Washington sentinel., 1855-03-06
THE coNrEsT IN VIRGINIA.

meddle in State elections. 1t has always been
our habit to abstain from comment on such
contests unless some issue be involved in them
which has general and pervading interest
A State canvas is now pending in Virginia,
tbe result Of which will effect the whole coun.
try. Every citizen Of the country is, therefore,
directly interested in that result; and no one
who appreciates the condition Of the times can
fail to look upon the pending election in Vir,
gina without earnest solicitude.
We have seen the most vigorous efforts made
"a misrepresent the state Of affairs in the Old
Dominion. We know that statements nave
heen mt forth in that behalf which have no
foundation in truth, and they were cunningly
devised SO as TO support each other, ana were
framed with the purpose of misleading those
outside of Virginia-the hope being to create
an impression beyond the limits OF the state
which might be made to react on the voters o.
the State.
This unprincipled game could not have had
at any time, the slimmest prospect OF success
if attempted by any organization except that
which has been arranged by the skulking or
der which ancient Federalsts and modern
Wings have embraced and built up to lnfiict
wound in the dark on the Democratic party,
which they fear to meet in the open day'
Speaking with the utmost confidence ana on
information which we consider to be sufficient
we say that the new order-no matter what
name il may take, or what DISCUSSES IT may as
sume-will be utterly and entirely overthrown
in Virginia. Indeed, it has already failed.
The reaction against it has already commenced,
aud that reaction is gathering strength and vol
ume every hour.
The Democracy of the Old Dominion is
alive to the Importance Of the work it has TO
do. It understands perfectly that circumstan-
ces have imposed upon it the duty Of deciding
the fate of secret political societies in the United
States. 1t is fully impressed with the belief
that if Virginia gives way now, the rule OF
mysterious conclaves will spread over the
South as it has spread over the North; and
that If II is overthrown and crushed out In
VIRGINIA. the whole South will be saved from
the domination of its pestilential principles.
The most jealous efforts have been made to
dune. deceive and betray the Democrats OF Vir-
ginia. No scheme to SOW jealousy and foment
distrust has been left untried by the minions OF
the new order. BY hints, innuendoes, and
secret whisperings, the Know-nothing MIS-
sionaries have sought TO make Democrats sus-
picious Of each other, and by false rumors and
clustering Dragging averments, they have un-
dsrtaken to intimidate the voters of Virginia.
AT one time some persons were alarmed by the
indistinct proportions Of the hidden enemy.
But now that alarm has passed away; and as
we have already stated the reaction has already
commenced.
The Democrats of Virginia understand and
appreciate the efforts to SOW distrust in their
ranks, and they cannot be influenced by the
hints, innuendoes, and whispers OF the secret
order All minor matters are now laid aside,
and the secret society question has absorbed
all others. This has united the Democratic
party OF that State and made all petty discord
and dissatisfaction disappear in the face OF
great object which must be accomplished at all
hazards. The Wings Of Virginia do not mani-
fest any intention Of running ticket against
the ticket nominated by the Democracy; but
the fusion which such a course indicates is
most offensive to the better portion OF the Nir'
ginia Wings themselves. In establishing their
lodges the new order has made use Of men in
desperate circumstances; and the manliness Of
the whig party in Virginia will not consent tc
take oaths administered by such men, and sub
NIT themselves to the guidance and control o.
men of damaged character, whom they would
not invite to their houses, or permit to asso
,cate with their families.
The developments Of the aims and objects
of che New Order in the North have not beer
without their legitimate effect in Virginia. II
the beginning, thoughtful men saw the danger
ous and ant-republican tendencies OF an
secret political association. Of late, the de
structive principles OF the secret political society
which has become so prominent in our politics
have been plain and apparent to the com
monest understanding. In Virginia, we So,
most confidently, that the Order is losing
Ground. II never had in that State tythe o
she strength it boasted Of The few Demo
srats that have been seduced into its organ
ization there are fast leaving it, willis
many Wings OF high character and great in
.auence openly denounce il as dangerous =
the liberties Of the country. Every day III
current against it is gaining force, and th
Protestant sentiment, which has been COURTS
so seduously, is beginning to be alarmed at th
inevitable results Of Catholic persecution lik
that which has been set on foot whilst all goo
men see that nothing but evil can come fror
secretobligatons and thedestruction ofthat cor
6dence which is the basis Of social intercourse
and the only sure foundation either for publ
or private morality. These ideas are workin