Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-07-06
Our Position.

2g Our Position.
The present aspect.ofthe Democratic par
ty, split in twain as it is, and presenting to
the American people the unparalleled fact
Units history Of having two candidates for
the Presidency, is painful to every friend of
the old organization. But there is no time
like that when clouds of adversity hang thick
ly overus, SO fitting for us firmly decidedly
ndproadlg to stand forth in the support and
defence Of that which we deem to he right.
Friendship and devotion are but mockery
and hypocrisy if they do not shine the bright
er when the hour of need arrives. If there is
aprinciple, it is worth fighting for. and the
more determined and steady that contest is
made. in that proportion is its virtue deyel-
oped.a ~ As
Thus believing, we this week hoist the
names Of STEPHEN A. DOUGLAS, offIl-
linois, and HERSCHEL V. JOHNSON,
of Georgia, as our candidates for the Pres
sidency and Vice Presidency Of the United
States, having been, in our opinion, nomi-
mated by the regularly organized National
Convention Of the Democratic party. Our
devotion is to the party and not the men.
In taking this position we are actuated
by conscientious conviction, and sense
of honor, which we hold to be sacred. To
violate these would justly subject us to The
scorn and loathing of every honorable man,
even though his convictions Of political duty
were different from our own. And in the
course Of this canvass we confidently ex-
poetic demonstrate, to every candid mind,
that We are right We expect clearly to
prove that the position assigned us by the
District Convention, held at Harrisonburg
on the 9th of April last, is that upon which
our ticket stands, and which this District
has endorsed-not only this, but the posi-
ton the State herself assumed through the
election Of a majority of her delegates to
Charleston-the position, in fact, upon
which the Democratic party Of the United
States stands by virtue Of solemn and hon
orable compact.
In discussing the questions which legiti-
mately present themselves in this canvass.
we intend to be governed by spirit Of can
dor and fair-dealing, which is the natural
offspring of a conviction Of right We
shall not assail the motives of those Of the
Democratic party who may differ with lis,
nor attack the character of the candidates
of their choice. We mean carefully to abb
stain from any line of animadversion which
might lead to further breach in our ranks,
or encourage and cultivate feeling of in
dividual hostility. We will write our hon.
est convictions, deduced from fair and cor
rect bases, in courteous and becoming terms,
thus endeavoring to perpetuate the kindly
feelings which have existed between party
friends with whom we have stood shoulder
to shoulder heretofore in crossing swords
with common enemy. A more painful
and severe task was never imposed by a
sense Of duty, but we shall march to the
work with firm and steady step.
Having thus indicated the line Of policy
we shall pursue, it only remains for us in
this connection, to tender most cheerfully to
those of our Democratic friends who may diff
fer with us, the free use Of the columns of the
indicator for fair and legitimate discussion.
We wantthe whole Democratic party to have
hearing, and publishing Democratic pa
per, we will cordially yield it as a medium
through which those who desire to address
the public, can do So We ask the same
tolerance for our convictions and views that
we extend to others, and when the battle is
fought and the victory won, we will yield
as quietly and as gracefully to tke will Of
the majority as any other man.
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