Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-09-30
The Candidates for the Convention.


The object of this paper is to suggest some
of those qualifications which blended in one
man single him out as proper person to rep
resent US in the coming Convention.
Upon the threshold Of the inquiry we should
understand thoroughly the results this conven-
ton is expected to attain-as the mechanic as
certains the service his work is to perform be-
fore he enters upon its construction, knowing
which be may intelligently select his material
This Convention then, welding the sovereign
ty of tie State, must declare the fundamental
and permanent law of the land, upon which our
social fabric must rest and to which all phases
Of public sentiment must assimilate. The acts
of each Legislature are subject to review by
that which follows, but this convention deter
mines what shall be the supreme law not to be
altered except by another body, direct from
the people, robed with equal authority
Hence its importance.
Whether it shall follow the tendency Of the
age and continue to import the political wis
dom Of New England, or whether its counsels
shall be guided, directed aud shaped by those
great principles of government our fathers in
herited and transmitted to us and which for a
hundred years have individualized the politi-
cal thought of Virginia. the selection of dele
gates will decide.
He who thinks it an easy task to model q
constitution adapted to the circumstances and
necessities of the State, has, indeed, limited
share Of information. If those giant intellects
Of the past, unaided by precedent or experience,
reasonieg upon the great original truths Of
civil liberty first gave to republics written
fundamental law deserve the homage of this
generation, what need Of praise shall we &C
cord the intellect that can now eliminate what
ever is good and valuable from the vast num-
Der of constitutions born during these latter
years of rival factions and partisan strifc--the
crude expedients Of the hour devised to secure
the spells Of party triumph?
This convention must be 10 meeting Of po-
litcal leaders seeking to harmouize conflicting
views and interests seeking to agree upon a
party creed and partition out among adherents
the various Offices of emolument and trust, but
rather let it be convocation Of the best talent
in the State intent upon a single purpoSe-the
welfare Of the commonwealth; intent only up
on the improvement Of the inheritance they
will enjoy the balance Of their lives and dying
leave to their children.
Our laws must be thoroughly purged Of and
protected from everything in any manner par
taking of prescription. Some system Of free
schools, suited to the characteristics Of the
State, must be devised. Legislation must be
directed to the development of our resources
and this subject alone demands the highest or
der Of craftsmanship, the most profound Sagaci-
~ ripened and matured by education, expe-
rence and observation.
Here, being as it is our inquiry must pause
and this unsatisfactory sketch suffice for the
purpose we have in hand, we pass now to the
enumeration of the qualifications our delegates
should possess;
/. Honesty, in the largest, broadcast signif-
cation Of the word.
2. Thorough identity with West Virginia.
3. A knowledge Of tho wants Of the State.
4. Familiarity with legislative bodies.
5. Acquaintance with what the law has
been, is now, and should be.
6. The habit of that intellectual labor
brain work-inCident to legislation.
7. A willingness and ability to work.
s. Education; extended aud liberal views
o calm meditative practical mind.
0. The faculty of inspiring confidence and
welding personal influence commensurate
with the relative importance of this county.
10. He should be man warped by no party
affiliations and controlled by no aspirations OF
! future political preferment. SELMA"
Why suffer from debility, nervousness, and loss
Of appetite when you have sure corrective agent