The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-03-17
CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE FOR
THE EIGHTH DISTRICT.


Several letters have come to us indicat-
ing preferences or soliciting opinions upon
the next Congressional canvass in the Eighth
district. 1t is understood that Colonel
Mosby is contemplating an early announce.
ment Of his candidacy. Major Carter also
has many friends who desire to bring him
out. Indeed, Fauquier county seems to
have something particularly favorable to
the production of congressman in her fine
soil and. splendid mountain air, no less
than half dozen eligible names being
mentioned in the single town of Warren
ton, To those whose names have had
newspaper mention in this connec-
ton, we may add another not
less worthy than the worthiest. We allude
to our esteemed and noble friend, S. P. Bay
ley, of Grafton, Fauquier county. Mr.. Bay
lev is a fine specimen Of that sturdy man
hood which are not yet extinct in Virginia;
brave, generous, capable, sagacious and of
untiring energy, he would represent ably
and faithfully district full of rich, varied
resources. A successful farmer himself,
allied in all his interests with the produc-
ing classes, he would fifty represent that
great interest which more than any other
is suffering from hostile and ignorant legis-
la,ion. A fresh and healthful influence is
needed from the soil. We have been rid
den to death by la,cyers. 1t is quite time
for the people to awake from the stupen-
dous delusion that la,cyers only are tit for
Legislators. Mr.. Bayley would stand by
the farmer and represent their interest
truly in the great struggle that now inn
ponds between it and the vampire brood
that are sucking out its life. He possesses
the personal popularity to which his no.
BILE qualities as a gentlemen entite him
among all parties. In his recent canvass
for the state Senate he ran nine hundred
ahead of his ticket. He is a genuine and
earnest Republican from conviction. A
Conservative contemporary abiding to hi:
recent canvass, speaks OF his personal
popularity as follows:
"We have known S. P. Bayley seven OF
eight years, and if anything could hav'
induced us to support an independent can
didate, our great regard and persona
knowledge of Mr.. Bayley would have en-
listed us in his behalf.
"His homestead, known as Grafton,
in the county of Fauquier, was eve
opened to Confederate soldier, and man
boy In gray received welcome whic
cheered his soldier life. Not only in coup
let's, but frequently in scores would we &c
and never did we receive anything but tn
kndest treatment and most cordial we
come.
"Mr. Bayley was opposed to secession
and literally fought it so long as it was a
open question. When our state passe
the act, he was in the first company whic
volunteered for the war, and remained wit
it until elected to the Legislature in '62 an
'63. In 'G3 he was captured by the Yal
KEGS, and taken to the Old Capitol priso1
Whist prisoner, he was offered pay fi
his confscated property, amounting
$1,000, if he would take the cath. He ii
dignantly refused, and patiently awaite
exchange. He staked all upon the wa
and lost all. When the war was over,
did not fold his arms and sigh away h
energies, but made the grand old farm
Grafton yield the support his large famil
and friends required, and rode his fox-tro
ting gray as happily and cheerfully as il I
war had been.
His sons, unused to work of any kin'
were inspired by the example of the fathe
and soon secured the means for their edl
cation. Neighbors seeing his indomitab1
pluck, started their plows and sowed the
grain and reaped their fields. The vii
and enterprise of Mr.. Bayley was fe
throughout the neighborhood, and his gel
erous nature continued to respond, eve
under his own burden, to the necessity
his neighbors, not so practical in the
nature as was he, nor so provident.
Sin the Presidential contest, like COX
lel Mosby, whom he so much admired,
supported General Grant. The magnan
NOUS course of Grant to our soldiers on Il
Appomattox field had won his support, ar
col daily did he give it.
"In our late contest, he was not williI
to submit to any party regulations, but d
termined to take an independent positio
Though beaten, he made the best poll
any man similarly situated in the stat
Whilst we deplore his position as an ind
pendent, we have the highest regard ft
his patriotism, warmest appreciation OF h
unbounded generosity, ard high estima
OF his administrative and legislative abb
ty.p
-
From a statemen Mt racant1v snhm,tted