The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-05-14
Tho Two Conventions.

Wepublished last week the call issued
by The State Central Committee of the
Republican party of Virginia, for the State
Convention to convene in Richmond on
the 10Th of July to nominate candidates
for Governor. Lieutenant Governor and
Attorney General. A similar committee
Of the Democratic party met in Richmond
on the 9th and fixed upon the Goth of July
for the converting of the Democratic Con-
yentjoa to nominate State officers.
The preliminary steps have thus been
taken for the campaign which is to close
in November next either with Republican
or Democratic success. 1t behooves each
party to be circumspect in its nomina-
tions. for the result is not only to have an
important influence upon the future polit-
ical destiny of Virginia, but Will reach
into the Presidential campaign OF 1888. 1t
is to be hoped that in the selections to be
made the personnel of the Candidates will
be beyond reproach-t there VIII be no
excuse or justification for canvass of
personal defamation, and that the issues
and policies affecting the interests OF the
people and the prosperity of the State will
be discussed calmly. fairly, intelligently,
and with a view singly to educating the
popular mind up to just and righteous
verdict. We are sure if the spirit of
the discussions, incident to political
contest. were of such a character as to
leave no embittered feelings at the close,
those who may participate in them would
feel the better and could review their labor
with a satisfaction that has not followed
political encounters heretofore. II it
should be recognized by each that there
are two sides to every issue-that men
will differ as to policies and measures, and
that in thus differing they are only exer-
cising right which belongs to every citi-
zen, there would be no occasion for harsh
elimination and recrimination and the in
| lection Of strifes and contentious, which can
only result in harm to both. We have had
too much of personal feeling and selfish
motives in political contests for years past.
Unnecessary and unnatural personal es-
arrangements have been effected, in which
there was no reason or common sense,
simply because those put to the front
did not confine themselves to legitimate ar
gument, and were not animated by the high
er considerations for the Commonw ealth.
With good men to constitute each of the
tickets, and an earnest purpose to serve
the best interests Of the State animating
both, it is possible to conduct a canvass
which will have none of the unpleasant re-
membranes and angry feelings which have
marked and marred previous political en-
counters.
| So far as we are concerned we are indif-
ferent as to men, if they be gentlemen OF
character and ability. If such should be
selected by both conventions, and a manly,
catholic spirit prevail in the discussions,
there would be hope that the termination
of the contest of 1885 would leave none
of the incorrigible and wicked antagonisms
such as have been realized in every State
contest since 1869. We ought to have
learned by this time how Improbable, in
every sense, is mere personal canvass
how il leaves the sting OF self-reproach
because of having INDUCED in excessive
passion and given loose reign to unguard
ed speech and epithets. A departure in
this respect from former usage would find
a hearty response from the people Of both
parties-would stimulate to higher purpose
and methods, and inspire confidence in the
aims and objects CT each Of the politica
forces, which will be arrayed against each
other.
The Conventions can contribute largely
to such a consummation in the tickets
they will present The right kind of mer
chosen will give tone to the contest ant
have the effect to temper the speeches and
elevate the guage of those who may essay
to elucidate public questions and instruc
the people. We hope such will be thu
choice of each of the nominating bodies
and that the election of 1885 may at leas
signalize an advance in political moralit.
as we'll as personal courtesy and self-re
spect.