The Abingdon Virginian. [volume] (Abingdon [Va.]) 1849-1883, 1863-01-02
The SenatOrship.

A few weeks ago, we gave our views in re-
| ference to what sort of man and who we
would like to see elected as the successor of
! the Hon. W. B. Preston, whose lamented de-
mise has madera vacancy in the Confederate
States Senate. We are glad to see that the
Richmond Enquirer entertains similar views.
We are the more gratifed at this, as we re-
gard the Enquirer not only as one of the
abiest, but as one of the most manly journals
IN the Confederacy, We would give. the
While article if we could, but cannot
forego the pleasure of giving the following
extracts:
When the secession of Virginia had dis
rupted her relations to the United States, it
becane necessary to elect two Senators to re-
present the State in the Confederate Senate:
by means of just and proper understanding
between the Democrats and the Wings, it was
determined that past party division should be
forgotten, and that the new era of the State
should begin under the auspices of both the
old parties.
To accomplish this object the two Senators
We're elected not as Democrat and Wing, but
as Virginia Statesmen. They were selected
from the two old parties, to evidence the bu-
rial OF party feeling, and as an earnest of that
union and harmony that was to exist through
out the State. Mr.. Hunter and Mr.. Preston,
became the representatives not only of the
State of Virginia in the Senate, but also of
the united hopes, feelings and interests Of the
people Of Virginia. Death has struck down
one of these representatives, and we regret to
see spirit Of party reviving among some
Democrats to rob their Wing brethren of Vir-
ginia of their portion of SO Just and honora-
bic compromise. We regret this the more
as the Democrats spoken of for the recent
Senatorsiip are not the intellectual superiors,
IT te equals, in craftsmanship of those Wings
recommended for the vacancy.
The Enquirer adds:
We desire to see the original plan of a
Wing and Democrat in the Senate continu-
ed IN the approaching election. We approx
eel the original plan, and we have seen no
thing in the service of the lamented Preston
10 alter that compromise. We desire further
to see that compromise carried out in good t
falih-that is to say, the choice Of the Wings |
should be elected by the Legislature; not for |
the Democrats to elect the Wing, but the
W higs toseiect their own candidate. and the
Legislature to elect him.
Fortunately for Virginia the original plan
IT Wing and a Democrat does not find the
Wings OF Virginia destitute of men of great
talents and craftsmanship. As long as Rives,
and Alien. and Conrad, and Boteler, and Sta
pies, and Preston, and Price, and Baldwin,
md Flournoy, @and many others, represent
The patrl"t's'n and ability of that party, Vir-
gina has nothing to fear from selections
among such men,
Upon the geographical question, the En-
luirer So Us:
Whether the ancient division Of East and
y est Virginia is to be continued by selecting
he next Senator from Western Virginia. will
'e for the Legislature to determine. For our
elves, we have long desired to see this un-
necessary and often unfortunate barrier re-
moved. and all Virginia, from the Atlantic to
he Ohio, known only as the Old Dominion.
In conclusion the Enquirersags:
We care not where the Wing NAV reside
vho IS to fill the vacancy, let him only be
'e lea and soul with the cause, and of talents
nd capacity equal to the position.
,-ag2Et3