Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-08-21
Douglas Convention.

The Douglas Conven ion which met in this
place on Thursday last, was attended by large
number of delegates. Tie personnel OF the
body was very good indeed, much better than
Democratic Conventions generally. twas COM
posed of fine-looking and intelligent gentlemen,
and the proceedings were not marked by that
disorder and "confnsion worse ccntounded"
which generally characterize the proceedings OF
Democratic Conventions. The members did Lot
drink as much mean whiskey as the members in
other Democratic Conventions, and consequently
were in better condition to behave themselves.
The members of the Douglas Convention were
men of spirit and backbone. They seemed to
be conscious of their rights as Democrats, and
were determined to maintain thema at all hazards
and to tie last extremity. The large majority
of them scoaned the idea of affiliating with the
Breckenridge party which they denounced as q
: party of disorganizers and disunionists. They
Z considered the Breckenridge men as mutineers
in the chip of Democracy who should be thrown
ouerboard. They were determined to nail the
Douglas flag to the mast and, sink or swim, to
fight under that flag and no other. The Brock
idridge men, feeling that they are about to be
driven to the wall, were anxious to unite with
the Douglas party, but the latter were resolved
to repudiate all propositions of compromise or
utilization.
The Convention contained much more talent
than we had expected, and conducted its pro-
ceedings with order, regularity and propriety.-
Every member seemed to be actuated by firm
determination to preserve the regular organiza-
ton of heis party, and to oppose its seeding
disorganizers TO the bitter end. 1t was truly
gratifying to US to witness such spirit of devo-
ton to the Union as was manifested by the
members of the Convention. They made such
good, eloquent and Union-loving speeches that
we thought they ought to be members of the
great, national, conservative, Constitutional Un-
ion Party. That they are patriots we have moi
doubt There was not member ofthat body
who harbored in the most secret recesses of his
heart single sentiment hostile to the preserva
ton of our Union and the perpetuation of oul
glorious free institutions. To all they said 81
eloquently in behalf Of the Union, and in execra
ton of reasonable disunionists, our heart res
ponded. 1t always does our very soul good tx
hear sound patriotic, Union-loving sentiments
even when ispec by falGering and stamnerint
tongue, and when uttered by eloquent lips WI
can scarcely refrain from shouting aloud in al
ecstacy of joy.
The speeches were so much in the characte
OF those delivered by the members of the Consti
tutional Union party, that we sometimes aimos
forgot that we were in Democratic Convention
The Convention was spirited and enthusiastic
and the proceedings were transacted with con
cord and harmony. In this respect, too, it re
sembles the Conventions of the Union party
more than those of the Democratic party. l
contrasted, not only well, but gloriously, will
past Democratic Conventions. Were all th
disorder AMI disgraceful scenes which hav'
heretofore characterized Democratic Conven
tons caused by those who have seeded from
the regular organization9 The Convention
transacted its business in good order; ani
when it adjourned, after being favored will
stirring speeches by several of the members
and the side-shaking anecdotes of DR.. Sto
vail, each and every member was in state o
ioyous exhilaration.