Staunton Spectator

We refer our readers to the proceedings of the Convention on Thursday and Friday for the speeches made in that body by Col. Geo. Baylor. It will be seen that he is "all right," and that he attacks the fiery dragon of secession in such gallant style as should entitle him to be canonized as "St. George, the slayer of the fiery dragon."--His speeches justify the good opinion entertained of him as a sound and reliable Union man. Desiring the Union sentiment of the Democracy of this county to have a representative in the Convention, and knowing Col. Baylor to be a good Union man, who was opposed to secession in theory as well as practice, we asked him to become a candidate, and rejoiced at his triumphant election, and we now rejoice that he has acquitted himself so handsomely in the Convention. Those of his party who are true to the principles which they advocated in the Presidential canvass, will cordially approve of the speeches of Col. Baylor. Those who were governed by what they deemed policy and not principle--who supported Douglas because they thought he was the stronger wing of the party--who sought the majority and not principle--and who are now co-operating with the secessionists-- may not endorse the position of Col. Baylor, but the masses of that party who are governed by principles and who supported Douglas because they endorsed his principles, will cordially endorse the speeches of Col. Baylor.

The opposition of Hunter and Mason in the U. S. Senate to the Peace Conference resolutions, will meet with the indignation of three-fourths of the people of this State. The people will pronounce the curse anathema maranatha against them. The secessionists and the worst class of Black Republicans harmoniously co-operated to frustrate all efforts at settlement. Mason and Hunter paid no respect to the voice of Virginia as recently expressed in thunder- tones at the polls. In the language of the "Baltimore American," we ask, "what have Messrs. Mason and Hunter to say in their own defence when they assume an attitude in direct hostility to all the conservative men in their State?--They oppose the Peace Conference resolution when it is perfectly well understood that there is no remaining possibility of settlement by the present Congress, if they are rejected. Moreover, they are not required to commit themselves. Their opposition was a factious opposition, based upon grounds so frivolous, in comparison with the momentous issues involved, that we can only wonder that gentlemen of their pretensions were not ashamed to offer it."