Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1870-08-09
AUNTON SPECTATOR AND GENERAL ADVERTISER

again into Union (involving the attempted ex-
action OF the test-oath from the Legislature, In
resisting the re- assertion of military authority
In the organization of government under the
enabling actin pruden and ssgacious recon-
mendations to the Legislature, and sound views
OF State policy In the just aud constitutional
construction of the novel power Of the veto the
humane yet firm aud considerate exercise Of the
power OF pardon, as ID the general administra-
ton OF bis Office, the Executive has fully met
the expectations and redeemed the conf
dence OF those who placed him in power. In
the composition of the Legislature, the prevail
ing political disquahications so narrowed sthe
sphere OF selection, that there was necessarily
many members who were young or untried in
the forms and functions Of legislation. But
they quickly mastered the difficulties of their
situation. Zeal, energy, and conscientiousness
marked their deliberations in which some; be-
fore unknown In public life, shone with ability
such as promises high distinction and usefulness
in the future councils of the State To say that
IN dealing with subjects so deeply involving con-
hicting interests and passions, they have done
everything that is pleasing, and nothing, that
dissatishes, is simply to affirm and impossibility
what never occurred in the proceedings of any
such council in the world. But let all that has
been done, and the difficulties of doing it, be fair
ly and candidly estimated, and then let those who
know they could have done better cast the stone
ofcensure. Upon the Legislature of 1852 was de-
volved the legislation made necessary by the a.
doption Of new Constitution for the State. 1t
sat from the 18th Of January to the 7th of June
following and then took a recess to the 22d Of
November following When it reassembled il
was congratulated by the Executive upon re-
turning to Its labors refreshed by few months
OF recreation, and after a full aud fair inter-
change Of opinion With Its consituents,' it sat
thenceforward until the l1th of April following,
being about six months for its first session and
five months for its second. The present Legls
lature, under circumstances Tar more difficult,
began its working session on the 7th OF Febru-
airy, and took its recess ON the 18th of July. vi
these five months several weeks were necessari-
ly consumed 10 the elections OF judges In the
short remaining time, there was crowded an
amount of important legislation which Justly
wins for it the merits Of being working body.
Charged with the duty OF promoting the eff
| hclency of our organization, We warn you earn
estly that what we have achieved by such ardu-
Gus labor must be maintained by equally endur-
ing and persistent effort; and the common but
| fatal delusion must be avoided of undertaking
| the vigor and resources of beaten adversary;
| for the Radical party was beaten, not conquer
ed, last year. We have ''scotched the snake,
| not killed it, Figures show lin round num-
bers) that of the l01 900 votes cast for Wells
for Governor, 81. 600 were coiored votes, solidy
cast, leaving about 5, 600 whites as the 'Repub-
lican party" so called for the poor negroes
were the Unpaid capital with which they
boosted they would begin the canvass, and with
which they hoped to disfranchise aud despoil
| the white population OF the State. And the
calculation is still the same. TIE scheme will
be quietly pursued IN every equity, town, and
fouyv 70 r II -
compact mass in the electic,is But inroads up
| on the Conservative majority of Is, 900 are ex-
| pected to be made in several ways: interested
conversions will be counted on; fallings off from
| the relaxation of effort following on success :;
| the revival of distinctive party names and party
prejudices and most potent influence of all DIS
fractions and riual,ses arising from competitions
| for office! These last have ever been the bane
of successful parties. Last year principle unit
ed, and no selfish interests divided the Con-
servatives. Now, numerous Offices are to be be-
slowed, and doubtless the competition for them
among an impoverished people will be excited
and keen. The conference recommends that
suitable nominations be made for all these Off
| ces-county clerks, attorneys, sherifs, treasur-
ers, tax-colleotors, superintendent of the poor.
| These are most Important Offices and to fill
them properly is Of the highest public and pri-
vate concern. There are other offices of higher
authority and more imposing names, but these
come closer to men business and boeoms, and
affect more PEI the hapiiasss and comfort, Of
| individual life i fhese presentations be made,
in all cases b4 organized, accredited action
of the party IL eh locality and when made,
let them receive the unreseryed and active sup
port OF all. In no case should more than one
Conservative candidate for an off sc be allowed.
BY the opposite course, divisions will lead to
i defeat, Or by making the adversary the arbitor
of cur dissensions, will lead to the obIiteration
of party lines and the ultimate destruction of
Conservatism itself. How hu.nbiing the spec
tacle OF people, fresh from successful defence
of their affairs and fresdes, who should spend
IN lgnoble contests among themselves the energy
necessary for the defeat Of he com mon enemy
| 1t is further recommended by the conference
that suitable nominations be made for repre-.
sentatives of the State in Congress These can
not be made, with accurate reference to terri
tory, until, by redlsiricting the Stale, the gross
| Inequalities OF the present arrangement snail
be refir ssed. But attention will naturally be
directed to such men as viii Wort hiIy represent
the State. Virginia owed her former weight
10 the councils OF the country To the dsinterest
ed patriotism and exalted character, no less
than the political ability, which distinguished
her representatives. By no other means, can
any share of that influence be rrgaiued With
be asked to the relief OF the South by more
Just and equitable distribution of he national
currency; the relief OF the great staple, tobacco,
| ir0m ruinous SPECIFIC taxan IN and those CALLING
| and oppressive restrictions which depress and
deter the fair dealer, while they tempt the I'M
far to fraudulent evasion !; money appropria-
lions tor the internal improvements of the State,
bringing them In connection with the great
trans-continental lines OF Communication, and
an equal share In all the benefits Of general leg
lslatlon for the Union.
Thus have we discharged the representative
duty of recommending Tor Virginia a State
policy free from outside influence or interyen-
| ton, the prime condition of which is the con-
serudtton OF the power of the State in conserya-
tive hands, and between which and social an
archy and misrue We discern no alternative; a
policy OF peace, restoration, aud development
OF the internal resources of the State, as the
best security for her present we'll beng and fu-
ture weight and influence !; a policy in which the
States Of the South have been instructed by
common interests suffering, and danger; which,
at a. Juncture ominous Of political change,
guards and provides for the present. but re-
serves the power OF decision In he futur. forma-
ton and movements OF national parties
r. T. DANIEL,
,s-a THos BRANCH,
| 1.h . -~e -5 JAMES NELSON, 1p
"9@ ALBERT OKDWAY,
| ii II. MARSHALL,
81 NJ. l.. STRAUs, -el 9t,-
| I'1 An 5il PIT MOORE, ~" "is"
hii" H al h31as'2 JAMES r. FISHER, e.
aHi9- @ H9l A NJ KELLEY, S15'
WILLIAM H. PALMER,
! ssA3 - 'hzA T. W. McCANcE,
! ~ A Committee.
| RICHMOND, August 4, 1870. 'faa y