Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1854-11-01
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 1. 1854.
..aIartial Law"


The Richmond ERquirsr strives hard to main
.,in cheerful spirit, Notwithstanding the dlssat
iSns.ion of portion Of the Democratic press and
party. with the recent decision of the Convention
question. An article in that paper of the 24th
w.t.. reminds US of a timid boy whistng in the
DARK TO keep his courage up. The Enquirer con-
GRADUATES itself that the question which threat
sned TO foment ill-feeling and ieud is happily set
, lied, and that the decision of the Central Com
mittee has been acquiesced in with entire una
uiuity. Having succeeded ia cdrrytag the day
according to its own liking having coolly III
formed those Of the party who vehemently OPP
posed the Goth of November, tbat if they did not
like il they would doubtless be excused from at
sending, the Enquirer now waggishly exclaimS,
.,BsGore the Canvass has begun We have achieved
a triumph over our own prejudices and insubordl-
nate impulses" What does the Richmond E1-
aminer. the South Side Democrat, and the
Lyuchburg Republicans think Of that? 1t is evil
IDENTIFY intended for them, and all other opponents
sf Richmond dictaton, whose ''deyotion to the
fortunes Of particular individual" MIR. Leake,
we euessJ have led them to tread upon The
.brink of the abyss into which every recusant and
re5ellious Democrat is precipitated." The En-
ouirsr expresses the opinion, however, that they
are not beyond the hope of rescue. If they come
10 the Stanton Convention aud tamely submit to
the dictation of the elite, they will again stand
npon safe and solid ground and their past offences
he forgotten Indeed, the Enquirer is so certain
that there viii be entire harmony, that we are
,uld ,he candidate of the party will receive, not
the Massive and reluctant, but the jealous and ac
tive support Of every Democrat In the State y
Consistency is said to be Jewell jewel, we
;sdge. which the Enquirer does not possess. If
that paper is so thoroughly satisfied that every
Democrat in the State will support the nominee
Of The Convention, what is the meaning of the
following language?
"Without implying the least apprehension in
,sgor,l To the result of the next Gubernatorial E.
lection in this State. we may eutreat the Democ-
racy to maintain their organization in all its an
sient vitality and power. Numbers count for
nothing. without concert and energy in action
If we tolerate heresy and insubordination. demon
alization and defeat will be the consequence. In
a, crisis of unusual peril the severe sway OF mar
tial law is essential to the safety Of the army
The Democracy are encompasSed By many toes,
and yexed by uich strife. Shall we relax oGr
1iscipEne2 Shall we suffer every man to go his
swn way, as caprice or treacheIy may suggest
Or. shall we 'sdraw tight the relnS OF party, and
exact q ri0id conformity TO ancient usageF The
Democracy must consider and settle these things.
A strurCle is before us, and we cannot afford TO
neglect any precaution essential to success"
IF every Democrat in the State is to support the
nominee of the Convention zealously and actively,
a, the Enquirer SAYS, why is the significant ques-
ton asked 'Shall we suffer every man to go his
swu way, as caprice or treachery may suggest Z"
What is the meaning of the plain intimatlons OF
possible heresy and characterization? We can
reconcile the Eaquirer's sauguiue antciPatiOns OF
harmony, and equally evident aniiciPatiOns OF
trouble, upon one hypothesis only. The screws
are to be applied the reirs of party drawn tight,
and every Democrat in the State ls to be forced
30 swallow the candidate, upon pain OF being
hurled into that ''sbyss into which every recu-
SAINT or rebellious Democrat is preci2Itated"
This is evidently the game. The Democra-
sy are encompassed by many foes and vexed by
much strife" Many of them are disposed to de-
part from ''ancieut usage"-to act as treemen
oprht 10 aet-for themselyes-and the ''severe
swav Of martial law" is absolutely necessary to
keen them in the traces. 1t remains to &c seen
whether the Enguirer's hopes will be realized
The elite Democracy the Richmond juntO--have
prepared the dose, and expect every Democrat in
,he State to swallow it without murmur, or per-
NIT themselves to DO kicked into that terrible
abyss! Every man is expected to ''stand up to
the rack, fodder or no fodder" Politicians are to
select the Governor, and the people must submit
Such is Modern Democracy-the people placed
spder .'martial law" to carry out the schemes Of
party-leaders.