Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-05-07
The Conservative Convention.

The Conservative Convention, "so-call-
ed" met in Richmond on Wednesday of
last week. There were a large number Of
counties represented and a number without
representation.
r. 7. Daniel was chosen President, Jno.
Il. Edmunds. Geo. P. Taylor, Jas. Bar bour,
Wee Presidents. and J. r. Fisher, W. D.
Coleman. a.. R. Ellyson, Jno. G. Shields,
| Secretaries.
Col. Withers addressed the convention as
follows, rendering his resignation as a can
didate for the office of Governor:
Mr.. Mairman-Less than twelve months
since l was elected as the standard bearer of
the Conservative party of Virginia. I ac-
cepted the position, and discharged the du-
ties thereby imposed upon me to the best of
my humble ability. The circumstances,
however, which then surrounded us have
been materially modified. No one can deny
that we occupy to day a position entirely
different, and one which, in the opinion Of
some, at least, in this body, demand a
change of policy. Great contrariety Of opin-
ion is alleged to exist, and views, to some
extent discordant, prevail amongst the mem
bers of this body. In order, therefore, that
the consideration of the various important
questions which may come before your body,
may be disembarrassed by any considerations
of a personal character, growing out of the
position which l occupy as your candidate
for the Office of Governor Of Virginia, I
hereby tender my resignation for your ac-
ceptance. And l sincerely hope that the
friends by whom l am surrounded (for I am
proud to reckon as a friend every gentleman
in this assembly, will come up to the consid-
Grafton Of all the questions which may pre-
sent themselves in q spirit of harmony and
Cancellation, determined to labor and strue-
gle to avert from Virginia all the horrors
embodied in the adoption Of the Underwood
constitution, and the election of Wells as its
Governor.
Letters from Gen. Jas. Walker and Jno.
L. Marye were also read rendering their
designations.
On motion Of Fayette McMullin, ESQ.,,
the following Committee on Business, was
appointed Richmond, Robert Guild Staun-
ton, j. B. Baldwin ; Norfolk, John Goode,
Jr., Alexandra, Hugh Latham Washing
ton. Jas. Campbell King George, j. 6.
Mason; Roanoke, William Watts Neck
lenburg, w. D. Haskins Danvillc, W. 7.
Sutherlin Halifax, John R. Edmunds
Wythe, Alexander Moseley; Hanover, L.
b. Anderson; Washington, +. McMullin.
In the evening session the Committee on
Business made a majority and minority re-
port, as follows
MAJORITY REPORT.
Whereas the people Of Virginia, by their
delegates duly chosen, met in Convention
in this city in the month of December, 1867,
~andsappointed an Executive Committee to
organize the counties and cities of the State
with q view to consolidate the strength of
the Conservative party and whereas the
State Executive Committee and the city and
county superintendent did, in the month of
May. 1868, meet in this city and nominate
a State ticket for the suffrages of the people ;
and whereas said Executive Committee and
superintendent have again assembled to
consider the presents state of affairs, and each
candidate, with patriotic desires to promote
the prosperity and welfare of the State, has
resigned his candidacy Now therefore, be
it.
"Resolred, 1. That this meeting accepts
the said designations of said candidates. anc
hereby expresses its high appreciation O
the devotion to the best interests of the State
and Of their zeal and ability in the discharge
Of those duties which their candidacy impos
ed on them.
"2. That Notwithstanding these accepted
designations of our nominees, the Conserva
tive voters of the State are urged to organ
ize for the purpose of defeating such obnox
ious provisions of the constitution framed b,
the late Convention in Richmond as NAV b.
separately submitted ; and to that end, a
we'll as to secure the election of proper per
sons to the Legislature, the organization al
ready in existence are exhorted to in
creased activity and in those %localitie
where no organizations have been formed
the people are earnestly requested to NEE
together and adopt measures for the pur
pose Of preventing the incorporation o
such iniquities in the organic laws of tn
State.
"3. That this Convention, while express
ing its hostility to the leading and genera
features of the said constitution, and Will
urging the necessity Of organization for tn
purpose of defeating such provisions as MAJ
be submitted separately, declines to max
any recommendations to the C~onservativ,
voters of the State as to their suffhrages upol
the constitution expurgated of said provis
ions, or as to tho candidates that may b.
before the people, feeling well assured tina
their own good sense and patriotism will LEAF
them to such results as will best subserv,
the true and substantial interests of til,
Commonwealth.
Signed, ROBERT OuLD,
I J0uN B. BALDWIN,