The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-03-16
The Lynchburg Convention.

press upon the Republicans OF Virginia the nee
eessty OF sending us delegates to the State
Convention that meets on the 18th of April,
in Lynchbnrg, the very best men that can be
found in the party. 1t is due to the patty in
the State that gentlemen of the highest char
acter and intelligence meet on that occasion,
to the end that their action may reflect credit
on the constituent body, an ! elevate the tone
OF the party. With representation OF this
kind in that body, we will have the assurance
that proper persons will be selected to repre-
sent the Republicans of Virginia in the Ma
tional Convention that meets in Cincinnati on
the 14th of June next--aien who will have the
intelligence and the independence to deter
mine what is Best for the party and the coun-
try in the designation OF candidates for Rresi-
dent and Vice President, apart from personal
partialities.
In the choice OF delegates to the Cincinnati
Convention, we further hope that no Federal
Office holder will be among the number. Not
that we do not believe this class of persons
would not be as capable and patriotic in the
decision they might render, and would not
as faithfully represent the sentiment
of the Republican party OF Virginia, as
any other, but simply for the reason that it
would place it out Of the power Of the opposi-
using its influence to control the national
! nominations.
We by no means sympathize with the sense
less and unjust clamor that is raised inside and
outside Of the party organization against those
who hold commissions under the national gov
eminent, nor are we prepared to believe that
there are not men in Office who would not lose
sight of self, in the vote they might cast fer
the Presidential candidate. The success of the
Republican patty in the approaching election
is Of higher consideration than the qualification
OF personal wishes. 1t involves interests para
ronnt to the advancement Of men, and which
comprehend the peace and the prosperity of
klie country to degree that should stimulate
the ambition Of every man WHO believes in the
principles and policy OF the Republican party
as essential to national tranquility.
Not only do we hope that every Federal Of
lice-holdcr will promptly disclaim any preten-
sion in this direction, but that the Convention
will frown down any proposition that looks to
a commttal Of the delegates to the National
Convention to any one Of the aspirants for tile
Presidential nomination. We desire to see, in
the first place, an intelligent and dscrilnina-
ting delegation selected; and, then. the action
of the Convention to leave them free to exer-
else their best Judgment in the selection OF the
most proper men to bear the standard OF the
party in the Presidential contest. There is
something small and contemplate in delegates
receiving their credentials under instruction.
II would detract from the dignity and honor of
the position, aud make them mere figure heads,
without manhood or Individuality
them OF all influence and character, such as
should attach to gentlemen engaged ia work
Sc important as selecting candidates Of a great
party for President and Vice President Of the
United States.
The Lynchburg Convention should inaugu-
rate the canvass in Virginia in such manner as
to attract the attention and command the res
pect of the people of the State. 1t cannot do
this, unless it selects able and discreet men. OF
high character and intelligence, to represent
the party in the National Convention, men
who may be safely trusted, and then leave
them untrammele, in the discharge Of their
duties in the National Convention. In this
way their influence would be felt, and their
support regarded as a high testimonial to the
candidate who woult, be favored with their
confidence.
We make these suggestions from a sincere
conviction OF their propriety and as embracing
Il line of policy that cannot fail to contribute
to the good Of the party. We certainly cannot
be charged with having any personal ends to
attain in them, for tkeir adoption would work
an inhibition to the writer, so far as the Ma
tional Convention is concerned. We, however,
shall be content with contributing what we
can to the success of the candidates after they
shall have been nominated, cheerfully forego-
ing any p%rticipancy in determining the claims
of the various candidates for the high honors
in question. Whoever may be nominated AT
Cincinnati, it will make but little difference to
us. We shall earnestly and actively present
their claims to the support Of the people OF
Virginia from the time the Conven ton present
the names till the day of election. and leave no
effort unayailcd of to duplicate the triumph Of
1872.
The Democrats in Congress have Door csti.
mate Of the intelligence OF the heople if they
think they can be fooled by their pretense OF
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