Democracy of the remainder Of the District reck-
on it to my disadvantage that my services, such
as they have been, have been chiefly rendered
where there has been always most need for
them.
To my fellow citizens generally have only to
say, that should | by the favor of your sutfrages
become your Representative, while my public
action will be rigidly regulated by the principles
have indicated, my endeavor will be to dis
charge my duties in that spirit of justice by
which l have always sought to temper my con-
duct.
In conclusion, would have you distinctly to
that in making this announcement
have no intention of allowing myself to be an
obstacle in the way of the success OF that party
for whose advancement have continually striv-
en-. Should it be the pleasure of the Democra
cy of the District to meet in Conveaton, and
select some other as their candidate, whom they
may deem worthier Of their support, assure
them that their action will receive my unhesita
ting acquiescence.
Truly your Fellow Citizen,
JAMES III. SKINNER.