Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1861-02-15
Union or Dfsunfesa.

We have received letters from various
gentlemen during the past two weeks maxi
ing the inquiry whether or not we are a
disunionist? We know not how suel. an
impression could have gotten out, unless
some craven scamp, who having personal
spite TO crafty. or attain some end in which
BIC was interested, could have circulated the
report in the hope of injuring our business.
1t matters not how or where it originated,
we take this method, in response to our
correspondents. to pronounce the charge a
wlful, deliberate and unnitig ated falsc-
hood
We think the history of the Vindicator
since it has been in the hands Of its present
editor, should efectually vindieate him
from the faintest insinuation that he enter
tanned disunion sentiments.
Having been honored with seat in the
Charleeten Convention, it is therefore q
matter of history that the two delegates,
Or. Moffett and himself, and one alternate,
Capt. Hartman, from this District, fought
against an odds of twenty eight in the Vir-
ginia delegation for over two weeks. and
continued the contest 10 the Baltimore Con
vcntiou for one week longer, to check and
defeat the schemes of w. L. Yancey. We
believe it is now universally conceded tina,
had it not been for the resolute and un.
changable frmness of this District in iii
adherence to the interest of the National
Democracy, as represented by Stephen A.
Douglas there would have been an organi.
cation in scarcely Southern State. The
historical name of the "Old Tenth Legion
of Democracy" seemed the rallying point
for the conservatives of the South, as it GER
tainly was the nucleus whence cmanated
the Douglas influence in Virginia. We ap-
peal to the record of our efforts in that mem
urable canvass as an attestation Of our deer
devotion to the Union of these States; and
to the proud position of our gallant leader
US full refutation Of the unjust and mali
cious charge. There he stands 10 the SEN
ate of the United States, as the intellectual
Colossus of the nation! When the pigmies
aud lilliputs Of party and spite, who cried
treason against him, are trembling and
auaking in their boots. knowing not what
to do, or whittier to run, to hide them from
the very storm their wickedness has crea-
ted, there he stands, as we predicted he
would stand, when the hordes of abolition
ism came rushing down upon US. with the
sword of the Constitution and the helmet Of
the rights of the States, saying. thus far
shalt thou come and no farther. He is up
holding, amid the broken arches and crunb-
ling pillars Of the government, the rights
of those who maligned and traduced him,
and buryipg all party prejudice and per-
sonal resentment. looking alone to the pres
ervation of that Constitution whose defence
and maintenance have ever been his proud.
est boast. Does this justify the charge Of
disunion against us? We opine not.
What does, then? Because we support
ed Hartman, Imboden aud Baylor in the
Convention contest? Surely there can be
no complaint on this score, although it was
falsely charged in the canvass that Mcssrs.
Imboden and Hartman were disunionists. =
The position of these gentlemen, as well as
that of the other candidates, were almost l.
dentically the same, and the speeches made
at the Court House on the Monday prcvi-
GUS to the day of election, were, SO far as
the policy of the Convention vas involved,
identical. There were differences of opin-
ion as to personal and minor matters which
could have no direct bearing upon the ac-
ton of either in the Convention. At Mt.
Sidney neither Messrs. Baldwin, Baylor or
Sheffey met any issue in the canvass. AT
Staunton they took precisely the same posi-
tions that Messrs. Hartman and Imboden
did at Mt. Sidney. We believe there is a
theoretical difference Of opinion in regard
to the question of coercion, but as its discus
sion was not deemed practical point, it
was seldom alluded to. Col. Baylor's po-
sition 10 his card is precisely our position
now. He says: "If elected, pledge what
ever ability possess to be devoted to the
preservation of just Union, and the main
tenance, without a spot or blemish, OF the
honor of Virginia." This We trust is Col.
Baldwins position. Knowing them both
to be men too proud to do dishonest act,
and too brave to submit to insult, and OF
intellect to comprehend their duty, we think
they will be true to their State and rights.
The fact is, there we're no issues discuss
ed in this canvass There were no posi-
tions taken except in general terms. So
that the charge of disunionism against ell
ther Of the candidates is simply the dream
ing of some disordered mind, with too little
sense to comprehend an intelligent idea
and set aAoat 10 an INSCRIPTIONS manner.
to affect the prejudices Of the people-to
prev upon that love of the Union which is a
proverbial trait in the history of the people
of our county.
1t is true, we differ with some of the
candidates in regard to governmental theo-
ries, which were not, however, hardly
touched. The result, whether We believed
in secession or revolution, will be the same
IL the question becomes practical. liza State