The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-04-27
The Lynchhurg Convention.


publican Convention that met in Lynchbure
on the 18th inst. Our space will allow us only
to give the substantial results Of the Conven-
ton, foregoing minute detail Of the debates
and various motions not essential to the
purpose for which the body was called to-
gether.
The Convention was composed OF about two
thirds white and one -thrd colored delegates,
representing all the counties in the State, we
believe, except about ten. It was generally
remarked by those present, who had participa-
ted in all the Conventions OF the Republican
party since 1869, that this was vast improve
ment on any other, both in the appearance
and the talent Of the body. We have attended
many Conventions in Virginia, in our time,
and we do not remember to have met, of ethel
party, one of higher average capacity, more
gentlemanly bearing, or freer from the fla
grant vices which too frequently mark such as
semblages. We noticed but two delegates,
who seemed at all under the Influence of liquor.
Both of these were white, and neither partici
pated in the debates. The wonderful improve
ment in the colored representation was partic-
ularly observable. AS a general thing, the
strict observance of the rules governing such
bodies, the decoruE1 of their demeanor, the
high order of speaking talent exhibited, their
familiarity with the questions debated and the
ability displayed in discussing them, were mat
tiers of gratifying surprise, and evidenced CON-
mendabIe application. The ability which
characterized the discharge Of the duties OF
temporary chairman Of the Convention, by
Peter J. Carter, was the subject of remark,
even by conservatives, who admitted his excel
lent qualfications.for the position. Mr. Carter
was a former slave, is very black, and has ac-
CURED his knowledge since emancipation
Those familiar with the proceedings of party
conventions, are aware that the most difficult
part of the deliberations are under the tempo
rary chairman, when the members are maneu-
verng for position, in order to promote their
views. During the entire proce edings under
the temporary organization, the charm an
met the responsibilities Of his position to the
his rulings willingly acquiesced in, and all the
prophecies of the occasion strictly maintained.
On leaving the chair, his remarks, brief and to
the point, would have been a credit to any
man.
The permanent chairman Of the Convention,
Hon. J. B. Sener, presided with tact and abii-
ty, bringing to his aid decision, good temper
and the utmost impartality.
Take the Convention as body, and the
manner and matter OF its proceedings, and we
have never seen it surpassed. AS is customa-
~ in bodies Of this kind, where there are two
contending policies, each having its partizans,
there were at times exciting scenes and noisy
demonstrations, but not more so than in every
other Convention we have attended, when a
similar state Of sentiment existed. The highly
colored and sensational reports of the Conserv-
alive press about the proceedings, were mani
festly eXaggerations, and written and published
for party effect. But this was a surprise to no
one, as it was expected.
The sentiment of a majority Of the delegates
present was very decidedly in favor of Mr..
Blaine as the Republican candidate for Pres-
dent, and yetany proposition to instruct the del
egates to the Cincinnati Convention to that
effect, would have met determined opposition.
A spirit of Cancellation asserted itself upon all
questions where there were distinctly drawn
differences, and by the exercise Of good sense
and good Judgment, conclusion reached and
a policy adopted that offended no one.
During the deliberations of the Convention,
there were incidents which called for the eXer-
else of the highest magnanimity. and spirit
above the petty considerations of self. at
times there seemed to be generous rivalry
who should concede the most OF preconceved
opinions in the interest Of harmony and good
feeling. The paramount thought was the sue
cess of the principles of the Republican party.
and while there were wide differences as tc
the most effectual means to accomplish this
object, the admirable temper displayed, III
the close Of the deliberations, gave evidence
that there were no nsuperable obstacles grow
ing out of personal predictions to interpose
to chat end. 1t was the spirit that always
gives energy and force to a political canvass
and brings together the best efforts OF those
who capable of presenting to the people
the true issues involved, and the most effective
agencies to enlighten the popular judgment.
We congratulate the Republicans of Virgin.
ia upon the suspicious feeling that controlled
in the deliberations OF the Convention, an(
while it was not in harmony with our views
ofpropriety and expediency to give any ex
preston Of personal preference, in connection
with the Presidency, yet it is a source OF graft
tication that delegates of divergent views uni
ted in the harmless declaration passed, and
the indisposition to press an action that might
have resulted less tremendously.
If the party shall be so fortunate as to secure
the active services of the numerous speakers
of no ordinary attainment, who entertained
the Convention, in thorough canvass Of Vir-
ginia, we may reasonably look for a largely in
creased numerical strength, when the ballots
are counted in November next for Presidential
Electors.
The method adopted by President Grattar
last Saturday to ascertain the will of the peo
pie as to primary election was exceedingly
happy. inasmuch as the crowd was massed or
the side of the Court House where the friends
Of his views had to 80 out. The aisle was jam.
MI l,o t,o