The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-11-16
The Vote of Augusta County.

Inc kcpuDlican vote OF Augusta county
in 1869 was for Wells. l,170; in 1872. for
Grant ], O0S; in 1878 for Hughes for Govern
or. lila; In 1876 for Hayes, President, 1917.
In the Presidential election in 1872 and in
Governors election in 1878 some Of the pre-
cincts were thrown ont because OF nformali-
ty in the returns, but the above figures iIdi-
cate the vote actually cast. 1t will be seen
by several returns announced that the Re-
publicans have polled larger vote than ever
before, and under circumstances which at
test the activity and frmness with which
they have adhered to their honest conyic-
tions. We learn of a number of Republic
cans who did not 60 to the polls for various
reasons. Had they discharged this duty,
the vote would have been at least 1000. As
1t is, everything considered. it is encourag-
ing, and will haye the effect to stimulate ac-
ton in future contests. A man 10 be a Re-
publican in Virginia must have convictions
Of right, superior to the influences that con-
troll the feelings and passions which too fire.
quently direct the exercise Of the elective
franchise-conviction that nerve him in the
maintenance OF his opinions, and sustain
him in facing the popular current in their
declaration.
There are men who are honestly con-
sinced that the Republican party is right,
but have not the fortitude end determine
ton to rote that way. They listen to the
buster of the babbing politicians who
threaten them with business prescription
and to 'tmark' them in all other relations
OF life, and either remain from the polls OF
vote against their own Judgment. There is
great mistake in this. The true manhood
OF community will respect the man more
who encounters popular opinion in behalf of
his convictions, than if he slavisIy yields
TO street clamor and the passionate declama-
ton OF the cross-rosd politician. Let Re-
publicans speak out. They have as many
privileges and as much Law on their side as
any other persons. They have the same
right TO their opinions as other people, and
If they will be consistent and candid in their
expression they will feel better and be the
more respected. Had we a few more out
spoken, earnest Republicans in Augusta,
others would take courage, and declare what
they honestly believe. 4 little determine
zion, stern viii and plain talk cannot fail to
have good effect in the future. We hope
this kind of Republicanism will manifest it.
self and grow until all who think the princi-
piles and policy of the party are right, will
identify themselves with the organization.
The increase in the Republican vote of
this county is among the rejecting. solid
portion Of the white population. There were
at least two hundred less colored votes than
in 1873. and taking the aggregate increase
in the popular vote, wonld make gain of
three Or fou- hun. bred white votes. A graft
flying feature about the white Republicans
Of Augusta is their independence in finan-
cial point. their habits Of industry and thrift
representing. as they do, as much unem-
barrassed wealth as any like number of citi-
zens Of the county-and their intelligence,
being men who read and are well informed
about parties and policies. There are hum
dreds Of good men in this county whose SYM
pathies are with the principles of the Repub-
tican party, but who act with the Conserra-
tive, or Democratic organization because
they do not care to confront the bitter parti-
Fan feeling that generally prevails in i'm
portant contests. The time will not be long
before these men will see the folly of with
holding their cooperation from the organ-
cation. Sooner or later they will come in,
and the time will not be far distant when
the Republican party Of Augusta will be
rather more formidable than it now is. ~