The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-07-08
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Gre,,it,g State SanrnaL
The Canvass.

We are getting some sharp letters from
various quarters because we do not commi
THE JOURNAL unreservedly to som'
particular candidate, and the nomination o
veteran Republican for governor. W.
take it all very kindly, and assure oul
friends everywhere that we rejoice in thu
liberty Of liberation and invite free criti
cism. We must, however. remind oul
friends that it is possible for men to bt
influenced by the local sentiment to the
exclusion of the rest of the state. 1t is
quite possible that policy eminently pop.
ular in one county or congressional
district, may be unpopular else
where. Largeness Of vision is needed
to form just conclusions. Our great
aim is to secure convention
that shall consult and deliberate. We
don't want body to meet at Lynchburg
only to ratify predetermined policy of the
political managers. Lethe people send dele
qates aoho aciu look over the aohole ground
soah thoughtful care and be guided by Me
resuls Of a full and free conference 'o'th
each other. Then we shall expect wise
choice of expedients. With the decision
of such convention soe shall be satisfied,
and grid our loins for the work of the can
vass in earnest once more. But we are
not tied to any mans skirts. We are not
dependent upon any man or party Tor our
daily bread. We seek the triumph of GER
tain principles and the Inauguration of
great measures to relieve and help the peo-
pie. To bring strength to these and incar-
nate them into laws and institutions is our
aim. Because the Republican party
comes nearest to our views
we work with it. But parties are subordi-
nate agencies of doing the worlds work,
and not dominant and fixed elements in ma
ture. They are like the passing clouds
that rise and take form, absorbing bad
vapors, irving with thunder bolts pestilen-
tial miasmas. dispensing refreshing rains,
washing the filth from the soiled face of the
earth, and dissolving again forever. They
are to be used while they perform their
allotted task, but they are hateful and de-
testable whenever they assume to save
themselves by sacrificing the very princi-
pies they were designed to secure. :
We helped make the Republican party.
AT large personal cost we served it in its
days of weakness and poverty. But we were
never its slave, and we do not propose to be
now. That party will hold its sway so1ile IL
obeys the law ..of progress, and SEXES alpon
each ae,o occasion to assert its oacn glorious
principles IN neao measures, adopted TO each
ne,U gear. Its great danger is from men
who have omlioed gro,cth, who having Sc
cured snug places by its aid, oppose discds-
sion OF neao ideas. lest they should be dis
turbed. These are the men who assume to
lead and manage it, not for large and perma-
nent growth, but for petty personal and
local advantages. Safety and growth are
alike secured by frank and full discussion
by accepting new issues and boldly pro-
claiming our position upon every question.
What we especially desire in the con-
vention, is that time and scope shall be
given for full and free interchange of views.
Especially proper is it in state canvass
that state issues should be made prominent.
We can not afford to postpone these vital
matters, or bury them in the surges ofa
contest over national politics. If we are
to administer the state government we
must announce definite policy upon all
that concerns the people of the state !;
otherwise we shall deserve the epithets
of our foes. A party that ignores living
questions of supreme moment, and busies
itself only in looking after the Offices,
may well be denounced as "aliens and
carpet-baggers."
The Conservative party has done this,
and we may leave it alone in its disgraceful
indifference to the interests of the people,
and its diabolical work OF exciting sectional
prejudices and Of tanning the fires of
hate between the races.
Let the convention at Lynchburg assem-
BILE in the true spirit of pure Republicanism.
Let time be given for deliberation and
calm discussion of the situation and its
needs then all true Republicans will sub
nit gracefully to the final determination,
qohatecer that may be, il a good spirit pre-
walls. Our faith is strong in glorious
success at the polls in November.
4
The IS Code of HOnOr'' and Concealed
Weapons.