The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1873-07-24
STAUNToN, VA. I
J nly. 23d. 1873. (
ELna1a md nfLers

Gen. w. u. WlcEhama and others, ~
Gentlemen So our favor OF the 2Ist
inst, has been received. In it you express the
desire to know whether will accept the nom
ination for Governor of the Republican par
Lynchburg Va, on the 30th inst, should it
be rendered me, and my views of national
and State policy, should my answer to the
Grst inquiry be liz the affirmative.
AS you are we'll aware. gentlemen, have
never been an active politician, nor an aspi-
RANT for party favors, nor could l now be in
duced to consent to the use Of my name for
any position within the gift of the people,
we're only my personal interests and wishes
to be consulted But believing, as honest
ly do, that the prosperity Of Virginia is init
mately associated with the success of Repub
lcan principles and alignment of the State
with the national administration, and having
been approached, both by letter and person
ally by number of prominent Virginia gen
tlemen, with the enquiry whether | would
accept the nomination of tie Republican par
ty. in advance of your formal letter this day
received, have. after mature reflection, ar
rived at the conclusion that, if in its wisdom,
the Lyuchburg convention should deem it
proper and for the best interests of
the party and State. to confer the honor in
question upon NE, to accept it.
In giving an affirmative answer to the first
part of your letter, it follows that should as
briefly as possible state the general views
entertain as to national and State policy
These may be comprehended in few words.
I recognize in the present national admin
istration the representative thought of the
American people. believe that the true in
terests of Virginia aud the south, especially,
are intimately associated with a generous,
manly and impartial support Of that admin
istration, and sincere determination to car
ry out in good faith the constitution and laws
Of the country, as we have solemnly pledged
ourselves to do.
Following closely upon this recognition OF
the palpable duty of upholding the gov ern-
ment that throws its protection over u.s. Is to
be fonnd according to my comprehension, the
genuine interests Of Virginia. Even SUI
perfcial knowledge Of the wonderful wealth
that lies buried in our State, would at once
suggest that the growth and prosperity of her
great interests depend upon the success full
! prosecution Of the enlarged enterprises of
public Improve ment now attracting the at
tepsion of the country Prominent amoag
these is the completion of the james River
and lSanawha Canal. 1t may not be amiss,
and hope twill not be regarded az at all
cgotistcsl when | state that some of the best
energies and years ofmy life have been de-
| voted to the furtherance of this great enter
| prise, and shall regard it as .he proudest
event in the history of the material advance
ment of Virginia, when the all powerful aid
| OF the national government shall be controll-
| ed in its behalf
| A glance at the map will present the fact
that Virginia is tho great central territory
through which much Of the commerce be-
tween the east and west and north and south
must find transit. Her climate, her soil her
mineral and agricultural capacities, consti-
tute elements to attract enterprise and capital
from every portion of our common country and
with the predosninance of a healthy rational
sentiment, we may reasonably expect the
intrepid energies OF this progressive age
to concentrate here tc participate in the for
nation of the arteries that will bind togeth-
| ct GIle ulu6IGQs oeCtIUu6 VI tu0 OulUuy auQ
! throw new life into our now reviving COM
monweasn.
| The intellectual development of the peo-
pie must keep pace with the material improv,
ments, and to accomplish shSs, the1youth of
the State .nr.t tbe educated through the
oceans of " Public Free Schools, where the
\ ohisiren Of the rich and poor can find facili-
ties for mental growth and training No
| State or government can rise to its highest
dignity and prosperity, unless the copstitu-
ent elements are enlightened.
With the material and intellectual devel-
opment Of the State, and tie main enance of
the public faith and integrity Of the Common
wealth, Virginia will become an empire in
herself
Gentlemen, have thus hastily and rath-
er crudely answered the two thoughts en-
braeed in your very unexpected and too fat
tering letter.
If it is deemed for the public good that my
name should be placed before the people of
Virginia as representing the Republican par
ty, and as consummating its harmony in the
coming gubernatorial contest, you are liberty
| to use it.
I Respectfully and truly yours
I EDWARD MCMAHON.
Il L 81 IL. r. y