Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1868-03-17
Work! Work.! Work

have to do more than vote simply on the ques
ton of ratification, for the latest amendment re-
quires that members of Congress and all State
officers shall be elected on the same day. This
cunningly devised scheme is intended to pro
mote the interests of the negro party, for it ev-
identity anticipates that all aspirants for Office,
whether they favor the Constitution or not,
will give it their votes. This dodge must force
the Conservatives to run candidates for it will
not do in Virginia to let the Radical candidates
for the several offices be elected, trusting to de-
feat the Constitution and thus render their elec
ton void. Congress in such case would GER
tanly declare the Constitution ratified, and the
officers duly elected to their several positions
But if we defeat the Constitution and at the
same time elect to the various offices Conserva-
tive men, Congress itself will be rather puzzled
to frame legislation to meet the case: We
must, therefore, contest every point, hight at
every outpost, have candidates for every office.
Such is the advice of the Lynchburg Neus,
and good advice it is, says the Charlottesville
Chronicle, which deserves to be followed; in
deed, which must be followed, with zeal and
energy, if we would save the State of Virginia,
with her grand old historic past, and her glo-
rious future from the pollution of negro domi
nation. No lukewarmness will do now, for this
is not contest for superiority between parties
of our own people, as in days gone by, when
success to neither side involved any very great
changes of State policy-and there certainly
could not be produced an entire revolution in
the government, no matter what was the issue
Of any given election. 1t will not do now, for
us to shut our eyes to the importance of the
struggle that will begin as soon as the Conven
ton adjourns Safety, quiet self-respect, ev-
erything is involved in the contest 1t will not
do to allow Virginia to be given over to Yam
KEGS and Negroes. Congress has allowed a vote,
which must be fair one, if the white people
take pains to guard against fraud, as they
ought to do and must do. The honor and
prosperity Of every individual depends on sue
cess and success, must be had The white peo-
pie hardly realize the consequences of the adop
ton of this constitution, especially in counties
where the negroes have the majority. They
don't seem to understand that it will carry with
it high taxes, negro officials in all county Off
ces, Tor, what will be worse, foreign white ad
venturers) fraud and corruption in all places of
public trust. They must consider whether
they are wiling without an effort, to have their
property assessed and the taxes collected by a
stranger or negro, whether they are willing to
see negroes, or their more corrupt white leaders,
sitting as magistrates on the bench, as clerks,
keeping the records of the Courts as Sheriffs
and Constables making arrests, and serving ex-
ecutions. IF they are willing to see and to suf-
fer all of these things let them stay quietly at
home and fake no interest in the contest-but
if not, they must be up and doing. No time
is to be lost. The convention must adjourn
very soon and the election will be ordered, in
very few weeks afterits adjournment. Thorough
organization will do much to win the fight, and
we know, from the experience of the last cleo
ton, that the other side will be moved like
well drilled army. Is ours complete? Has sew
cry one done the part assigned him? Nor
should all the work be thrown on the officers of
the conservative organization-for what is the
interest of each one, is his duty also-and all
are certainly interested in this matter. Let all
make up their minds beforehand, and when the
canvas begins, be ready to sacrifice time mon
ey, whatever may be necessary for the cause
With the vote on the Constitution, there will
also be an election of State and county officers.
Conservative candidates should be brought out,
for all the offices, even the most unimportant
The battle must be fought on every inch OF
ground, and nothing yielded without contest
It is possible though very improbable, if the
Conservatives do their duty, that the Constitu
ton may be carried. 1t is very probable that
it will be imposed on the State by Congress,
without regard to the vote. Garry all, or, at
any rate, most of the Offices in the State, and
the measures of the radicals will be checkmated
in any event. The clause, requiring only ten
day. residence opens the door to fraud, and
was probably intended so to do. This only
makes moro vigilance necessary. There should
be persons at the polls, knowing all the voters,
black and white No exerton should be spared
to control this election for if it is lost all is
lost, for some years at last. Defeat this Con-
stitution, and time will be gained, which will be
invaluable, in view Of the critical condition of
parties at the North