The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-03-30
Republican Convention.

Republican Convention.
The Republican Convention last Saturday
was not as well attended from the county as
we expected. anG had good reason to expect.
1t is true the weather was exceedingly inclc-
ment and j:as. been so for several days previous,
but even this did not Justify the almost total
absence of county representation. There
were only five Or six from the county present.
We conversed with number of those whom
we expected to be in attendance, on Monday,
Court day. Some of then gave as reason for
not being present, Tie very unfavorable wealth
er, and che fact Fat they had to come on Moi.
day, Court d.y), and it did not suit them to he
absent from home two days in succession.
Others said that they thought there would be
plenty without them, and as the weather was
bad and Monday Court day, when they were
compelled to be in Staunton, they concluded to
come. This we regretted, as we had had as
surances from every portion of the county that
there would bea full representation Of the sub
stantial Republican clement on the occasion
The result was that the convention, or mass
meeting, was composed almost entirely OF
residents OF the city, aud mostly colored.
Our political opponents, we are aware, will
argue that the absence of a full representation
of the county, is indicative Of want of inter-
est in the cause OF the Republican party.
In this, however, they will find themselves
mistaken. 1t is true that the members of the
party, who live outside of Staunton, are not
much in the habit OF dabbling in meetings or
conVen, ions. They have heard and seen so
much of contention in the Conservative party
growing out of packed conventions, that they
do not aspire to the distinction OF entering into
squabble for personal preference, contenting
themselves with quietly going to the polls and
casting their votes when the day of election ar
rives. The Republicans OF Augusta were never
more decided and determined than they are to-
day, and while they may not be as dcmonstra-
tive and boisterous us their political opponents,
they will properly discharge their duties when
the time arrives for them to deposit their bal
lots.
AS it was, the convention was governed by q
spirit OF order and decoram rarely witnessed in
Augusta county. 1t was entirely free from
any excited contention, or INDIGENOUS re-
marks, or demonstration. When competing
propositions were submitted, they were acted
upon in the best spirit, acquiesced in without
captious protest or angry resistance. While
the views we entertained were not carried out
in the election of delegates, yet the result was
satisfactory in the action of the convention after
the delegates had been selected. There was a
disposition manifested Oil the part of ALL to re-
concile any apparent antagonissm of scntimer T.,
party in the approaching contest of the two
great political organizations Of the country.
Personal wishes and particular views of local
policy are subordinate to the principles of the
party, and the fact that the Republican party
OF Augusta and Virginia is but a small part OF
the great Republican equalization of the col,,l-
try, would forbid that mere individual notion
of local cxpedicncy should abatc the artlor of
the party in behalf of the paramount national
ends at stake. The principles of the party are
just. They are in harmony with the spirit of
our institutions and the true interest OF all the
people. and in advocating and presenting them
for popular acceptance we shall lose sight OF
every minor considerations OF local policy,
which will not be in accorl with tliatend.
We intend to have an active and completed
organization in This county, that will enlist the
earnest endeavors OF every member of the party.
What is wanted is well directed efforts and a
determined will, and these shall not be want
ing. ~.