The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-05-25
The True Issue To-Day.

AAV 4AuC Issue AU-Ddys
1t may suit the purpose of those who are
seeking to influence the result of the election
to-day by unfair and legitimatc agencies, to at
tribute a partizan motive to some of those who
are supporting the present Mayor and the old
council. We have heretofore stated, and now
repeat, that we do not regard it as a political
CONTEST involving party lines, and no one who
will take the trouble to review all the circum-
stances OF the canvass, can fairly claim that it
is a party contest.
A Wholesale charge OF corruption was pre-
ferred against the Council, and the names Of
gentlemen composing the Council, were spe-
caly mentioned as the guilty parties. Among
them was that of the present Mayor, who was
President of the Council at the time the legis-
lation complained of was enacted. These gem
tlemen felt aggrieved- that their reputa-
tons as citizens and officials had been assailed,
and determined to appeal to the people, at the
election to-day, for verdict. They regarded it
rs too serious matter to be covered up by
any partial expression of opinion at primary
election. The people had elected them with
oNO HUI sCllllOu vi oilu ~
was Lut natural for them to desire that the
same authority that had entrusted them with
the administration of the city affairs, should
say whether they had been faithful to the trust
imposed. Further, they did not recognize the
necessity of making political issue in matters
where party has nothing to Go. There is moth
ing in the administrator Of the city govern
ment that can legtimately, be construed into
party significance, or should be, and they We're
averse to becoming parties to senseless and
injurious excitement, creating unpleasant feel
ing between neighbors and friends. with no
other than harmful result possible.
There was general sympathy expressed by
the people with these views-the thought OF a
primary election was distasteful and obnoxious
to popular sentiment, and it was the deliberate
opinion Of nearly every substantial citizen OF
the city, that the policy was unwise and UNI
called for.
The few selfish agitators who had first
made and those who sympathized with
the charges, became conscious that they
had mistaken the sentiment of the peo-
pie, and then it was that it was de-
termned to appeal to party and race preju-
dices. to precipitatc an issue, and drive these
gentlemen who had been recklessly and ruth
lessly assaulted in their official capacity, either
into q slaughter pen, to be manipulated and
controlled by the partizans of their assailants,
or denounce them, with the exception of the
Mayor as false to the party with which they
had always been identified.
The old Council determined to rum upon
their record. The Mayor determined to run
upon his official record, which is a part Of that
of the City Council. He did not and does not
regard it as a party contest-his election will
not and cannot be claimed as Il party triumph.
No one questions his eminent fitness for the
position-no one can say that he is not deeply
interested in good government-no one dare
say, in the light of truth, that he is not tea
pable, honest and faithful
The only argument and the only device that
are now used, is an appeal to race and
party prejudices by the agitators who have
brought about this excitement. They know
that they could. have had no possible chance
ofsuccess if the contest We're conducted OH fair
/
1 strume:1taties that reckless and INSCRIPTIONS
partizans can employ are being used to intlame
the passions of the people, by proclaiming that
it is mn issue between the races.
There never has been more leart!ess. harm
full and insane issue forced upon a people. and
it beIlooves them as they value the best inter
ests Ct tile city, to stamp with their condenlna-
ton the audacious agitators who have en-
deavored to involve the entire community in
their selfish schemes.
1t is in no partizan sense that we have al
lowed ourselves to take part in this issue, but
from a sense of duty, as journalists, to some of
the best citizens and most palnstaking aud eff
ficient officers the city has ever had, that we
have felt called upon to contribute our aid in
rebuking the fell spirit of strife and contention
that has been aroused by those who first in
augurated the contest, and are willing to sub
ordinate everything that is healthy in personal
friendship and public policy to unworthy ends.
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