Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1856-05-17
The TIaotion on Thursday.

The Election on Thursday.
Tb;s will be the last issue Of the Nindi-
GATOR before the election OF the 22d; and
we desire TO offer few reflections upon
the ;ss,,es OF the canvass in this number
A we have frequently stated in previous
editorial articles, we are the advocate OF
no mans election for the sake of the rlan.
This paper is the organ oil no man or party
in tins election. We have no party tufiu-
ences or considerations operating upon Us
but rs citizens Of the common wealth Oh
Virginia, ard of the county OF Augusta
we feel a deep interest in the precedent 10
BE established by the rcsui; on next hniS-
,.ay. The cali for the Convention Wh'cn
adopted the present Constitution was maze
qrjncipaljg for the purpose of extending
the right of suflfage-the mayor argument
used in its behalf being that the people
were capable'ot self-sovernment- that meg
should have the privilege OF exercising
the right OF treemen in selecting the
agents who were to discharge tue various
du,ies of the various Offices which affected
in common. men OF all classes OF COMMIT
nifty. The feature in the Constitution
which recognized this right of the people,
of course, contempates degree OF virtue
intelligence and Independence IN the
masses sufficient TO guide them to an eff
Gent choice and to resist the eorruptihg
influences of demagogues and place nun"
,ers. The basis idea of the privilege OF
tbe elective franchise is. that those who
participate in its privileges are honest and
unable. This Is the main idea which
permeates, and IN fact, constitutes the
principle. The correctness OF tins idea is
about to be tested III this county. The
proposition is clearly and distinctly before
the people-divested of all embarrass.
ments-are the people capable of selecting
,her own agents, in conformity with The
shirt and understanding OF the provision
Of the constitution which grants the right
Of suffrage? Or can they be seduced from
their own independence, be blinded to the
importance and weightiness OF the trust
confided to them by party appeals and
party appllancesi We believe the peo-
Die are honest, and when left free to ex-
ercise their best judgment, will do so with
the sole view to the advancement of the
public veal. They can be deceived. how
ever. The interested politician may mis-
represent 10 them the vital issues in
volved--may mlsguide them by false APP
peals and false statements and hence The
necessity of the vigilance, the caution, the
wa,chfulness, we have from time to time
enioined. We submit to the honest voters
of Augusta county, whether or not 1t Is
to their interest TO vote Tor men to I'LL
high and important Offices, merei! from
considerations OF party affinity, or Intrinsic
efficiency and capacity2 The question Is
a momentous one to those to whose deei-
sion il is committed. 1t is one comprising
their dearest tights as citizens, and " hieh
may, indeed, affect the best interest OF
their posterity. Let party spirit, al ms
time. be rebnk ed-let the most experience
ed men be chosen to Gil the Offices of trust,
and then will have been indicated the
character, the Intelligence aid the lnde-
nepdenee of The masses, and the wisdom
of The trainers Of the present constitution.
Let the people calmly and dispassionately
consider the question upon which they
will soon vote, aud the precedent they
will shortly establish, and then in TIE
honesty of their hears, and like freemen,
who appreciate the name. maniully walk
to the polls and cast their votes Tor the
man they may think best qualified for The
office FOR which he may be offering. Such
only. should be the cha'acter OF the action
of the voters Of Augusta county and SUCH
only is compatible with the dignity OF thai
secrea trust, the right TO cote.