Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-03-23
To the Voters of VIRGINIA

Ihc Undersigned, an Executive Committee
OF the true Republican party of Virginia, beg
leave to present Tor your support the names of
Gilbert T. Walker OF Norfolk, for Governor !;
Governor; and james G. TAYLOR. Of Mont.
gomery, for Attorney General ali being renre
sentative men of the great National Republican
Party, endorsers of the reconstruction measures
of the Congress, of the United States, and In
thorough accord with the expressed wish of
their great and patriotic leader. President
Grant, for speedy and permanent peace.
i We need not stop here to give other reasons
for presenting this ticket to the people of all
classes of Virginia for their support than the
action of the late Petersburg Convention. the
scenes there witnessed, the decentralization man
ifested and its abortive production. Nor will
We now pass In review its nominations. The
people have seen and heard, and can decide the
case for themselves
For four long, dreary years Virginia has been
under the bans; some Of her citizens disfran-
chised for past offences some unable to comply
with the requirements of Congress, and all suf
feriDg from doubt and uncertainty because of
the want OF State Government. We believe.
with our noble President, that the time has ar
rived when this uncertainty and doubt should
be removed, when every citizen should have a
voice in the choice of his representatives and
to secure this desirable end we ask all classes to
join US in an appeal to Congress to remove
these disabilities and to allow the tax-pavine
resident to have an equal voice with new corners
in the selection OF our rulers. The material re-
sources of our State are languishing for want of
stable government, our internal improvements
cannot progress to completion so long as we oc
cupy our present anomalous position, capital
will not seek investment within our borders, and
labor and enterprise cannot flourish where doubt
and uncertainty prevail.
La the ticket presented to the people Of Vir
glnla all the clements of success are admirably
blended. Colonel Walker is a gentleman of
fine business attalnments, has large moneyed
interests in the State, thoroughly understands
her internal improvement policy, and is largely
interested in those works; has studied the com
manding natural advantages of Virginia, and is
"heart and soul. in the cause of developing and
utilizing all her splendid resources, and espe-
cially Of making her great seaport play the part
in the commerce of the world for which nature
designed it.
Colonel John E. Lewis is too wellknown as a
Virginia gentleman, one of the olden time, 4"
to require more than passing notice. A firm,
unhinching friend Of the Union, even in it's
darkest hours, and warm supporter of the
Reconstruction measures of Congress, he is no
less the friend of the people of his native State.
and would gladly set free their energies, and
bidding them lay hold of their natural adj
vantages, push Virginia forward in the great
race of material progress
Mr.. James G. Taylor is lawyer of distinc
ton In Montgomery county, where he has prac
ticed at the bar for twelve or fifteen years He
is native Of the Valley, was member of the
State Senate for one or two sessions, is warm
supporter of President Grant, advocates the
adoption Of the reconstruction policy as laid
down by Congress, and favors the removal of
political disabilities, as the surest and most
speedy way OF bringing about prosperity, peace
and good feeling among the people OF this once
grand and glorious Commonwealth.
And now, llow~citizens. our ticket is before
you-will you reject it? Nay, is there citizen
OF Virginia. whatever may be his condition in
life, who, If he loves Virginia and wishes to see
her moving forward to the front rank of the
sisterhood of States, will refuse its support? p
Come, then, we beg of you, from hill and from
valley-from howell and from palace-come to
the relief of Virginia in this her extremity, and
by supporting the trio Of patriots we have here
presented, prove that you are capable of rising
above self, and that your country is far more
dear to you than men Or factions. lllgG
Our platform, then. is: m 81
Peace and good will among men" 80
LIE prosperity ana happiness OF all the peO-
pie.
Unity Of purpose and combination Of strength
to build up cur State and develop her mex
haustibe resources o. H
Consolidation and concentration at eola.i
The removal of political disabilities Gps
The striking from the Constitution the test
oath and the county organization. sg
The unity of the States and the glory of the
Union. on - 81 suoIa as -.1-,a.' lasl-'
The equality of all men before the law, and
the eGRahproteetion Of all, Of whatever color or
previous condition in life rccl
True allegiance and loyalty to the Govern
ment. ~ asd! q. 5Y1Hs as q, t8ia 1se
We respectfully urge the friends of this
movement throughout the State to hold county
meetings, appoint committees and Immediately
place themselves in correspondence with this
committee G.. K. GILMER, Chairman
J.W. I4EWELLEN, Secretary 3,
. 60 F.