Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1860-10-23
Are Yeu Readye

AIc L GU Ready!
In two weeks from this day the people Of the
United States will be called upon to decide the
most Important election that has ever been held
in this country. The very existence of the Gov
eminent, 1t may be, is dependent upon the result
OF this election. The great and important issue
is nnion or disunion. Will we remain united.
free' prosperous and happy people, or shall we
De involved IN all the evils of anarchy and dis
cord, and all the indescribable horrors of civil
war and fratricidal strife2 This is q time when
mere considerations of party should be lost sight
OF entirely, and when every one should look
alone to the preservation of our government, and
the salvation of the Union, the only guarantee
OF our liberties. The man who, in this fearful
crisis OF our countrys fate, is controlled by mere
partizan considerations, is traitor to his coun-
try. When the Government is not threatened
and when the Union is not imperlle4, when we
are concerned alone about the best mode of ad-
ministerng the Government, and differ only
about the measures of policy, it is well enough
then to be controlled to some extent by party
preferences, and even blind party prejudice can
be tolerated, If not excused, but when the Gov
eminent is in danger and the Union is trembling
upon the brink of ruin, it is time to turn deaf
ear to the syren voice of party and obey the SOL
emn ipjunctions of patriotic duty. At this time
our country calls and her voice should be obey
ed. We concur with the Frederick (Nd) Er-
aaaiaer that the issue is Union or disunion.-
n h,s GoI
but they are of inferior consequence; the great
and real issue is, the preservation of form Of
free government, or the evils of Civil Discord,
the danger Of Anarchy and the prospect of States
discovered, discordant and belligerent, as the al
tentative.
In this fearful crisis, every lover of his ooun-
try is expected to do his duty, as becomes free
man. Fellow citizens, are you prepared for the
responsibility Gird on the armor of patriotism,
carefully survey the field, be ready, and may He
who has hitherto guarded and guided us in every
step BY which we have advanced to the dignity
of a great powerful and enlightened nation,
preserve US as a united peoplel
eternal vigilance is the price of liberty"
See to it, therefore, that apathy or neglect afford
no occasion for vain regrets and remorse. Let
every man go to the polls, and forgetting party
distinctions, regulating the behests of party
leaders, and burying by-gone political aninosi-
ties for season, vote with an eye single to the
preservation of the Union, the maintenance of
the Constitution and the Enforcement of the
laws.
The enemies of the Constitution, whose fanat-
icism threatens evil and danger, are one in SEN
timent and purpose. The intoxication of pros
pective success excites their zeal beyond the re-
straints of prudence. The opposition is divided;
its strength is frittered away in Improbable
contentious upon abstract propositions, and fos
tered prejudices. If the Union be dissolved,
how can the factionists hope to decide their petty
quarrels; where will the demagogues then be;
how shall the right, they now profess to struggle
for, be longer guaranteed to themf
The time has come to meet the impending
crisis in manly, decided and Constitutional
manner. 1t is clear that the friends of the Union
must make common cause and rally under the
leaders who can and will save the Union, restore
ISM Who oan do it2 Can Douglas and John
son achieve the repose the country SO much
needs2 They may be many times stronger in
the popular and electoral vote than their rival
Southern faction; yet every one knows, they are
impotent against Lincoln and in no possible event
can either of them be elected TO the Presidential
Office. Can Breckenridge and Lane accomplish
more? Mr.. Breckenridge is practically ont of
the fight; his friends know he stands no earthly
chance, and that his continued candidacy only
gives said and comfort" to Lincoln. Granting
all the strength his most jealous friends claim for
him, what can these avail2 Absolutely moth
| ing, except to weaken and divide the strength of
the Union nominees! The calculation of Mr..
Lanes election by the Senate is too remote and
uncertain to authorize his course thus far. The
ONLY candidates, who STAND A CHANCE
of DEFEATING Lincoln and Hamlin, are BELL
and EVERETT; the contest lies between Bell
and Lincoln, and the duty of every conservative
citizen is plain and urgent. The Union must
and shall be preserved Lincoln must and will
be defeated, and the way to do both is by giving
united and cordial support to Bell.
The struggle is no childs play; it will be fierce
and arduous. "Work, work." Conservatives,
your country calls. From this hour to the close
of the polls on election day, be active, energetic
and diligent. Reason with your neighbors, see
that every voter goes to the polls.
Nothing to Dread from Lincoln.
Even though Lincoln shonld be elected, and
should be disposed to commit some aggression
upon the rights of the South, he could hot do it.