The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-11-09

ton.
TIL. ELECTION is over. We do not know
at this writing the precise result, and have
no particular inspiration to aic us in either
corruscating or suiienly subsiding. OF one
thing we are very certain, however, and tina t
is. we are relieved from the necessity Of in
cessantly harping on one string, and will here
after be enabled to contribute to the varied
taste Of our many readers in the make up of the
VIRGINTAN. We cannot, this week. sud-
denly turn from the methods and subjects of
thought which have engaged our attention
for the past four or five l1a0nths. When the
mind has been trained anaits faculties directed
to the consideration and discussion OF polite
al Issues, to the exclusion Of almost every
thing else, It is no easy matter to become all
1t once emancipated from their influence, es-
pecially when the results for which we have
been lahoring are not known. We expect IN
succeeding naaabers OF this journal to at least
exhibit fertility OF resources sufficient to
draw ot.r readers away from the exciting
themes Of political dsputations and had
them into more pleasant avenues OF thou, ght,
better calculated to cultivate the higher emo
lions which stimulate human action and mould
human character. We will certainly gladly
direct our meditations to other themes than
those We have so persistently presented to
public attention OF late, and seek to give di-
versity to our colunnns in Instructive read
ing, moro appropriate to the taste and incli-
nation Of those who crave eiification and
entertainment from the columns Of the news
paper.
We confess that we are tired Of politics,
at least for time. We want breathing
spell, a little freedom from the incessant
hum drum Of harsh criticisms and criminal
ton, so intimately connected will, and in
separable from party contests and issues
which are forced to the foreground in each
recurring Presidential campaign. Our read
ers, too, we know, will rejoice with us, in the
expectation OF entering upon more placid
current, and sailing under more pro,itious
winds. We shall endeayor to Improve the
change i'll the adaptation of Our thoughts to
the diversified subjects that directly effect
the material interests OF the people, and con-
tribute to the prosperity Of community.
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The Constitutional Amendments
The Constitutional Amendments have been
adopted doubtless by large majQity. This
has been effected, not because the people APP
proved, but for the fact that the great bulk
Of the Democratic tickets were sterectypel
In Richmond and sent all over the Statey
with 'slor the amendments printed on them.
Very few took the trouble to examine them,
Of eSen tog;ve thought to . subject OF such
sital importance. Men voted '.for the
amendments" without really knowing 1t,
md who even pronounced against them up
to the day Of election. That they are d.
rect assault and were so intended, by those
who comprehend their full bearing, upon
the free school system. we have not parti-
Gle Of doubt.
There is one CLEAN Of hope, however, left
u US. When they are analysed and brought
% the test of judicial scrutiny, we believe
they viii be found to be in conflict with the
amendments to the national constitution,
and will therefore prove null and void. In
terests too momcntous are involved to allow
them to 20 unchallenged, and when it is de.
clared by the Legislature that they have be.
come part Of the fundamental law Of vir-
ginia, the question will be raised whether a
State has the right practically to ,.ullify the
constitution Of the United States.