Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1872-11-12
The Presidential Election.

Our apprehensions in reference to the result
of the Presidential election have been more
than realized, for whilst, since the elections IN
October, we apprehended the defeat OF the
Liberal Ticket, we did not anticipate that 1t
would be so overwhelming. This is remarka-
bic result, and was effected ia manner equal
" remarkable It was effected, not SO much
by those who voted as By those who failed to
vote. The complacent stay at home voters de-
feated the Liberal aad elected the Republican
ticket We do not purpose to chide or reproach
them, though we appealed to them earnestly
and persistently to vote and warned them OF
the DANGER of failing to do SO, but leave them
in their sad Illumination to chew the bitter cud
of reflection, hoping that they will profit by the
lesson thus dearly taught. We will not apply
the trte aphorism that, experience is dear
school, but fools will learn in no other" We
do not question the patriotism or honesty Of
this negative or neutral class, but maintain that,
in this instance, their judgment was at fault
Having but little hope, after the result OF the
October elections, however accomplished, OF
the SUCCESS of the Liberal Ticket, and fearing
that, through apathy, our own State would be
lost. which would endanger the success of the
Conservative State ticket next year. We warned
the Conservatives of the danger and earnestly
appealed to them to shake off their apathy and
to rally to a man to the polls in support Of the
Conservative or Liberal Ticket. Many needed
not the warning and turned deaf ear to such
appeals, and the result is, that the vote in this
State is 50 close that it is as yet unknown
whether her electoral vote will be cast for the
Liberal or Republican ticket. We think it very
probable that the Conservatives in this county,
near two thousand, who failed to vote, have, by
SO doing, given the electoral vote of this State
to the Republican party We are sure that
they did not desire such a result, and that, if
they had anticipated it, they would certainly
have cast their votes. We are truly sorry that
this good old county has acquitted herself with
SO little credit-has forfeited her prestige, and
has to lower her proud crest which she was
wont TO carry SO loftily and honorably. One
precinct deserves honorable mention. In the
late contest, it was the banner precinct Of this
couety-not single Republican vote was cast
at It. We audc to the Mt. Meridian precinct.
Bath and Rockingham each had similar
precinc5-Hickmau's Sohool-house in Bath and
Witsig's Store in Rocking CHAM.
The votes, at the recent election, of nine pre-
ciucts in this county were rejected, in conse-
quence of iBf3rmality of one kind or another or
failure in the part Of the commissioners Of cleo
ton on making their returns, to comply strictly
with the law and the forms prescribed.
Green7iile-For want Of evidence of admins
tration Of oath. and necessary certificate.
Midway On account Of certificate being in
correct.
Iebanoa-No evidence Of Clerks or Judges
being sworn and certificate defective.
Spriog Hii-No evidence of Clerks or Judges
being sworn.
Mt. Sidney-Same reason.
Red Mills --defects too memeFous to mention.
Barterbrook- Many defects.
Sherando defects in certificate.
Sandy Hollow Irregularities and defects in
Poll book as we'll as in the certificate.
Since the war, Augusta county has been
peculiarly unfortunate in this respect. We,
hope that such may not be the case in future.
The following is the full vote in the County
Of Augusta:
no. H. ~,