The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-10-28
The Last Appeal.

The Last Appeal.
This is the last issue of the VIRGINIAN
before the Presidential election. Ere we
can again address our thousands OF readers
through this channel, the great contest in
which we are now engaged will have been
decided, and the will of the people placed
upon record. The result we may safely as
sumo will be no disappointment to those
who believe in the principles and policies
we have maintained through the VIRGIN
IAN. From the opening of the campaign,
and the presentation of the nominees of the
respective parties, we have never enter
tanned doubt of the issue. Had linger-
ing distrust been harbored, it would have
been entirely dissipated by the brilliant
achieyeme nts in Ohio and Indiana, where
the doom of the Democratic party was pro-
nounced on the 18th of October. The re
suit in each of those States was more en-
phatic and significant than we had antici-
pated, and proclaimed to the country that
the people still have confidence in the Re-
publican party and faith in the progressive
and enlightened principles which it repre-
sents. 1t further gave assurance that the
current of public thought was being di-
rected and controlled by considerations high
.r than mere nomalism of party, and
that the agencies. which had brought to the
nation prosperity Unparalleled s in our his
tory had been studied, Understood and en-
dorsed by the popular iudgsn. ana con
science. 1t announced, too. as plniy ~
any event of the future could be, that the
party which had been instrumental in ac-
comprising the vast good which fell like
the dews of heaven upon rich and poor, the
5ust and unjust, was destined to march on
to still more glorious triumph on the I'd
of November next, and perpetuate for the
next four years to come the wise laws and
beneficent policy which had effected the
benefits we now enjoy.
The bright auspices which inspire the Re
publicans of the country, however, at this
time, should not create feeling OF over
confidence or an abatement of effort from
now until the day of election. The great
battle will not be won until the close OF the
I'd day of November, and from this time
forward it is the duty of every Republican
TO put forth his best endeavors to make the
result as decisive as possible. Not an hour
that can be properly devoted to the cause
in which he believes is involved the best in
terests of the country. should go unim-
proved. Every Republican should exert
himself to do something to stimulate his
neighbor to active work, and see to it thai
not a qualified voter remains away from
the polls. While we may not be able te
carry Virginia and wheel the Old Common.
wealth into the Republican column. by
proper effort we may SO exhibit our strength
as to at least command the respect, if not
excite the fear of our opponents. Let it be
the self-imposed duty of every Republican
to see that his poll-tax is paid that this
unjust restriction is removed from the sa-
cred privilege of the elective franchise, and
that his own manhood rights are appre-
ciated in the alacrity with which he will
meet this demand of the law.
There are vast interests involved in the
result of this election. 1t will have ma
teeial bearing upon the peace. progress ano
prosperity of every State of the Union, and
determine for all time to come whether the
Constitution of the United States and the
laws of Congress enacted in pursuance
thereof are the supreme authority of the
country. 1t will determine whether the
rights the Constitution guarantees are mere
taunts to the citizen or living realities, to
be enjoyed in their letter and SPIRIT AND
indivisible from his manhood. 1t will be a
declaration either for or against the interest
of American industries or whether we shall
pay tribute to Europe and transfer oul
workshops to foreign countries. 1t will an
nounce either for or against the wise finan-
ciaI policy which has exalted American
credit above that of every other govern
ment On the globe, restored order and &C.
tiyity to our own business channels; slim
lated science. mechanical arts, agricultural
pursuits and all thewealth contributing agen-
cies of civilized society," and encouraged and
developed the physical and intellectual ca
pacities of our own country.
If the Republicans of Virginia are true
TO themselves they can aid in emphasizing
the 1asult which will be declared on the
End of November and rightly claim to par
ticipate in the honors which will attend 80
important an achievement. 1t is within
their power to add the electoral vote of this
State to the victorious column, but it can
not be done without work, vigilance and
some personal sacrifice. Let each one de-
aermine to dc his duty in bringing ont the
full vote, and the close of election day 1nay
record Republica n triumph in this Bour-
Eon-ridden Commonwealth. This would
indeed be consummation worth rejoicing
over, for it would open up liberal and pro-
gressive era for Virginia, invite to der rich
resources the essential instrumentaiities
for their development, and attract the ac-
tive sympathy of the intelligent enterprise
and skilled labor which have so largely
contributed to national progress and pros
perity.
a Word in Season.
We warn Republicans to see that their bal
lots are all right before they deposit them in
the ballot box There NAV he hoeus ballots