The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-02-05
Republican Sentiment.

After the Republican State Central
Committee had concluded its work on
the goth, conference of number Of
prominent Republicans from different parts
Of the State with the Committee, was held
in the United States Court Room, in Rich
mond, on the night of that day. The first
speaker on the occasion was Hon. Edgar
Allen, of Prince Edward; the next was
Col. Townes. Of Mecklenburg, his first
meeting with Republicans; then in the Or
der named, Col. J. F. Dezendorf, OF Nor
folk; Col. Joseph Wilson, colored, Of Nor
folk; NJ. Fl. Peasants. colored, of Dan
vile Gen. John Tyler, of Washington
city; R. P Brooks. colored, of Richmond;
R. L. Paige colored, Of Norfolk; Ross
Hamilton, colored, Of Buckingham Peter
J. Carter, and one or two others in brief
remarks. During the speeches Of each and
all of them, there was no preference ex-
pressed by single speaker for any of the
prominent Republicans named for the Pres
idential nomination. Several of them made
allusion to Gen. Grant, John Sherman, J.
G. Blaine, Rosco Conkling and E. B. Wash
burne. The mention of Gen. Grants name
caused very enthusiastic response that
OF Mr.. Blaine was received with equal
demonstrations Of respect; the announce
ment of Mr.. Sherman's name was cordially
responded to, but not with the warmth Of
the other two mentioned. There was very
little manifestation Of feeling at the nam
ing of either of the other gentlemen. The
speakers were about equally divided in their
support and opposition to the McCulloch
Bill, and all Of them expressed the COM
mon sentiment that the Republicans of
Virginia would be found shoulder 70 shoul-
der in support Of the Chicago nominees.
We mention these facts to correct the i'm
preston sent out from Richmond that the
controlling sentiment with those present
was for Mr.. Sherman. Several Of the gen.
tlemen mentioned as having declared for
Mr.. Sherman positively denied it, and it
was very apparent that the dispatches sent
off and the publication in the Dispatch were
designed to create an impression abroad
that did not exist In Richmond. While
Mr.. Sherman had many friends among
those present, and all present expressed
purpose to give him or any one OF the
prominent Republicans named, who should
receive the Chicago nomination, a cordial
and active support, there was nothing that
occurred, and no manifestation Of senti-
ment that we became cognizant Of, which
would Justify the extravagant declarations
telegraphed to the associated press or pub
lished In the Dispatch. The paramount
thought given expression to, was that the
Chicago Convention should nominate the
most available man, let him be either of
the distinguished gentleman named or any
other Republican. Those who spoke and
counseled together were not so much con-
cerned about the nominee, as they were
about the unity of the party in Virginia,
and success in the national contest. There
was no Sherman boom, nor Grant boom,
nor Blaine boom. 1t was genuine Re-
publican boom, and there was nothing said
or done that indicated that there would be
an effort to control the State Convention
and the delegates to the National Conven-
ton in the interest Of either.
That Gen. Grant Is the choice Of nine
tenths Of the Republicans Of Virginia, we
have not particle Of doubt. Whether or
not his name will be presentedto the Chica-
go Convention we cannot say, or whether
he would be the strongest man that
could be nominated. we are equally unpre-
poll larger vote in the South than any
other candidate, it is possible he would not
be so generally acceptable to the Republi-
cans of the North. We really think Mr..
Washburne would be more generally sup
ported in the North, East and West. But
these are mere surmises. 1t should be left
to the sagacity Of the National Convention
to determine the question of the candidate.
That he will be worthy OF and receive the
support Of the Republican party Of the ma
ton, whoever he may be, we do not doubt,
and will be triumphantly elected, let him
be Gen. Grant, Secretary Sherman, Sena-
tor Blaine, Mr.. Washburne, Senator Conk-
ling, Mr.. Fish, Mr.. Evarts, Mr.. Edmunds,
Gen. Garfield, or any other of the prom
inent and distinguished members Of the
party.
The South, however, should not force the
nomination, nor do We believe the dele
gates to be chosen will do so. They will
defer to the predominant sentiment Of the
sections where Republican electoral votes
can be assured, and cooperate in the pol
icy Of selecting the strongest and most
available candidates.