The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-05-04
The Dras Net.

''so'''s> UNIV YIN pCpl'lC liullfCS
'es sentsesaen to be Supported at the primary
soi tile different offices. Many of these gentle
1Nef would not serve if elected. Many others
have no sympathy with, and will take no part |
II the primary election, and but very few OF |
them are really aspirants for the positions
named.
The trick is too transparent to deceive any
one. The object is to excite the pcrsonalfriends
OF these gentlemen, and thereby induce them
to commit themselves to the result of the pri-
mary, and give Importance and dignity to the
movement The intelligent voters of Stahnton
understand the game, and il we are not much
mistaken, will leave the few ring managers to
run their own machine without their counte-
nance OF aid. They have no idea OF rushing,
wath their eyes open, into i trap and thus give
zap the right to exercise their Judgment in cast
ing their votes at the final election for the men
who will best subserve the interests of the city,
They perceive 'no impending danger threaten
ing in the reelection of the old officers who have
faithfully and efficiently discharged their duties.
Nor are they willing to binl themselves to sup
port the action OF few individuals who have
taken upon themselves the important mission
of regulating the city's affairs by proposing to
eject from position those who, from their expe-
rence, good Judgment and business qualiflca-
tions, are best fitted to attend to the affairs OF
the corporation. The substantial voters and
citizens of Staunton want to know precisely
who they are entr.lsting their interests with
when they cast their votes, and do not pro-
pose to throw away, for tile qualifications
of Il few ring-managers, their right and
title to the elective franchise. There never WAS
a more barefaced piece ofiurpudence, Or gross
er insult offtredto the Intelligence OF tlic peo-
pie, thar is contained in this suggestion Of a
primary election and the method OF conducting
it, 1t would present a pretty pietsre, indeed,
were grown up men, who respect their man
hood and the rights OF citizenship, to dcliber-
ately surrender them to the direction o: i few
soured. disappointed demagoeues and ambitious
politicians, SHE will cohrfol the primary cleo
ton! Let it he remembered that every man
who participates i'll tEat election, signs an OBJ
legation in writing his name across the back of
his ticket, to abide its result. He cannot, if he
| desires to do SO, vote against the choice, no
matter what his qualifications for the office with
which his name is connected, or the influences
that may have operated in his selection. The
die will have been cast. and the pledge given,
and there can be no second thought or qualify
ing argument to allow a reputation Of the
nominee be he proper OF an improper person.
Nor does the ''plan,'' as published and adopt
| In 80.
for any man for position who chooses to allow
his nanleto be used regardless Of the primary.
The primary nominees have to be supported and
everybody else rerutiated. The written pledge
is there to clinch the agreement. There can
be 20 discretion without qualification. 1t is Il
bond, signed, sealed and delivered and the pen.
atty of its violation the anathemas of the So
called organization. Are the people Of Staun-
ton weak and foolish enough to throw away
their manhood ard individuality i'll. that man
ner? Can they reconcile it to their sense of
duty as citizens, to thus surrender their immu-
nitess And for what? That haif-a- dozen
soreheadcd aspirants for cheap notoriety may
| have their personal dslikes gratGcd at the ex.
pelisc OF the city's welfare and the peoples
rights.
The mention of the names Of SO many gem
teinen in connection with the various offices
to fill, Is for the purpose Of inducing the friends
of each to participate in the election and by this
means swell the number far beyond the pro-
portion that the original friends of the move
ment would warrant. If is drag-net to haul in
any ones friend WHO has teen mentioned,
whether he wan is office or not. The strength
of the movement" would then have, at least the
appearance, of the sanction of considerable
number of citizens. First having them secure
ly bound by the written pledge OH the ticket,
the managers could trot out their favorites and
thrust them down the threats of their deludel
victims, whether palatab!e or not. 1t would be
a violent resumption, indeed, to suppose for a
moment that the people of Stanton would al
low themselves to be thus seduced.
1
1t is not necessary in this community, where
| Robert G. Bickle is known, where he was born
and raised, and has spent his life, to make any
REPUTATION OF the imputations sought to be cast
upon him by the Vindicator, as public man.
Its influence here in this election amounts to
nothing-it is measured by the motives which
govern it, and it might fill its columns with
assaults upon Mr.. Bickle, from now until the
day of election, and they would not influence
a single vote. 1t is known to the people of
Staunton that Mr.. Bickle, while q strict bust
ness man in business matters, has been liberal
with his means for the public benefit. He has
expended, since 1865, at least $50 900 in build.
ing residences and giving employment to our
mechanics. lie has loaned his name and
means to assist worthy men, contendng with
adversely and poverty, in their business enter
prises, and has done more favors of this kind
than any ten men in Staunton. When the
Factory of Lllshbangh Bros. was in flames, and
when it was seen that the entire building and
machinery would be a loss to these worthy
gentlemen, before the fire was cxtingnshed,
Mr.. Bickle went to the Messrs. Ltlshbaugh and
told them they must rebuild at once. The res
ponse was they had not the means to do it,
He replied, lyon can have any amount you
want'at G per cent, and pay it when it suits
you.7'. They availed themselves OF the offer,
rebuilt their Factory, and when they proposed
to return the money, Mr.. Bicklc told them to
keep it longer-they iaight cramp themselves,