The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-11-28
DEFERRED MATTE
Democratic Decisions.

Democratic Decisions.
A cardinal feature in the tactics of what
is known as Modern Democracy, is the low
estimate it places upon the common sense
and intelligence OF the people. Itpresumes |
that surface exhibits OF passion and preiu-
dice constitute the depths of their under
standing, and that to inflame these is the |
surest passport to success and power. In |
the South, the leaders of this mongrcl par
~, have succeeded i'll deluding the people |
for number of years, by keeping alive the
prejudice Of race and section. without for
moment directing attention to any govern
mental policy, or claiming to represent
any principle affecting the administra-
ton of national affairs. When confronted
with defined policy, and invited to discuss
The merits of any given principle entering
into the internal polity of government. the
response has been. negro. scallawag and
carpet-baggers' With these talismanic ep-
ithets they have succeeded in inflaming pas
sions,and to that degree shutting ont reason,
anu tHts RCipCtuettilS pOMcT. IUet nave
never dared to enter into a fair and leeiti-
mate. discussion OF policies orsprinciples, at
taching to existing parties, and appealing
TO the impartial and calm Judgment of the
people for a verdict upon the real merits of
any issue. The only bond of union among
them has been prejudice and the lust of
power, and right we'll have they succeeded
in their purposes heretofore. With resist
less impetus had they carried everything be-
fore them. until they had reached The con-
cllsion that the great mass of the pcople
were but little 'emoved from the animal
creation, and incapable of comprehcnding or
approaching the privileges and respensibili-
ties Of citizenship.
A similar delusion has governed in the
tactics of the Democratic leaders in other
sections OF the Union, and notably in the
more recent elections, when it was expected
to sweep the country ky captivating the idle
and dissatisfied labor element, by the promise
of cheap money and an abundance OF it, 1t
was found. however, that al unemployed la
Dor. or labor deprived of the full opportun
ty Tor the exercise Of its capacities, was not
to be classed with the army of tramps. and
that there was discriminating, reflect
ing Intelligence with the people, that was
capable OF penetrating beneath the super
fetal demagoguism of Democratic ranters.
In the South and in the North the people
begin to understand Democratic duplcity
and deception and the methods by which
power las been obtained and is sought to he
retained, Through spcciors appeals to
passion and prejudice. An under estimate
has been placed upon the robust serse of
the American voter, aud the delnsion culti-
waited that intlammable sentences and
dennnciaiory epithets .were all that is ne
cessary t; marshal popular sentiment. All
through the South the mutterngs of discon-
tent have received tangible expression IN
the protests against. caucus despotism. CIV
ing promise of open revolt and organized
antagonism in future political contests. The
people begin to realize the utter selfishness
and wicked duplicity of the Democratic
leaders, and that they cannot hope for ma
terial prosperity and political quiet so long
assthe worst passions of human nature are
invoked to give direction to public inter
ests.
In the North and West the recent ballot
has INDICATED the intelligence OF the people
and their understanding of Democratic de-
sisrs, in the rebuke that has been given to
the enemies of the nations credit and the
real interests of the people. 1t was the
cheering evidence that the popular conscl-
business had been stirred to its Depths
Alarmed at the advances of dernagogues
and place-hunters, the necessity presented
itself for the people themselves to come to
the rescue in the mainter ance of pub
lie faith and the preservation of national
honor.
The indications all over the Union point
to the fact that the people are awakening to
the danger which threatens the country from
Democratic marpots North and South, and
that they will be fully prepared to maintain
the integrity of the government and the
majesty Of the laws when the supreme is
sltes are presented. The smooth, just and
catholic administration of public affairs |
under the present Chief Magistrate and the
abseEce of all irritating causes in tie roll
cy of the government, have largely contrib
nted to this healthy condition of public sem
tirent. The people themselves are re-
spending to the ,aims of the President in |
determination to sustainshim in his purpose
to maintain national faith and enforce ma
tionnl lave In hoe 1,at I,a
stands his duty to be to deal with all sec
lions alike-thstthe lawssmust be respected |
and obeyed; the rights and privileges Of cit
izenship secured, whether in one State or |
another, and that the pledges of the nation
shall not be compromised. The people can
SEQ nothing partizan and sectional in this
and believe it to be his duty to see that the
laws are enforced and their duty to stand by
him in the discharge Of that duty. And as
this feeling and parpose FIND Judgment in
the popular mind, the influence of partizan
leaders weakens. the machinery of party is
less effective, and higher conception Of po-
litical duty is encouraged. The time is not
far distant when machine politics and ma
chine politicians, will have to stand aside
for a broader; purer and more statesmanlike
dispensation, under the direction of men
who have at heart the welfare of the people
and the peace and prosperity of their sec
ton and county.
WHAT THEY PRoPosE.-The Terre Harte
Egpress, greenback, gives the following
words of cold comfort tc the Democrats of
the 46th Congress
It seems clearly impossible for the Dem
ocratic party to organize the House. Neither
can the Republicans organize it. The Ma
tonals stand in the breach. The next House
will not be organized upon the Democratic
line, nor OH the Republican line; it will be
organized upen the money line. 1t will be {
either by the Greenback men or
by the hard money men. The distinction
0. Republican, Democrat and National will 5
>inl- nt1f NJ ciUht Old Marty liooc will die .