Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1869-05-25
The Duties Of Election Dav.

The election which will take place on the 9th
day Of July next, b. appointment of the Pres
ldcnt will decide whether the people of this
State are to be cursed with the Underwood a.
domination, called Constitution, as it came
from the hands Of the Molungeon Convention,
or whether it will be modified by having the
test-oath and DISTINGUISHING clauses stricken
out-whelher Walker or Wells will be our Gov
ernor, and whether proper men will be elected
to represent Che State in the Legislature
This election is as important as any which
has ever been held Ia this State-its result will
determine most momentous questions Those
VINO nave the right TO vote should allow moth
Ing to prevent them from attending the polls
ana casting their ballots on the day Of election.
ana those who have not registered heretofore
Should be sure to attend to that duty before
the day OF election, and on that day be sure to
vote. Those who will fail in the performance
OF their duty on that day may live long, but
they VIII never live long enough to cease tie re-
greet their culpable remissness. It will be
Diack day IN the calendar of their remembrance.
1t Will haunt them like an evil spirit and its
memory will be source Of unceasing regrets
and unremitting pain.
The time Is short, and the whole of it should
oe devoted to preparations for the duties of the
Gay OF election. See that every man shall reg
lister and that all shall vote.
All should vote, Of course, for striking out
tae teSt-oath and DISTINGUISHING clauses which
VIII be submitted separately. There is no apol-
ogy or excuse for any one, white or colored,
VINO Will vote to retain those clauses in the Con-
stltutlon. Those who will do so UNDERSTANDING
iy will thereby proclaim themselves the enc
MES OF the people, and they we'll deserve to be
treated as enemies by the people among whom
they live. The number in Augusta of this kind
will be few, if ANY,
we do not believe that any colorcd man. who
understands the effect of such vote, will vote
TO retoln those clauses IF he has any sense
he will know that by 50 doing he will be gain
Ing nothing but will be losing the good Twill
anu friendship OF the people among whom he
hVeS' and upon whom he is dependent for en-
ployment and support 1t is the dutv Of tbe
whites to explain their matters fully to the col.
ored voters, that they may vote understanding
~ Teach them their duty in the premises
and then if they vote for such iponitv nndo,
sEandingly, let them suffer the effect of thoir
lnexcusabc conduct. If they act the mart of
enemies, let them be treated as such,
All can unite in voting against the test-oatb
and DISTINGUISHING clauses, it matters not how
widely their opinions upon other subjects NAV
differ. And no complaints should be made ..
galnst any who will so vote, however thew NAV
vote upon the body of the Constitution, wbeth
er Tor Its ratification or it's rejection. All who
vote against the clauses submitted to separata
Votes should be considered as friends and ma
trots whether they vote for or against the rat
licatlon of the other parts of the Constitution
Upon the basis of opposition to the clauses sinh
mitted separately ''let us have peace''-unon
that platform, as narrow as it is, let us all stand
as friends together, however widely we NAV
differ upon other questions. This is a tina far
the exercise Of charity, liberality and forbear-
ance. Let past differences, as far as possible
be forgotten, and lei sentiments of Cancellation
and harmony be cherished Let all unite in