Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-10-19
Mr.. SKINNER,S LETTER.
SrAUNros, Oct. 4, 1860.

SrAUSroa, Oct. 4, 1860.
John Rathsrfoord, Esq Chairman Democra tic
State Erecutiue Committee:
My Dear Sir The extreme illness of nv aged
father precludes the possibility of my attending the
meeting Of the State Executive Committee which
you have called for tomorrow. | sincerely re-
greet my inability to meet and confer with my re-
spected colleagues Of this assure them.
1t seems to be understood that there will be a
proposition before you that the Democratic Com
n,ittee and the Douglas Committee ''shall with
draw fifteen Electors from the tickets con-
stituted, and have but common electoral tick :
et pledged to cast the vote of Virginia ratably and
agreeably to the vote, to wit: each Douglas vote
countin5 the each Breckenridge Vote
The first enquiry which l would suggest is as to
the competency OF our Committee to alter or modi-
ts the electoral ticket adopted by Convention of
the delegates of the people at Chariot tesyilIe -
About this have grave doubts.
The next enquiry is as to the expedency of per-
hitting the electoral vote of tie State to be divi
deG The proposition for common electoral tick
ct is based, | presume, upon the idea that we are
all Democrats, and tnat there is no vital difference
in principle between US. Concedng this to be so
FIR moment let ne ask, is 1t not the established
principle and usage Of organization that the
ma oriJy shall goyern2
But next, is there no vital difference between u:
and Judge Douglas which should prevent our aid
ing i'll giving him any portion Of the electoral vote
OF the State? | cannot elaborate. But upon the
fundamental doctrine of State Rights he denies .hi
Il1Ht oi pcdCedOiS SeCeEslOn, anu advocates COer
cion, should it be exercised DO we? Upon ths
question OF the right OF the States in the Terrific
ries he maintains the doctrine of Squatter or Popu
! lar Sovereignty. DO We? Upon the Tariff ques
ton he thinks the mineral resources Of Pennsyv ii
MIA ''require the fostering hand of Government
OF course he means to greater extent than at pre-
seut. DO we! Upon the question OF the DISPOSE
ton OF be public lands he lavors the homestead
policy. DO we? Upon the question of Interna
| improvements he fayors the Pacific Railroad. Ok
we? In fine, is there any living question Of pub
lie policy con sttutioaal right, except the acqui
| sition Of Cu5a, which he squares with ideas
| | know of none. Do his supporters coincide witt
him in opinion II so, do we and they any longe
constitute party? II they do not coincide witt
HIM, why can they not, and why do they not, unite
with MS at the very least give their assent to a
unit vote upon the majority principle?
| assure you, my dear sir that ii would give mt
unspeaaable pleasure to soc the honest masses O
| Judge Douglass supporters III this State ones
move united with US in u common faith, and light
ing under banner; and if the Committee shall
be of opinion tiiAt arrangement can be made
without too great sacrifice. BY which they may be
brought to co operate with US, shall be happy to
hear OF the result 1t is because sincerely desire
| co cooperation upon honorable terms, that | have
given the subject little thought, but | frankly
admit that the obstacles IL the way seem to o.
a very grave and momentous character.
| o! course do not wish my vote to be counted
upon any proposition that may be brou sht before
| you; ii it allowable, | should be unwiil-
ing dat nay voice should be taken TO decide any.
thing. without having the privilege my sell OF haar
ing the subject fully discussed. lettering my re-
gretS at not being able to take counsel with you,
| an, Very cordially, yours,
JAMES II. SKINNER.