Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-07-13
Mayor Woods Letter.

Fernando Wood, Mayor of New York
City, has written letter which breathes the
true spirit of the patriot. While we do not
believe his plan will be adopted in the South.
still we cannot withhold an expression Of our
admiration for the spirit of sacrifice and de-
votion to the interests of the Democratic par
ty and the country which evidently prompt
ed it. After abiding in courteous and un-
offending terms to the refusal of his delega-
ton to seats in the Convention at Charles.
ton, and tracing the disasters which subse-
quently resulted to the party primarily to that
cause, he says:
Now how shall we prevent such calamity? In
my opinion there is but way, assuming that
both of the gentlemen now in the field will continue
as candidates, and that is, that in the doubtful
States the Democracy shall be united, that a
Democratic electoral ticket shall be elected in them
if possible. 1t is generally conceded that New
York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Jersey
can be carried for us if we are united. In these
States, therefore, union should be effected at all
events. 1t appears to me that the Democratic op-
ponents of Mr.. Douglas have deep an interest in
keeping these States out OF the hands OF the Re-
that gentleman as the only way to prevent the e.
lection OF Lincoln by the Electoral Colleges. Bet
ter that the frrnds of Breckenridge all support Mr..
Douglas in these States and give them to him, than
that by running Breckenridge electoral ticket
they shall be given to Lincoln.
Mr.. Breckenridge cannot get votes enough In the
South to prevent the election of Lincoln; nor can
he get any electoral votes out of the South If Mr..
D. is RIM against him, as it is very evident his
friends intend. Nor can either Mr.. Douglas or Mr..
Breckenridge get votes enough to prevent the cleo
ton of Lincoln. As between Breckenridge and
Douglas, the former is much the stronger man IN
the South, while the latter is tt stronger in the
North. Why not, therefore, let each run slngly
where he has the most strength Let there be no
Douglas ticket run in the South, and no Breckln-
ridge ticket run in the North mus VIII we Sc
Colleges and if this majority cannot be concen-
trated upon either, it be upon some other per-
son.
Take the State Of New York as an example. MIR.
Douglas, beyond doubt, has very large prepon-
dera nee of the Democratic vote OF the State
With united party he can carry the State, where
as if Breckenridge ticket shall be run it will be
doubtful Why not let Douglas have the State
By so doing you keep it from Lincoln, recover it to
the Democracy, and prevent the success of the Re-
publican candidate for the Presidency.
After careful survey of the field, see no other
course to be pursued. 1t is the only way for to
remedy the mistakes Of the late Charleston Conven-
ton and to save tie country and the Democratic
party As repugnant as it may be to the feelings
of National Democrats to adopt such course and
to 60 into the support of candidate to whom they
have been hostile, yet patriotism, love of country
and dangers now threatening us should make us
forget the past in United effort to protect ourselves
for the futures With these views shall support
the Douglas interest in this State, and recommend
to my friends hearty corporation. II Mr.. Brock
inridge had the same strength in the State that
believe Mr.. Douglas has, would with far more a
lacrity and spirit give him the support now intend
to give Mr.. Douglas. We must keep New York
from adding its Important electoral vote to those
which Lincoln is of receiving, and there is
other way of doing it than to unite wi tn will up
on Mr.. Douglas.
Douglas and his principles are preferable to Lin
coin and his principles. The issue in this State at
the coming election will really be between Douglas
and Lincoln. Fhe running of other candidates,
whether it be Breckenridge, Bell, or Houston, is
for the benefit of the Republicans. Let all nation
al men, therefore, unite to prevent a calamity so
serious and widc-spreading in its effects: Let us
make it a common cause, and invite to our stand
and the followers of all other car didates Let us
treat them fairly and literally recognizing all an
ti-Repubicans as patriots and friends, ana as fell
low-soldiers in the great Of the Constitution,
the Union and the Government.
Very truly yours,
FERNANDO WOOD.
JoaN J. VAN ALLEN. Watkins, Schuyler County,