Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1863-04-17
H marks Of Iag. zsussels, Of va.


H marks OF lag. gsszssels, Of va,
INTHE HOUSE oR REPRESENTATIVES,
Upon his Notion to E.gccYat IErrgsnia fran
the Bill AutAoriaing Electors for Afcnl-
1ers It Congress % Be made BY General
Ticket.
l regret that some gentlemen have thought
proper to make invidious allasion to the
small number of votes from my district,
polled at our first election. to point their ar
currents in favor q applying the general
ticket system : TO Virginia If they would
infer from the small number Of votes, and
from the choice made of myself, that such
constituencies ought not to be intrusted with
the right of election, it does not become ne
to defend the choice which they have once
made. But must take some notice of the
allusion to my district.
1t must be known to tie House that even
before the war began, that the district was
occupied BY hostile troops From that day
until now not Confederate Soldier has ev-
er been within the district, or within hun
dred miles Of the place Of my residence, ex-
cept as prisoner in the hands of the enc
my. Even before our ordinance of seces-
sion was ratified, those of my constituents
who desire to join the army of the State,
were compelled to escape ty stratagem
through lines guarded by the enemy. So
brlet was the warning, so unexpected was
the invasion, and SO difficult was escape.
that only few were within our lines at the
time Of our first election. The number is
now much greater, although our Govern
ment has never been able to protect that
country. Or to keep open communication
with it, The few who were first driven from
their homes by the approach of the enemy,
were mainly representative men Intelli-
gent, influential and prominent supporters
Of the Southern cause, they were specially
obnoxious to the hatred Of the invaders and
traitors. AT the first approach ofinvasion,
they were compelled to choose between sub
mission and exile. Taey promptly gave up
their homes, property, and nearly all that
men hold dear, saving for themselves noth
ing but the precious liberty Of serving thei.
country during this terrible war.
OF the little band Of voters from my dis
trict whose meager number has been the
subject of such slighing allusop, the nun.
Der has already become less since our last
election Not all their naasles are now heard
at morning or evening, when the rolls Of
our renowned armies are called Some Of
them have made the last sacrifice a man can
make for bis country. They have fallen on
battle fields drenched with crimson showers
Of their own blood, and the blood of their
comrades and their enemies. They have
left noble memory as rich legacy to their
families and their country. OF the survi-
vors, many bear honorable sears, the best
testimonials Of their salaatry END patriot
ism, if not also Of their right 70 vote Cor
members of a House, whose chief duty IS
promote the efficiency and comfort ofthe ar
my Almost all have CALAMITY fought un-
der the flag of the Confederacy ia a score of
great and bloody battles besides many mi
nor combats Veterans and heroes Of a
war for liberty, | am lot ashamed to hold
my seat by the suffragrs of such men, wheth-
or their numbers be few or many Those
who, since the former election, have turned
their backs upon the double despotism which
Expresses our district, and have come
through hostile lines and over the noun
tains. of Western Virginia. to ill the ranks
which death had decimated are worthy to
stand beside the vetreans whom they have
joined-for they are equally intelligent, pa
trlotic and brave. Whoever shall be chosen
by such a constituency, if he is worthy to
represent them, will be the peer Of any
member Of this House ID all qualities that
adorn the character of patriot
[ desire that portion Of the representa-
ton in this House shall be elected by those
who appreciate the peculiar interest Of North
western Virginia, and whose devotion to
the entire State and to the whole Confeder-
acy has been 50 splenaidly illustrated, am
opposed to the general ticket system in Elr-
glnia, because the State has made ample
provision for all her elections, and because
that system is inconsistent with her ancient
-usages and settled policy, and with sound
political principles.