Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1857-06-09
q nm RKsuIT N rms 81 S sIiI =!

The result OF the recent elections in this
State, Is re-afirmation Of that devotion to
he Democratic party, which has been for
i years . distinguishing characteristic of vir-
ginia. The facility with which new issues
have been created by the opposition, under its
numerous names, has failed to seddce her
from the psth Of duty, and with commend
able fxeduess of purpose, she has ever pursued
the sSen tenor of her war. content that her
destiny should be wrought out, by an ,iniexi-
bic and undertaking adherence 10 the Consti-
tuition, and BY an unchangeahle advocacy of
the rights of die States under that Constitution:
Since the formation Of political parties, she
has occupied, but one position. Hers has been
an unalterable attitude. Fauaticism. has
swept her sister States from their moorings,
but like the pillar of cloud BY day; and the
pillar OF fire by night, she has steadily shone
out in the fury Of the storm, cheering the
friends of the Union, and rebuking fanaticism
IN whatever form presented.
En- 1885 it was her province to arrest that
pirh of bigotry and intolerance, which had
efaeed old landmarks and destroyed the
identity of Constitutional parties in the North,
and which had erected upon the ruins of de-
feated wbiggery, temple consecrated to the
worship of Abolition deities. Maryland, her
sister in the struggle for independence, had
been borne down under the weight of the in
vader, and the rowdyism which has every
where proved itself part and parcel of the
principles of the kaow-nothing party. With
hopes flushed by victory, the assault was made
upon Virginia, and those not familiar with
the character of her people, viewed the attack
with melancholy distrust. Some who sympa-
thized with her, feared the result. The fighs
was looked upon by many as the attack of an
irresistible force upon an impregnabIe fortress.
But under the lead of the gallant WISE, the
Democratic party triumphed, and hurled back
the now discomftted and broken hosts of the
ed confidence and trust in the timid aud dis:
trustfut hearts of those who feared the result
of the contest. In 1856 she re-asserted her
position, and forcibly indicated her honor
and patriotism.
In the late contest, another string was play
ed upon to deceive her, and seduce her from
the ancient faith. Her cupidity was appealed
70 her present condition was dwelt upon in
the most disParasing terms her future ruin
under her present policy, was pictured in the
most heart-stirring language, and the feelings
OF those who desired to get possession of her,
were expressed in the gloomiest forebodings.
But all would not Go; she knew but one par
ty, and she loved that party too well, to sacri-
ice it at the altar of mammon. She was rooted
and grounded in the faith, and she knew no
temptation which would induce her to back
slide. She had fought many a fight against
the concentrated and consolidated principles
OF Whiggery, and it was mistaken notion
Of her foes, to select from that compact array
ofparty tenets, one single issue with which to
oppose her unterriied Democracy, especially
as the one selected was the nearest of all to
old and forgotten Federalism.
The result is Just what might have been an
ticipated. A complete route upon a chosen
issue. An overthrow upon selected field
In every Congressional district but one the
Democracy have triumphed, and in that one
they were only defeated by their own conf
dence. The Legislature is tremendously and
overwhelmingly Democratic, and the States
position upon this galvanized dogma is en-
phaticaIly defined.
We send the greeting of Virginia to the De-
mocratic party of the Unionl She has once
more Enthusiastically declared her attachment
to the Constitution, and in the midst of her re-
joicing, calls upon the South to initiate her
example.