The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-09-12
Nomination for Congress-.

It will be seen by the proceedings of the
District Convention which met in this city
on the 9Th inst, that Hon. John T. Harris
received the nomination for Congress on the
first ballot. The action of the Convention
was marked by the utmost harmony and good
feeling, and the result confirmed by the unan-
imous endorsement Of the delegates present.
Every county in the District was represented
by the personal presence of those whom their
constituents had delegated to express their
voice, and We doubt not that the nominee
will receive the cordial and undivided sup
port of the Conservative party throughout the
District
Mr.. Harris competitor, Hon R W Duke,
was a member Of the last Congress. By the
readjustment of the districts by the last LIE
gislature, the two gentlemen were thrown in-
to the same dlstrict-both had canvassed the
various counties composing it. The result
is above stated.
It is no reflection on Col. Duke that he
was defeated in the convention. The eastern
countless composing in part his former dis
trict, testified their appreciation of his serv-
ices aud worth by giving him an almost una
nimous support. The Valley counties, part
ofJudge Harris former district, adhered to
him with equal unanimity, and having the
numerical power, succeeded in nominating
him. Both gentlemen had proved themselves
able, efficient and acceptable representatives.
No complaint could be urged against either
of them. One fact strongly in Mr.. Harris
favor, was that the Valley would not have
had member in Congress at all, if Mr.. Duke
had been successful. Not that Mr.. Duke
would not have faithfully represented his
Valley constituents, but the fact Of residence
could not be overlooked.
We have no doubt Of Judge Harris cleo
ton, aud all who know him will readily con-
clude that r.he will labor as earnestly for his
constituents east Of the Ridge, as those liy-
ing in the Valley, and indeed for the people
of the whole State. No member made bet
ter record during the last term, than Harris
He was suggestive and practical in many I'M
portant mea ,ures introduced, and if energy
and tact can avail, he may be successful the
present term in accomplishing great good for
| the State at large.
The other gentlemen who had been an
nounced as candidates previous to the Con-
vention, and who had declared their purpose
to submit to the decision Of that boo y-Col
Skinner Of Augusta, and Gen. BOILER Of
| Rockingham, -w.re not nominated in the
Convention, for the reason that the Valley
members deemed it unwise to divide their
strength at any time. It was their purpose
to nominate Judge Harris, and they saw no.
thing practical in giving idle COMPLIMENTS
Nor do we think it was expected by these
gentlemen. The contest seemed to be from
the first between the old members Harris
and Duke-and to them it was confined
Both Skinner and Roller are young, and suf,
6ciently elastic to wait awhile.
Col. O'Ferrell, the other candidate refus-
ed to submit his claims to party Conven-
ton, and is an Independent candidate, favor
ing neither Grant nor Greeley. He will
make an active canvass, but hardly success
full one-or sufficiently 50 to be returned to
Congress.