The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-11-02
From Rockingham.
EIOm AVVh1n6 hosAh'
BRIDGEw4TER, Va. Nov. lst, 1876

ErOM hOckluS HAIL.
BRIDGEwATER, Va. Nov. 1st, 1876.
Dear Virginiaa,
Although the campaign in this county Ia
not been conducted with rs much energy ant
enthusiasm as many earnest Republicans ar
DESTROYS of seeing. although our vote il
Rockingham has been in the past, greatly ii
the minority, yet this manifest dereliction
this apparent and seemingly reversible bar
rier, by no means renders us respondent o
apprehensive, nay, we are confident that OIL
vote will receive quite all augmentation owe
that of any former election.
Several gentlemen of this county, who
heretofore have identified themselves will
the Republican party, have, from sinister
purposes, declared their purposes to support
Tilden, secession, fraudulentincome returns
election frauds, intimidation, violence ant
murder, ETC., etc. Another. although ht
will not support Mr.. Tilden, has signified hi:
intention to remain away from the polls, fol
the reason, that for the past ten years, more
particularly, he has'boldly identified himself
with the Republican party, and endeavoret
to defend Republicanism with all the ability
of which he was possessor; that when Repnb
lican candidates are presented for suffrages
of the people, whether county, congressional.
State or National, and actuated from'a con-
viction of right and sense Of duty, it was Ills
earnest endeavor to support them, and exert
his influence in securing that of Others :; that
for thus exercising his liberty in the elective
franchise, vouchsafed him by the law and
the constitution, that for thus possessing and
defending the principles of the great Repnb-
lican party, that for the utilization with the
administrative party, he has been the subject
of intimidation, denuncation AID Ostracisln
in almost every conceivable manner; being a
day laborer, work has been refused him, des-
titution almost his condition, his society
stunned, and his family held i'll contempt
and detestation. Another, but for whom he
intends voting do not know, has been sew
eral times elected magistrate in one of the
districts OF this county, and that most hon
orable preferment as erecuttre Of a county
district, as is natural with humanity, has
his political aspirations, and we pre-
sumo lac will identify himselfwitll the oppo-
sition in order to hasten the contamination
of his aims. While we have lost a few timid
and irresolute Republicans. we are cognizant
OF the fact that our gain is much greater,
while a few wavering ones have become dis
and deserted our ranks, their places
have been filled by gentlemen who have
who recognize that upon the success OF the
party depends the maintenance
of public instruction unsectarian, the promo
ton Of education through our Free School
System, the protection thereof, the acquis-
ton of knowledge among the poor and col
ored people, sound currency and q speedy
of specie payment, regard for
national integrity, the protection OF the bal
lot, the free exercise of immunities conferred
by the thirteenth. fourteenth and fifteenth
amendments, the recognition OF the equality
Of all men o. whatever race Notwithstanding
before the law. the abolition OF Qistinc-
ton between North and South in our own
common country and the induction of fra
ternal spirit of harmony, and the unqualified
that this is q Nation.
1t is really amusing to hear some OF our
friends arguing with and insist
ing upon our colored people to vote with the
Democracy, ignoring its contaminated rec
ord, and adverse disposition towards them
prior to. during, and subsequent to the war,
until quite recentiys when the voters are
needed, when their absolute defeat is mani
lest. Some of our colored men have been
to this purport, Nov, W, why
is that you support the Republican party?
What have they done for you? Why don't
you support our candidate? We give you
nearly all of your work, and in short,
II you don't do 1t, you can consider yourself
discharged" Many of them, true to their
friend, the history Of your party convinces
nc of its disposition towards my race; the
Attempts of your party to impose upon the
people of Virginia, those infamous amend
ncnts are directed, more particularly at the
lis ranchisement of the noor and colored
people. You ask why do l vote with the
Republican party? My answer is, to that
party owe debt Of gratitude incalculable,
reverence the most sincere, q support the
most cordial and earnest. 10 that party |
Lm indebted for my acknowledgements, my
citizenship, my political rights; to it am to
ook for my protection and preservation ;
o it must my children look for their educa-
ion, that they may become useful citizens,
md not be subject to such laws and restrc-
ions, as were their ancestors, during Demo-
ratio ascendency, when it was made a crime
o teach the African race. Again, compen-
alton has been proposed, if they would de-
lare their purpose to support TildeE, etc.,
me with whom I am very well acquainted, |
md for whose integrity can vouch, was the |
ubiect OF such an offer, but becoming very
informed the gentleman that he |
or Hayes and Wheeler, and desired him to |
distinctly understand that his vote could not
e bought.
During the last week we had the pleasure
attending rwo Republican meetings, one
t Mt. Crawford. on Thursday night, and an
ther at Bridgewater, OH Friday night. At
1t. Crawford, owing to the non-arrival of
everal speakers who were also expected,
tuart T. Lindsey, an able Republican Coun-
= Elector, addressed a large number OF cit
'ens OF said place upon the issues of the day,
nd was followed by A. l.. Lindsey, Esq, in
ome very pertinent remarks. Although our
cry efficient P. NJ, Jno. Foley, ESQ.,, was
ntlring in his efforts to quell the (precon-
elved) disturbances of some boys and young
len, devoid ofany moral principle whatever,
ct his endeavors were in vain ; many times
ur clector was interrupted by their unearth-
7 yells and Jeers to such an extent, that it
eemed at times, almost impossible to pro.
BED. But upon our visit to Bridgewater the
,ception and hearing of Messrs. Stuart F.
lindsey and R. ID. Lurty was the most re-
oectful; the Town Hall was crowded with
entlemen OF both parties. The effect of
lese speeches is the most suspicious; we are
ssured, from the enthusiasm of our Repub-
cans, that our vote will be greatly increas-
l at the ensuing election.
There will be grand mass meeting at
oadside in this county on Saturday, Nov.
h, at P. NJ. Addresses will be delivered
7 Capt. W. S. Lurty, Stuart F. Lindsey, r.
!. Luty, c. D. Gray, VIM. J. Points, Col.
!. s. Gray and others.
More anon.
II. H. ).