Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-11-08
4 Simple Test.

A Simple Test.
This is the last issue of our paper. says
the Richmond. Conservative Democrat,
that will reach some Of our remotest
subscribers before the day of election
it is, therefore, the last opportunity we
we shall have to address many of those
whom for two months past we have
sought to arouse to just sense of their
duty to their State, their fellow citizens,
and to pOsterity.
The frequency with which the impor-
lance of political canvasses is exagger-
ated is apt to induce men to hear with
incredulity the cry Of danger; but he
must indeed be dim of sight and dull Of
apprehension who cannot perceive In
the contest which impends, matter for
the gravest apprehension.
Aside from the financial question in
volved, and UNNECESSARILY transcending
it in importance, is the question wheth
er the reign OF virtue. intelligence and
character shall come to an end In Vif
ginia.
With brief and melancholy interval
of exception, this State has enjoyed
throughout her history the blessings OF
well ordered, wisely framed and justly
administered government. The orgies
of corruption which disgraced the
Southern Commonwealths, the ruthless
robberies by rings and bosses which
marked many Northern States have
been alike unknown to her.
She has with steady hand and wise
head, and heart incorrupt. been guided
through q century of varied fortunes,
in honor. Shall this be changed? Shall
the reign of the best come to an end in
Virginia, and the name of the State, bel
place and her power be turned into the
custody of the worst of her people9
That this is the substantial and first
question no fair man can question. We
submit it to test which all will admit
to be absolutely fair. It is this: sum-
mon the men who in every community
are recognized as the best men of theil
various walks Of life-mechanics, min
listers of the Gospel, men in the trades
men in the professions. men Of property
men of honest daily labor, men noted
as having theTconfidence and respect o
their fellow men, and we challenge eacf
readers personal experience whether
at least, nine-tenths of hem are no
avowed supporters of our party.
i No other test ought to be needed
Such an array of witnesses settles tn
question where lies the true interest o
the Virginia people.
On the other hand, it is notorious
and not anywhere concealed, that tn
great bulk of the support of our foes IL
this strife is in the ranks Of the dolores
people. So patent was this from tn
first that the candidate of Coalitionist
announced in opening his canvass tina
his contest with the best people wa
"war," and that he meant to carry At
RIGA into that war.
If they win, it will be triumph of tn
African race over the white race IN Vir
ginia, and it is SO understood outside o
this State. With negro supremacy tn
reign of the Chamberlains, Scots, Kel
loggs. Warmouths and Spencers will
begin In Virginia; aud the Republican
party seeing this is bending every ener
gy to drag our State down in that hu
initiation that she may thus easily b.
made their prey.
Were this every, and the only, ISSUE
in this canvass, the peril, the shame
the unspeakable disgrace of success
ought to arouse every self respecting
citizen to action. There is no room fo
speculation as to the consequences. W.
have all seen it in nine Southern States
The triumph of this experiment is pre-
cisely the same as the triumph of thu
like attempt with them. And upor
this, therefore, we are willing to res
this caae