Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-08-24
HARRIsoNBURG, VA. AUG. o 1876.

II any lufIiief PROOF were necessary, 1t found
in the letter of Rev. Z. P Phelps, which is fol-
lows
My name was placed, very unexpectedly to me-
upon the Republican ticket, making me appear
as candidate for Congress for the Sixth District
l authorized the withdrawal of my name from the
ticket but gave no authority to witnd raw it in
favor of Hon. John. T. Harris
STANTON, Aug. 9Th EP. Phelps,
See what DR.. Freeman, the acknowledge d lead
er Of the Republican party in Rockbrdge. saws.
JUDGE HARR1s:-Great injustice was done
you here on the day of election by the circulation
OF false reports. SO far rs Rockbridge was con-
cerned, the facts were these: The Republicans
would not have voted between Won and Mines in
this county, but for the fact that the politicians of
the Conservative party would not let your name
go on their ticket. This fact alone made most of
the Republicans vote tor you. If your name had
peen adopted as the Conservative candidate, we
would doubtless haye voted for Mines am alone
responsible for the tickets printed as to Congress-
and the substitution of the name of Judge Harris
for that Of DR.. Phelps upon such as were voted
tor you. We voted for you on your public record,
knowing you were for the Walker ticket without
any pledge direct or indirect to the contrary. We
had no candidate of our own and had to vote be-
tween you and Mines, and these reasons alone
decided our actions here. JNo. Fl. FREEMAN"
In Rockingham, where l reside Wells receiv-
ed 1913 votes and 403 were cast for Rev. Pbelps
In Warren, Wells 1874; Phelps 1874 Frederick,
Wells 874; Phelps 1863; Harris 6 Clarkee Wells
45o; Harris! Phelps, vote if any, / have not
n
ties, casting 1898 votes, / only received g. or as
one reportsa II votes, whilst Wells received in
the same counties 1877 votes This conclusively
disposes ofathe charge that | was sin collision
with the Radicals of Winchester
1t seems needless to add other proof to promo
sltlon already so clear. But will give the gene
raj result thus: Walkers vote in the District is
|! ,OOz-my opponents II, 045-mine and his COM
blned is L, 1913. Thus showing that our combin-
ed vote but little exceeds Walkers
In nine counties out of twelve the figures chow
L received but small Republican vote In some
counties perhaps not one And here at nv own
precinct they threw away the vote all day for Dr.
Phelps, who was not a candidates. while the Con-
servatves were excited and exas perated because
Harris had joined the Radicals, and were put
tldg their ballots in the same box for my oppo-
nenf. But then Harris name WAS on the stRadi-
cal ticket at some places! In regard to that I
nave only to say that my position was precisely
IKE every other candidate from Walker down
(and SO announced myself that my views ben g
known, l wanted all the legal votes / could get
knew some Republicans would vote for me, and
l knew under the new law, they could only vote
tor me by putting my name ON the ticket or bal
lot. | knew equally as well that would not be
voted Tor by them as party, and that large
majority would vote against me- and the record
now shows that to be correct.
The only ground on which q respectable oppo-
sltlon to me could be organized was this I was
ineligible, and Radical would run and claim
the seat on minority vote AL other arguments
t''o pPootttoH JQItef UellCe opposed 10 me
were determined to have Radical candidate
with view ofproducing the necessity of electing
| one who could take the aron-clad
When learned Rev. Mr.. Phelps aoas not q
cana2aate. it became my interest and duty to let
the people know that fact. and / sent notices of
1t 70 many OF the most prominent Conservatives
IN the District, so that the people could be left
free to choose between my opponent and myself
unlnfluenced by the terror ola Radical candi-
date This was terrible in me to make known a
fact, but all right in my opponents to announce
Jenkins, Maupin, anybody they chose as candi-
dates, when such was not the fact.
Ifany were honestly laboring under the i'm
preston that the charge was true, | think [ have
convinced them that the same was without foun-
datlon, except in the motive to crafty bad pas
slons and to promote ultimately the political am
bition of others
Thanking you personally, sir, and feeling deep
y grateful to my many friends throughout the
District, who stood unnoved amid the storm
am truly yours, JOHN 7. HARRIS.