Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1873-08-19
THE FIELD CHEERING,

There has not, says that staunch old Dem
ocratic journal, the Lancaster, Pa, MtchI>
gcncer, within the last thirteen years, been so
cheering condition of affairs, politically, in
the country, both North aud South The
people have, for so long time, been crushed
in all that pertained to their political rights,
their personal freedom, and all that concerns
their material interests, that all hope had been
almost lost, and the sovereign citizens-al
outside of the officials and tie mere party
tools of the Radicals-had settled down in to
lethargic indifence which boded but little
of promise for a bettered condition. The i'm
mense influence which had SO long been
welded by the Radical party, with all their
appliances of Office and the machinery Of an
inscriptions and corrupt organization, had
continued that party in power, and had given
it seeming endorsement of all lis usurpa-
tions, its high-handed outrages upon the
rights of the people, its official corruptions,
and its base and open betrayal of repeated
promises of reform, which were never meant
to be kept. This condition of political af-
fairs, led the corruptionists on from one ex-
treme to another, until their conduct became
SO brazen>faced that it had to be condemned by
some of the most prominent men in the Rad~
ical ranks. The Credit Mobilier fraud, the
increase of Congressional and PRESIDENTIAL
salary and the back-pay steal, were only
step in advance of the more stealthy swind>
ling operations which have characterized tho
Radical party ever since its assum ption of
power. There is, in all criminal transactions.
however ndroitly planned and boldly executed,
time when reckoning must come; and that
time has now come for the party in power
The handwriting on the wall was not more
significant of Nebuchadnezzer's overthrow
than are now the murmurings of a wronged
aud awakened people of the downfall of Rad.
.icalism in this country. The mutterings of
discomfort were at first but few, and feebly
uttered but they increased in volume and
have become bold in expression.
We have assurance of this in the improved
aspect OF the Democratic and Conservative
outlook, as presented by the recent action of
the Ohio and Virginia State Conventions.
In the Buckeye State there has been pre-
sented, not only candidates who are honest
beyond reproach, competent beyond question
and of popularity which is only the growth
of life>long integrity, but platform which
cannot fail to challenge the respect and con-
tidence of men of all parties The enthusiasm
is rapidly increasing, and men who were LONG
unconnected with politics-veterans of recog
nlzed and sterling worth-are rallyiug to the
old Democratic standard. In Virginia, the
i'emocratlc> Conservatives have been equally
happy in the selection of candidates and the
presentation Of platform of principles. The
Old Dominion is usow with enthusiasm, and
the noble course pursued by tho Democrats
and Conservatives of both these States, has
infused new hope and fresh ardor into the
Democratic, honest masses That feeling.
stimulated anew each day with promise of sue
cess, cannot fail to be the precursor of that
''good time coming" for which the people
have SO long hoped and prayed.