Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-10-15
from the Rockingham Registerl
This Congressional District.

MEssRs EDIroRs IL observe in the last number of
the Staunton Spectator the announcement of two
didates for Congress, viz Col John b. Baldwin and
Col Kenton Harper, both of Augusta county. 1t was
the wish, believe of the voters of the entire District
that the present able and representative
Judge BrockenbrOugh should continue TO represent
the District in position which he has filled with such
marked success and dignity; but he has, under
stand, peremptory declined the use OF his name In
that connections it is very apparent to the most su
perfca thinker that, as between the TWO Candidates
announced Col Harper should without hesitation, be
chosen. The objections to Col Baldwin numerous
and insuperable Whiie admiration for his pure pri
vate character and intellectual endOwmentS cannot be
withheld his political sentiments so Obnoxious
and if carried into effect wOuIc be so destructive
spirit the interest and the object of Confede
racy that no loyal citizen of the District cap tor
ment, think of supporting him. The war that Is now
ulsng the country and spreading dSmay through
the land the resistance of the people encrOacn
ment upon their rights by Federal Power State
Rights against Federal usurpation and tyranny-the
political doctrine OF Jefferson against that OF Alex
ander Hamilton. Col. b. is dangerous man. because
nls sympathies with the Hamil,Onan school OF
politicians. He does not believe the principles OF
COVE eminent which lie at the foundation of the South
ern Confedery and for which our brave armies are
now breastng the storm of death that sweeps over
the battle field Bold, talented and brave ne would
crng to the support of his dangerous political sentl-
ments, if In Congress were assigned him, an ar
ray of influences that might well make the sternest OF
us shudder for the successful initiation of new
government. Its fresh in the minds of the people how
brought the powerful energies of his great intel
ec to bear against the progress OF the South In the
State Convention; how he dared and defed puollc
sentiment and the rights of the South by his Outra
geous to retain in his seat the infamous Carile,
while that mlscreant plotting treason to deyastate
and Hood with ruin, disgrace and blood the old Com
monweath-to fasten upon US the yoke of Northern
oppression and vassalage. 1t is scarcely necessary
however, to more than direct attention to the political
record of Col Baldwin, for the people to recall his
many acts OF hostility to the true interests of the gov
ernment of which Virginia IS now part We are
satisfied that the loyal voters of this District will new
endorse that record by eleyatng him to position
where he could exert such direfu influence against
the prosperity of the Confederate States of America
The modesty of Col. Baldwins card is in striking
with the political experience of that gentle
One would suppose that he is neither an OBI 6ce
seeking nor otfice-hoding individual. But when
the public is informed that he enjoys the honors
and emoluments of four offices and is asking the peo
pie for another it will have tendency rather to con-
vince them than otherwise that he is not the man to
decline position. He is a member of the State
Convention, Colonel of Volunteers, visitor to the
University of Virginia, State proxy in the Central
Railroad, and is asking the people to elect him to
Congress. Had it been allowable he doubtless would
have retained his easy birth of Inspector General.
1t is not the purpose of the writer to draw any ex
tended labored contrast between COIs Baldwin and
Harper. Suffice it, that the politica. views OF Col
Harper in exact harmony with the interests, the
honor and the growth of the Confederate States. He
is gentleman of fine intelligence, spotless private
chararter chivalrous and braveone whose heart and
soul ana estate are In tne Struggle tnat is now Debg
waged to the Independence OF the South. Con-
rast the cards of the two candidates. and the reader
can well determine which of them is the to re
present this District in the Congress of the Confede
rate States. No treads the earth who has nOber
impulses exalted ideas of public virtue and
honor than Kenton Harper. lie is the man for the
times and his election would secure for the District
able faithful and influential member of Congress.
1t is vital question for the people to decide and
is to be hoped they will make the selection with refer
ference to the best interests of the which
is now about to be definitely inaugurated.
Oct 15-1t. VERITAs.