Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-01-19
The Proper Spirit.

We heartily approve the tone, temper and
spirit of the articles of the Alexandria Gazette
in reference to the new movement" as it is
now generally called. We published one of its
articles in our last issue, and now publish an
other which appeared in that journal of the
18th. 1t is as follows:
We are sorry to see the subject Of the recent
Conference at Richmond made matter for rath-
er, in some instances, acrimonious discussion, in
some quarters of our State; for strife can do
now no good and may do much harm. AS we
have repeatedly said, for ourselves, much as we
regret the course of the gentlemen who COM
posed that Conference, and however unfortu
nate and wrong we think the movement has
been, we are perfectly wiling to hear them,
and to pause awhile for the result of their pro-
ceedings. A difference of opinion will not pre-
vent us from doing them justice-or induce us
to do tham injustice Indeed, we have never
believed that their mission to Washington
would amount to much, one way or the other
certainly nothing likely to result to the bene:
fit of our citizens We may be mistaken-but
this is our opinion. When we know exactly
what they have said and what they have pro
posed, and what they have endeavored to eff.
fect we will all be better prepared to measure
censure, if any has been incurred, or bestow
praise if any has been deserved. This much in
hope of pouring oil upon the troubled waters.
And now again, with all the lights before
us, with all the reeolisetions of the past, and
as far as we can Judge of all the prospects
of the future, we hold on to the recorded and
oft repeated declarations of our people not
made to suit a political purpose dependent
upon any party results of Presidential or any
other election-and to principles and organiza-
ton of the Conservative party of Virginia
We believe those principles to be true, oonsti-
tutional, and in strict accordance with our du-
ties, under the circumstances in which we are
placed, and entirely consonant with our obGga-
tons as citizens of the United States, acknowl-
edging legal authority Of the government and
the laws. If universe, suffrage as it is call
ed, is upon us, or is to be forced upon US, we
must submit. But we never want to have it
proposed, bargained for, negotiated about, in
vited, or committees sent to Washington to eff
feet it in Virginia upon terms or otherwise.
In the meantime, let our people keep cool, and
keep united Let us obey the laws-vote
upon principle, upon such measures as those
having the power may allow US to vote upon
and as we think best conducive towards the
honor and integrity OF our State. This will, at
least, command the respect of the best of
those who are driving measures upon US, and,
however much we may suffer temporarily, will,
in the end, be best for our true and lasting in
terests If We are to have before us, first of
all, the Underwood Constitution, let us all
stand together to defeat that. If We succeed,
and other things are submitted to our choice,
let us meet them also, in accordance with our
cherished principles-and trust to an overrul-
ing Providence to support and sustain us, or to
enable US to endure what we may be called on
to bear