The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-10-22
The October Elections.

The October Elections.
This mortal existence would he a gloomy
destiny were it not relieved now ard then 10y
a CLEAN of sunshine, and the organization of
parties would present a forbiddng aspect were
there not occasional CLEANS OF hope to stimu-
late and encourage iii the maintenance OF ten
cts of political faith. We had almost feared
that what is called the Democratic party Of the
country was about to dissolve and die of des-
pair, until the October elections. We are now
satisfied that there will b. enough vitality in
fused into it. to crystiize the organization, and
to make it respectable party against which to
contend for the control Of the government. Its
very weakness, heretofore, has been the ele-
llent of its strength, inas.nuch as it encouraged
a spi it of security with the Republicans that
relaxed effort. and deluded them into the false
belief that all that was necessary was to nom-
mate their candidates to secure success. The
result in Ohio and Indiana last week will be
the salvation of the Republican party in 1875.
From this time forward it will be regarded as
a political duty to discipline and concentrate
party strength, to repudiate individualisIn, aud
to bring prominently to the foreground the
grand principles of the organization. The nee
essity for active effort was not impressed upon
the Republicans of New York and Pennsyl-
vania until adversely covered the party III
the West. From the fact that there is immin-
ent danger Of losing the popular branch of
Congress, we may reasonably expect the most
energetic measures to be adopted to bring out:
and direct the entire strength of the party in
those two important States.
1t is very easy to explain the cause OF the de-
feat in Ohio and Indiana, and demonstrate
that it did not find its source in hostility to the
general policy Of the administration. liz Ohio
the Republicans were foolish enough to incor-
porate into their platform resolution OH tenn
perance, amounting to the essence of the
Maine Liquor Law. This, OF itself, was enough
to drive from it liberal minded men OF both
parties. Political organizations TRANSCEND the
legitimate sphere of their operations when they
undertake to lay down code either in religion
or ethics, which contemplates the regulation OF
the tastes, the habits, or the appetites of men.
In the first place it is not german to the pur-
poses of political parties; and in the second, it
is in conflict with the instincts of individual
freedom. Temperance is very good thing
and it would be well for all the inter .sts of So
cety. in its social and political relations if there
were less Of intcniperance. But no moral
lnaudiinism can reform a mans habits. No
purtanic sentimentalism can engraft conyic-
ton upon the conscience. 1t is a work to be
accomplished outside Of political agencies, as
understood i'll this country. 1t goes down into
the heart, the iuner existence OF humanity,
and solicits the higher aud nobler attributes of
| his being. Political parties were not intended
for this kind of propagandism. Their func-
! tons apply to affairs Ct government affecting
| fundamental principles, and the relative rights
! OF ind .viduals and communities. Temperance
belongs to the gospel department Of the work.
ing of society, and under our system of gov
ernment it is y recognized truth that church
and state shall De separate. The Republicans
of Ohio may thank themselves for tllcit defeat
| to do with politics. except to be regulated by
laws, apart from its moral aspect, and only as
a matter OF political economy.
In Indiana there was much sympathy eX-
cited against the Republicans party, by reason
| of its position Oh the temperance question IN
Ohio. They are almost one people-composed
Of similar elememts-of the same descent, and
controlled by the same interests, as their pnr-
suits are as near alike as those of the citizens
OF two states could we'll be, only divided by a
geographical line. The fallacy of an Inflated
currency, ALSO attracted many thoughtful peo-
pie into the support of the Democratic ticket,
standing as it did upon AL imitation platform,
| and virtual reputation Of the obligations OF
the government.
| But it is useless to explain the cause of the
defeat in those two States. The fact stares us
in the face. and with that we have to deal. 1t
will accomplish no good to introduce specious
reasoning to account for an unexpected result.
\ The only practical method now to adopt, is to
prevent further disaster. This can be done,
| by persistent efforts to bring prominently be-
| fore the people and impress upon them the nee
| essity of preventing further results such as we
are commenting on. This can be effected by
united effort, a clear presentation of the prin-
ciplcs of the party, and enforcement from
| inciyidralism and one idea fanaticism. We
want men not on account of themselves per-
sonally, but because Of their party fealty, their
conviction of principle, and the nun who is
not willing to ferego self for principle. is UNI
worthy of the support of the party. With this
as the guiding rule there will be no more de-
feats, and the results we have experienced will
only serve to stimulate republicans to shape
their course SO as not to invite more of them.
| The defeat Of the Republicans i'll Indiana and
Ohio will prove the best thing that ever hap
] pened to the Republican party, and will be
sure to arouse tile popular feeling TO * full con-
ception OF the Importance of retaining both
branches of Congress, and electing the Presi-
dent in 1875.
The November Elections.
The Republicans of this Congressional Dis
trct present can iidate in the person OF Hon.
Il ~ o1o