Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-07-06
sssl 3 -
Hon. III. Il. Hopkins.

The subjoined letter from one of the most
consistent and able Democrats in the State,
speaks for itself. Itsuccinctly answers the
document issued by the Seceders of the Vir-.
ginia delegatioa from the Charleston Con-
vention. although not directed to them =
They claim to be now in fact of the Ndtton-
at Democratic Convention, when there were
but ttoenty of the thi,ty-three States rep
resented. Yet, Notwithstanding this most
fallaclous and untenable claim, the fact stares
them in the face that they left the Con0en-
ton to aohich they aoere accredited, and an
soh1ohstheg uere sitting attAe tsase, assign
ing as a reason for Learning the Convention,
a'certain action of that body. Then, to
cap the climax of their claim to being the
National Convention, and carry out the
farce, Mr.. Cushing, the President Of the
Convention, resigned his seat therein, and
accepted the Presidency of the Seceders'
Convention. We will otdetain the reader,
however, from The letter Of Mr.. Hopkins,
which has suggested these remarks. Here
after we will discuss the legitimacy of the
claim of the Seceders to nationality with
some freedom:
From the Richmond hnquirer.l
PETERSBURG, June 20, 1860.
Gentlemen I'm your semi-weekly issue
of this morning, find the following an
notncement:
.Natio7,az Democratic Ticket.
For President of the United States,
JOHN G. BRECKENRIDGE, of Kentucky
For Vice-President of the United States,
GEN. JOSEPH LANE, of Oregon"
And underneath you publish the names of
the Electors composing the National Dem
ocratic Ticket" As my name appears in
that connection amongst them, silence would
imply my acqniescence in the announcement
and so produce a wrong impression | deem
it due to the friends of these distinguished
candidates, therefore, to define my position
promptly and candidly. l was appointed
Elector for the I'd District, to support the
neminee, as [ understand it, of the National
Democratic Convention, regularly assem-
tied according to the wsages of the Demo-
cratic party. [ cannot regard the ',Seces-
sion Convention" that nominated Breckin-
ridge ana Lane as regular Democratic
Convention, any more than I would regard
fragment Of the two Houses Of our Legis-
latyfe seeding from the regular bodies, and
| .oTganizing themselves elsewhere to pass
laws, regular Legislature.
If should be told that the Constitution
of the State requires a majority of each
House to form quorum for business, SO. [
reply, the principles and atsages of Democ-
racy cts Constituion) comedies to the mao-
jority the right to rule in Conventions
Nor can comprehend how it is that such
Convention as never before assembled in
all the history of our national Conventions,
can claim usage or even precedent for its
validity. Qn the contrary, regarding Ste
! phen 4. Douglas as the regular nominee of
the regular Democratic National Conven-
ton, [ shall support his nomination most
willingly and cordially, not only on that
ground, but because of his lifelong Denoc-
racy. his ripe experience, his great abilities,
and the large amount Of valuable public SER
vices he has rendered his country. Indeed,
since Gov. Wise withdrew, he has been NJ y
choice for the Presidency.
It is my pride that have always been
with my party, in its defeats as well as its
tlumphs. And now, that its difficulties
and dangers are greater than ever, [ mean
to ev;nce my devotion to its principles ard
its integrity by the best services | can rem
der it, whether be with a majority or a
minority in the end. / dislike to differ with
my friends, and especially with you, Mes
srs. Editors, but the path of duty is plain
before me, and must pursue it firmly.
Evnr fr,,lv vours