Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-29
To the People of Augusta County.

Fellow CITIZENS Il am candidate to represent
you, in part in the Convention which the Legislature
has called to meet in Richmond on the 18th of Febru
airy next.
If had consulted my own desires would not now
be soliciting your surages for office of such great
responsibilities. But having received calls through
the indicator well solicitations through other
sources, from gentlemen without distinction of party,
residing in different portions of the county, have
consented to become candidate.
am not aware of the that have effected this
spontaneous manifestation of confidence in my quail
fcatons to represent the people of Augusta in Con-
vention, on an occasion fraught with such moment
responsibilities unlessi be in consequence of my
known conservative views and sentiments If am
correct in this then the people have not been msta
ken, for love this UniOn-fOr its past glOres, its
present blessings, and the grand and magnificent flu
ture that opens up before not star is obtera
ted or stripe erased from our national ensign.
l therefore say that if the Convention acts wisely
and deliberately the Union now threatened with des
truction, can and will be yet saved. in favor of
plish this object, and preserve the Constitution under
which we have lived and prospered for more than
three-quarters of century. The Convention, in my
judgment, should not be hasty in declaring the State
out of the Union. believe will cost far less to
secure all our rights in the Union than out of it.
Civil war is resort from which every instinct of
nature shrinks if it can be honorably avoided.
Brother should not raise his hand against brother
nor should there be shedding of blood.
AS basis of the settlement Of the difficulties which
have so sorely agltated the country, would be will
ling TO accept the amendments TO
the Constitution, to which would ask the South to
give her concurrence and if adopted by Them would
then appeal to the North to unite with in thus adj
justing the of difference and conflict But, if
the people of the North. after fair and reasonable
time refused to adopt these terms, would then say
to them, as cannot agreed et part in peace. We
will assume to pay our part of the public debt and
require equitable share of the public property If
You will not agree to this and attempt to interfere
with institutions and rights you do at your
peril.
| am opposed to the coercion, on the part of the
Federal Government, of seeding State This I'm
ion can never be maintained by physical force. Such
policy could only lead to civil war; destruction and
death.
But owcitizens, l deem it unnecessary to elab
rate mys views of the various questions involved in
ne present crisis. The general temper and tendency
OF my convictions are here merely indicated,
Ing fuller expression of my opinions when 1 meet
the people face to face, which l to do on ev-
cry available occasion between this time and the
day of election.
If elected, pledge whatever of ability possess to
be devoted to the preservation of just Union and the
maintenance without spot or blemsh, of the honor
OF Virginia. GEORGE BAYLOR.
Jan. 80, 1881.