The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-07-23
Old Fooy PrudiShneSS.

There has been manifestation Of pru-
dishness on the part of few old fogy par
tisans in this State with reference to the
recent campaign that is amusing enough to
those who have the patience to endure
little affeetation from such quarters.
The complaint set up is as to articles
alleged to be humiliating, and some syco-
phancy and little hypocrisy, etc. The
Telegram to General GRANT is consid-
cred as one of the articles.
Now, what if these complaints are in
measure just (Which they are not), how
does the campaign compare with those OF
other times? Who does not remember the
tricks of parties in the days before the
war? The adroit and deceitful platforms
the hypocritieal professions-the intrigues-
the cheating = the demagogueism = the
manufacturing Of public sentiment-the
exaggerating of p;gmies into giants-and
the thousand plots and tricks to gull the
people and win the victory at the polls
The deep games played then by the parti-
sans we're for Office. The party lines we're
exceedingly shadowy, and the country was
every four years convulsed by the war for
office.
Compared with the motives and the con-
duct of the men of those times, in what re-
spect does the recent campaign suffer? In
none. we believe. The motive in the strug-
gle just ended was the highest that could
actuate man: the salvation Of the State.
Where was the humiliation and the insin-
'cerity Of the campaign? In electioneering
amongst the colored voters? Had they been
voters before the war, would the virtuous
politicians Of those times have failed to So
licit their votes TO electioneer with them
and pay them decided marks Of Prospect
full consideration 2 We presume not
There were splendid electioneerers in those
days, and the poor negro would have been
awfully perplexed what to do amidst the
industrious counter solicitations to which he
would have been subjected
The general alliance Of all classes Of pol
iticians for the public safety-the taking
position on General GRANTS platform-tle
felcitation of the President, by telegraph,
at the triumph of the principles Of equality
and Justice which he espoused in securing
for Us the opportunity to vote down the
odious clauses of the constitutional what
respect is there in all these any motive not
commendablc or anything resembling in
sincerity
On the side Of the allies sustaining the
President, the motive was the highest that
could animate men to contest. That they
stood on General GRANTS platform was
fact, and the message was the simple truth.
The people were reioced, and General
GRANT had afforded them the chance to re-
joice by giving them the opportunity to do
that which was the cause Of their felicia
ton. "That telegram" was the very es-
sence of truth.
Pray, then, where is the occasion for Vir-
tue to turn up its nose? What pretext for
the few veteran campaigners Of other days
to put on prudish airs? There never was
political campaign in Virginia of such great
importance-the people never worked harder
or more sincerely-and never was there
palmer or more honest and sincere talk and
action-and, finally, never was there cam
paign more gloriously ended, more fitting
for the general felicitation and for speed
ing the public joy along the thrilling wires
to all parts of the Union.
The campaign was vitality in earnest-the
victory grand. Neither Gun be rrejudieed
or diminished by the cayilling and prudish-
ness of few old fogies.