The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-10-14
An Important Duty.

Upon the theory that an ounce OF preventive
is worth more than a pound of cure, every
qualified voter should discharge the high priv
ilege of depositing his ballot on the I'd of No
vember The stay -at-home voter is generally
among our most industrious and worthy citi-
zens, who, however, have lot given the vot-
ing privilege that consideration which it de-
serves. He avoids election precincts, not be-
cause he does not have an opinion about par
ties and the principles. upon which the govern
ment ought to be operated, but for the reason
that he does not wish to mix in the excited
crowd or expose himself to the opportunities
of interested partizans. But this should not
deter any one from discharging the duty of
voting A few votes, cast for the right candi-
date and for the right cause, may determine
great results. Of such we believe this cleo
ton is pregnant. The best interests of all the
people, of safe and wise government, and the
future prosperity of the country are, involved
in the election of Garfield and Arthur. We
know that there is a large class ofcitizens who
honestly and sincerely believe this, who will
hesitate to go to the polls. We believe, how
ever it is their religious duty to do so, and
thus declare their approval of the national
ideas of the Republican party, and at the same
time their condemnation of the past record of
the Democratic party 1t is a duty which can
not be well avoided by any thoughtful, con-
scientious citizen, and we earnestly hope that
every man who, in his mind and heart, ap-
proves the general principles and views Of the
Republican party, will lay aside all minor OBJ
iections, go to the polls and deposit his ballot,
as his judgment may dictate. 1t is an impor-
tant crisis in the history of our country, which
success of the Republican party means peace
and progress, while the success Of the Demo
Gratis would foreshadow dissension, strife and
turmoil, and fearful reaction. The people of
this country are not prepared for the reign of
the Democratic party through the suppressed
ballots of the Cotton States, and the vicious
methods of New York haunts of vice. Gen
Grant rarely ever speaks without meaning
something, and when he said, in the event of
Hancock's election the North would quietly
accept the result, but be watchful of the pro-
gress of events, and when things began to go
wrong, every Northern State Legislature
would meet and withdraw its representatives
from Congress, Or resist the solid South, there
was something more than idle talk in it. A
recent visit to the North demonstrated to US
that the business men there were tearfllly
aroused, and looked with grave apprehension
upon the possibility Of Democratic success
1t was not fear il partizan sense, but that
deep concern which went out for the peace of
the country and the perpetuity Of American
institutions IF fraud and violence should
be successful in defeating the conservative In
fiuences and interests ofthe nation, there is no
foreteling the effects or the possibilities which
lie hidden in the near future. The highest
duty of patriotism is to defeat at the ballot
box the Democratic party and thus save the
country from the suspense and anxiety the
success of that party would inspire.