The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-03-01

Tile Presidential contest OF 1867. vii! be
memorable in the annals Of the American
Republic. The extraordinary endcayors put
forth by each Of the contending parties, the
great talent that has been displayed ON eth
err side in the discussion OF the ssues to be
determined, and the singular and almost
phenomenal complications which have at
tended the progress and final determination
of the contest, will constitute matter Of study
in the future that will command an interest
as intense az the legends of romance. There
has been. too, q bitterness OF feeling. a par
titan infatuation that has developed into ex
tremcs OF expression and passion, that will
not be reviewed with the most gratifying
emotions. Over this 1t would be we'll to
throw the mantle OF iorgetfulness, and on
ly remember the earnestness Of conviction,
tile sense OF duty, in the ardent discharge Of
which the unpleasant outgrowths have been
made manifest.
In the heat Of passion Of a great contest
like that we have just passed through it is
natural that more or less qualification should
be felt bv the successful party One or the
OTHER Of the organizations hid to be defeat
ed, and ordinarily such result is the source
of rather offensive enthusiasm over the van :
pushed. The very close contest, however,
and the recognition Of the danger that has
been overcome, mellows down ali cxhuber-
ance and rather inspires feeling OF relief
that the ordeal has been endured, and the
end reached without the intervention OF 9th :
er than peaceful agencies. aud without seri-
ously disturbing or impairing the operations
Of the Government. It is rather an occasion of
thanks that {. civil convsii>ion has been escap-
ed, than OF rejoicing that !. party has suc-
ceeded. 1t is, Indeed, in this spirit we receive
the verdict now substantially rendered,
in the belief that it will have n conservative
and restraining influence upon everything like
sense OF partizan triumph. 1t, too, cannot
fail to have its effect upon the incoming al
ministratioli. aud elevate its tone above the
current OF partizan politics into IN atmos-
phere OF national justice. wherea the in'e err
est of all the people will be considered aud
consulted.
The manly and honorable course of Southern
members OF Congress, generally, gives assn.
rance that they fully appreciated the danger
the country has escaped, and while the result
is not, IN party sense, what they desired and
expected, yet they recognize in it the opera
tons OF law, and the sanctity OF solemn
ly assumed duty. They have discounte-
nanced and discouraged all revolutionary
propositions, and considering the peace and
quiet OF the country as higher than the de-
mands OF party, have declared their purpose
to abide. In good faith, the determination Of
the tribunal to which they appealed.
a sense OF right is the source Of this con-
duct. and being right the fruits OF the policy
following it, cannot fail to work out the mos.
beneficial results to the section they repre-
sent. No higher ambition could stimulate
the mind Of the chosen executive Of great
country, than to inaugurate an administra-
tive policy that will have especial reference
to the restoration OF PROSTATE section, rep
resented BY men who have shown that tn cir
devotion to the peace of the country Is above
the spites OF party, and that caucus man.
dates are ineffective when confronted with
the paramount obligations of country.
Without compromise on either side, we
believe it will be the aim of the President elect
to so adjust his administration as to command
the confidence and support Of the more con-
servative of>the people of the South, and win
to it their active cooperation in the perfecting
Of policy that will contribute alike to the
prosperity of their section and our common
country.
President Hayes will call around him Just
men as advisers. He has already foreshad-
owed generous and thoughtful considera-
Of the Southern people. lie will be trie to
his declarations as found in his acceptance
letter. He will cherish no sectional remem.
brance, no unpleasant Renaissance, but gov
erned by lofty ambition to serve the whole
country, be will, as far as Executive au-
thority can, eqHallze the benefits of the gov
ment, and cement the brotherhood Of the
sections.