The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1872-04-16
evening State 5yu,.rmaI.
THE STATE CONVENTION.

THE STATE CONVENTION
The Republican Convention which as
sembles tomorrow will be one of the mos
important that has ever met in this State
We look to it for an example of energy
fearlessness, devotion to the cause, anc
harmonious counsels. We want to see q
generous tolerance of dissent manifested by
those who differ; a willingness to hear all
sides; spirit of fairness, moderation, and
fraternal union of all shades of opinion in
the common work. Such spirit guaran-
tees the best results from its deliberations.
1t infuses enthusiasm, and leads to vic
tory. When in great cause we merge
selfish aims for the universal interest, we
become endowed with almost miraculous
power. 1t is in vain that we go forth to
battle the common foe, if we cannot con-
quer the narrow sel6shness and mean am
bitions which beget strife in our own
ranks. BY whatever is sacred and glorious
in the past of our cause, by whatever
hopes and possibilities its future holds, we
plead tor harmony in the Convention to-
morrow.
But we also plead equally, that the Con.
yention shall be fearless in its action. We
want no t:mid echo of the vapid and mean
ingless resolutions too often passed at popu-
lar gatherings. We want bold outspoken
ayowal of our views, as Virginia Republi-
cans. We claim the right, as we recognize
the duty, to aid in making the sentiment Of
the country, high, sound and pure, upon
national questions.
Men are insignificant with us, except az
representatives of ideas. Principles are
vital and eternal, and for these we grid on
our armor and go forth to fight. Let our
Convention then state boldly and un-
equivocally what principles should control
the national policy what measures are
needed to protect our people and advance
their interests /; what grievances are to be
redressed, and what obstacles need to be
removed from the pathway of our pro-
gress. We are not to wait for national
convention, to frame platform for us,
but by announcing our own convictions
endeayor to secure their respectful con-
slderaton by the whole people. There are
questions of finance, of amendments to the
national constitution, of new guarantees to
individual rights against tyrannical local
courts, of the public domain, the postal
telegraph and other interests of vital i'm
portance, and which lie in the path of our
progress towards naturalization.
Upon these questions, we hope to hear
the voice of Virginia sounding over the
land, clear as a trumpet.
The choice of delegates to represent the
state in the National Convention will. of |
course, lead to some disappointment. We
think, however, that its value in one re-
spsct is often over-estimated. We are
quite sure that no mans claims to Fedora
office will be materially increased by his
selection as delegate to Philadelphia.
We hope good and true men will be select
ed. We are sure as to the unanirnity with
which Gen. Grant will be indorsed. We
hope to be able to record, when the Con-
vention adjourns, that no discordant notes
have marred the harmony Of its proceed
ings, and that its deliberations have been
every way dignifed, and worthy of the