Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-04-03
For the Spectator,


Messrs Editors These are singular and ex-
citing times Times of progression and retrac-
tion-times of assertion and denial-times IN
fact of contradiction. This is certainly true IN
regard to the high Sherifalty and the toao Sher-
iffalty too. The various candidates, early IN the
canvass, stated most emphatically, Gin answering
certain interrogatories) that they were free from
combination and compact; and gave US to I'M
derstand that they stood like tub, on their own
merits. How stands the case now9 Have they
adhered to this good principle, promulgated in
the outset2 Let the Sequel show. Outside infiu-
ence personal popularity and family relation have
been sought out and brought into requisition.
The problem of aoho can get for deputy that
soiU gain me the largest 0otes seems to exercise
the minds of nearly all the candidates. And
two at least seem to have solved that perplexiDg
question to their own satisfaction, for this dis
trict. at least 1t is generally understood that
J. D. Craig is to be the deputy of Col Lilley, in
the event of his election. And that very unas-
Stunning and modest gentleman, (John J. Larew,)
that was recommended SO highly few weeks
ago by an anonymous writer to the voters of the
lower end OF the county, and who was said to be
entirely free from all compact and combination,
has certainly broken loose from his guardians,
Ct wonder if they know he is outO and is out
combining and compacting all the other candi-
man to vote for himself. but has appointed two
deputies already for this district, who do not
scruple to ask every man that they may meet
within a days ride to vote for him. One of
them. a gentleman of some personal popularity,
and the other may probably carry large family
vote. Talk of combinations! Is not the depu-
tyshlp open to the highest bidder without regard
to qualifications as is evidenced in some OF the
appointments. Since the personal and family
influence of the deputies is to elect the high
Sheriff, why should we not have The old depu-
ties continued where it is desired, as, indeed, |
have understood has been promised by two of
the candidates in their electioneering2 There is
no objection urged against J. D. Hanger in this
district, and | have heard of none against John
Towberman in his district. Then why the hue
and cry against the old deputies9 If they have
not q speak for the two named-of the other
deputies know nothing; they will speak for
thernselves) discharged their duty faithfully and
promptly, let the charges be made known, so
that the people may know why they are to be
held up as an objection in voting for any candl-
date Has any complaint been made against
either of the two old deputies named2 They
challenge investigation. Is it not singular that
all of the questions asked, and interrogatories
propounded, have come from the Mt. Scion dis
trict and the few disaffected persons have
sought to make them applicable to all the dis
tricts | will venture to make the assertion
that if either of the candidates for the high
Sherifalty, | care not which, will announces
that he has obtained the services of j. D. Hang
err and John Towberman as deputies in theiI
several districts, he will be elected by large
majority over the whole number of candidates
The people care not great deal who is higf
Sheriff; it Is the deputies that they have to dea
with, and consequently vote oftener for the dep
uty than the high Sheriff. 1t was certainly SO
and acknowledged in the former elections
Competition for office, as well as in trade, will
make men do strange things. Why did Col Lii
ley and the modest Larew do as the othe
candidates. refuse to appoint deputies until .afte
their election, giving each one fair chance t.
be elected on his own merits? "Oh, consisten
cy thou art jewelr'
We ask for DO other deputy in this district bu
the oldone. So much for combinations and tn
old deputies. New Hope DIsrRIoT.
Marca 81, 1860.