The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-08-31
AUGUSTA COUNTY CONVENTION. 4

A large and enthusiastic meeting Of the
Republicans of the city of Stauntona and
county Of Augusta was held in the Town
Hall, Staunton, Va, on the 2Sth inst.
On motion, Major John A. Hartman was
elected chairman and II. Risk secretary.
On motion, the following committee was
appointed on resolutions, viz: A. M.
Crane, ID. Fishburn, j. Myers, 0. Morris,
and j. Harrison.
On motion, committee of five was APP
pointed on county organization, consisting
of w. L. Herr, John Yates, III. Eakle, F.
Overton, and A. Shoveller. n 81.
The committee on resolutions reported
the following, which were read and adopted
unanimously: Nl-paa rTa3 eir3
l. ResoEoed, That it is with feelings of shame
that we have seen our State disgraced by the
weakness, imbecility, corruption, and partisan
hate of the last Democratic Legislature which,
instead of spending its time in the perfection OF
measures of amelioration Of the condition Of our
beloved Commonwealth, gave itself TO party
rings and foisted upon us Q bitter vindictive,
partisan Judiciary. Instead of relief from debt,
they have compounded the interest we are al
ready paying. Instead Of giving general
railroad law, opening the field for roads in all
places where they are needed, they spent their
time in incorporating nonopolies Instead of
preparing the way for immigration, so TINT yir-
ginia could get her share OF the immense tide of
nent from Europe, they frttered away their
time on few imperative interpretations.
2, Resolved, That We as Republicans, utterly
repudiate. as most oppressive and reprehensible
the action of the so-called Conservative General
Assembly of the State by which they contriye
/ to compound the interest on our State debt of
forty-five millions, all in the interest of bond
holders, and to the disadvantage of the tax-pay-
ers of the State, and we most earnestly call upon
future Legislators of all parties to not forget
their duties TO the people of the Stateas well as
those of it. In. ~. F..
5. Resolved, That it is with surprise and aston
ishment that we have seen the Judiciary of this
State depart from the honest, fair and time
honored customs of giving the minority at least
one judge of election at each voting place. but
all over the State arises the same cry that par
tsan, judiciary, appointed by secret, party eau
cusses, refuse Republicans q representative
among the judges of election at the polls, Such
a course is without a precedent, even in the days
not exception, as out Of the eighty four Judges
OF election in the county, appointed at the April
court, only one Is a pronounced and known Re-
publican. So long as such n course is pursued,
we must expect n recurrence of the disgracefui
scenes of the last congressional election, when
several ballot-boxes disappeared from the court
house, and tho returns of a large proportion of
the precincts were illegal and informal, ON ac-
count, it must be, either of the ignorance or de-
ieign OF these party Judges. o. - 20, lttae
ath. Resolped, That the administration of Pres
fdent Grant meets with the full approval of the
Republican party of Virginia. His financial pol
icy. by which the national debt rs steadily re-
government honest collection of the revenues,
fidelity to the principles of human right, by
which the liberty of all is toibe secured in every
part Of the land-his loyalty to the people in hav-
ing No policy TO en- force against their WILL and
the spotess integrity of his administration, merit
the continual confidence Of the American people,
and point to him as the honored leader of our
party now, andthe proper standard-bearer of the
Republican party in 1872.
Z g. Resolved, That we recognize it as duty of
the'Republican party to lcgisate for the protec-
ton of freedom of speech and freedom OF opin-
ion in the lowliest and poorest as well us the
proudest and wealthest, against mobs of dis
guised men, midnight assassins, or barbarous .
outlaws, who war only on the weak and defence
less andwe recognize as eminently wise the re-
cent legislation of Congress known as the Ku-
Kllx bill, election bill, and other acts whereby,
aided by the wise, prudent, and yet firm admin
istration of our President, great progress has
been made towards u practical realization of that
freedom of opinion and freedom of speech which i
is the cornerstone of American independence; /
and we hail with delight the prospect of q not
fardstant day when any man may entertain
and express his honest opinions without fear OF
persecution in any form
6. Resolped, That we recognize the inherent
value and power of the glorious principles OF
Republicansm as being superior to any man or
set of men or candidates, but that legitimate
success is of easier attainment through the
support OF the right men for the occasion;
and that we also recognize the great
Importance of harmonious organized and con-
tinued effort in behalf of these principles. We
earnestly and sincerely pledge ourselves TO these
efforts in all proper times and places, whatever
may be the more immediate results until our
State is redeemed and, as Unjust ultimately be,
released from the bondage OF the party which
now holds it in thrall We also call upon our
friends and sympathizers everywhere 10 come
out and stand by us, shoulder TO shoulder, In the
grand fight for the principles in which we are
engaged
The committee on county organization,
after, a short absence from the hall, report
ed the following admirable plan, which was
unanimously adopted
LIST. The appointment of county executive
committee, to consist of five members, resident
in or near Staunton for the purpose of easy con-
sultation; this committee to be charged with the
organization of the party; to have care of the
finances to have power to call county conyen-
lions, and to have general supervision of affairs
in the county
3D. The appointment of a township executive
committee for each township and the city Of
Staunton, each of said committees to consist of
three members, and to have charge Of the organ
ization of the party in it's township; to have pow
or to call township meetings for political pur
poses; TO advise with the county executive com
mittee in the decision of important questions and
other matter of interest to the party.
3rd. That each township executive committee
be directed to appoint, from the most suitable
persons in Its township, two precinct commit
tees--one of white and one of colored persons
for each voting place in the township; said pre-
cinct committees to consist of one or more per-
sons as deemed most advisable, and to have inn
mediate supervision Of the political affairs of the
precinct for which they are appointed; to attend
the polls on days of election and provide ballots
for voters to see that voters are at the polls, and
that intimidation or other unlawful means
are not used by any person to prevent fair ex-
preston OF opinion through the free mans ballot
4th. That the county executive committee
have power to fill all vacancies in the township
executive committee which may arise from any
cause always advising with the remaining mem
bers of such committee but if the entire COM
mittee is vacated, then the county, executive
committee may appoint new one. In case a
township committee fails to appoint precinct
committees, then the county Committee may
perform that duty.
-, The chairman here introduced to the
convention Judge William G. Riley, Of
Northampton county, Virginia, who. deliy-
cred an able and eloquent speech, in which
he set forth in forcible manner the iniqui-
ties of the funding bill and other acts of
our last State Legislature, and defended
the President from the slanderous charges
heaped upon him by his enemies. The
close attention paid the speaker, the fire.
quent bursts of applause of the large au-
dience present, and the enthusiasm aroused
by his earnest and vigorous style, are the.
best possible evidences of the ability and
success of the orator. ,,s.., s
AT the conclusion of the speech, on mo-
ton, the committees appointed the follow
ing delegates to represent the Republicans
of this county in the Richmond convention,
which meets on the 9th of September
next: Major John Yates, A. Shoyeler,
and Samuel Fanyer