Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1874-04-21
lCOMMUNICATED.

ton as to the candidates already ANNOUNCED TOT
Congress- and those who may yet take the field,
to say nothing of the Convention to be held.
or course Convention will be held, as the
District has become Infatuated to it and looks
upon it as nee ssity, and that, too, whether
the people desire it or not. There are those
here who have long opposed them and who
now prefer the old plan Of a free field and
free fight. So far as we can fortel there seems
to be very decided preference for Col. Mosby,
and this whether Convention or not, at the
same time opposed to one, and that not be-
cause Col. Mosby would not be as we'll and as
tavoraby represented there as others, but from
desire to Quit that method altogether, for
when once Committed by one OF course they
will abide the result. General Hunton, too,
has his friends here and has the confidence of
all as a true uan aud good representative,
and no objection to him can or will be urged
against him for anything he has wrongly done
for us, or tor failing 10 leave undune anything
in his power. He is believed to have filed the
fullest measure both of his ability and his OPP
porlunity, but unfortunately for both himself
and his constituents he is part OF that sma
minority who cannot act aud hardly represent
controlling balance upon that large maturity
who have the power to do, but not for Us OF
the South. We believe Gen. Huntoo and Col
Mosby both as true to us DOW as when they
did battle for Us against the hosts OF our 10
yaders. Iu fact there can be no doubt about
il. and as to their abilities the same fact is
true, and there should be ~ hasty casting aside
of the one and taking up the other, save tor
GOOD and for adequate cause. lf these two gen
tIemen are equally capable aud able to repre-
sent Us, all things else helDg equal, 10 Very
Justice to ourselves Gen. Hunton should be re-
turned to the seat he has truly honored as
though with greater power aud influence at
his command he had done more. The truth Is
the South, and Virginia with ii, stands commit
ted to tho terms Of its reinstatement to the
| Union by solemu ACT Of It's people; not to the
| Radical party, for it is not the Uulon and only
a very contemptible part Of it, but to the Con
sti,ution as evidenced by our present State or
gapic law not TO Gen. Grant, but to the Presi,
| dent. If thus situated, aud there eau be no
doubt about it, nor any hope to those who may
doubt it, whilst chcrishing the same bitter
feelings towards all, and they are many, who
are still autiSoutheru 10 its fullest truth, what
course can we pursue, with any hope now or
for the future, that will prompt US to fight for
the mere sake Of fighting, or to oppose and
deny The very principles which uuderlic the
organic basis Of our reinstatement, and which
are now as truly part of our Constitution as
any of it is, and which we are as soleuly prom.
ised to obey and live by (f even we don't Oh
can respect i,) as a State can be?
1t is useless to speak against or deny the
stubborn lac, and the Radical party its,lf is
not more assuredly committed to it than we Of
| Virgi ia. There Is, CT course and wisely, TOO,
many things We are not bound to do, and
even doubt if much of fuss would follow II
we sent no Congressman at all, and merely be-
cause We do wish to send the very best for Us
at our commaud, plainly shows there is some
thing to be there done for us by bin, aud be
who can do the most is the man we want
Gen Hunon is no more truly true to Virginia
than Col. Mosby, aud SO great is cur respect
for the General that if he We're convinced thai
Just at this time, Col. Mosby was more capable
to do for US one good and neediul act than him
self, he would be the last one to say nay, though
saying so would deprive him of his we'll wor
and hooorably worn virtues. Thanks are al
ways due to him who has done US WELL but
the highest need Of praise Is the selt-knowledge
of duty DONE We are not of those who wish
to try experiments and just now the sad fate
|
warning against it; but we are of those who
wish to avoid any useless and vain kicking
against the powers that be. ID few words We
believe 10 the accepting of the very best aid
possible, properly and houorably given: in
| and the right of drawing men and bodies by the
subtle Influence Of mind aud motive to change
of sentiment and action, and in the Inherent
Il, 0rh ,lp th no
who may think we OF Virginia need help, and
yet would eschew that aid because Col. Mosby
can give it, and cry RadicaIlsm because he has
the friendship of Gen. Grant, we would merely
remark that 'twouId not be the first time these
same persons have cried "Wolr'-not the first
time they have been mistaken and not the last.
In Que word we vouch for the Southern blood
of Col. Mosby and his views, aud the very first
knowledge we may have Of his attaint, that
moment hundreds who otherwise will support
him will leave him in his iguominy and treach-
cry. Again, is it the first time that one man
acquired influence Of other, though differing
in political views; or, the first instance Of BRAY
cry, skill and high toned maulluess receiving
the respect of others, even of enomies? Such
who think SO have read history to but little
beuctit Tor themselves, and are GOT likely to
form any opinions calculated to help others, or
to pay much regard to the powers Of mind, or
the laws Of pursuasion, as seen in ever walk of
life.
If then Col. Mosby has good influence over
any for our veal lit must be for good If Nlosby
exercises it, should we refuse it? Is it any
disgrace to COL Mosby that he can gain for us
any right, principle, aid or comfort that no
Others can or is 1t any dlshouor To Gen. Graut
as President, or as a member of the Radical
party that he has great friendship and respect
for him who won that high regard by weight
of his good right arm, which one brave man
always feels for another? OF is there likely to
be any result of this intimacy but for the good
of every mau who wishes to keep bis State ?
Remember he is 10 doubtful man who wields
this Influence aud enjoys this intimacy. He is
not Que who has betrayed trust, or who has
ever yet been placed or placed himself in any
colorado position, and judging his future by
his past, what is there for Us to hesitate about,
when We are satisfied about the ouly TWO great
nnints Gkelu To arise between Col VI. and any