The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-11-24
The Victor and the vanouished,

Col. Cameron achieved an enviable rept,-
tation as public DICTATOR in the recent car
vass. Before he entered upon his arduous
campaign. he was known as graceful and
incisive writer. but few were aware that he
made any pretension to the arts Of the ora
tor. This was to his advantage for before
every audience that he appeared he gave
ALI agreeable surprise, and by reason of 1t,
his popularity grew as the canvass pro-
crossed. It was not 30 with his competi-
tor. tie bore the reputation OF being the
first orator Of the State, and consequently
the expectations OF his friends reached so
high that no greater heights were to be
achieved. So confident was his party
that this one fact would inspire the enthu-
sasm and command the support OF the
great mass of the people. that defeat was
considered next to impossible. 1t was be-
lieved that every contest with Col. Cam
eron would enure to the advantage of the
Democratic nominee, as it " as thought the
contrast between the two. as public speakers,
would be so greatly In favor of Daniel that
overwhelming defeat for the Re-adiuster
champion. Maj. Daniel seemed TO share in
this delusOn for no sooner was his nomi ina
ton announced than he struck Decline for
Martinsvile. where Cameron was to speak
on the Monday following the Democratic
Convention. They met, and in the fir st
encounter Daniel found he had met foe
man worthy OF his steel. The fiery, imper-
uous eloquence of Daniel was checkmated
by the graceful, incisive and logical sem
fences OF his competitor. and when the
balance sheet was drawn, it was learned
that there was nothing to the Democratic
credit. even in the estimation of the par
tial friends of its champion. And it was
so throughout the canvass. Cameron
showed himself equal to Daniel in every
encounter-better posted as to the issues
discussed, and lacking nothing in polished
rhetoric and those touches OF sentiment
that stir the emotions and captivate the
Judgment. Cameron had ample room to
go up. while Daniel could 20 no higher in
public estimation. The formers scale was
ascending all the time. Will e the latter had
either to maintain the standard fixed by his
riends or recede.
Never in the political history of Virginia
was more brilliant canvass conducted
than by these two gifted young virginians,
nor one that inspired friends with more en-
thusasm and devotion. Each showed him
self worthy OF the high position assigned
him. ANA both retired with the respect and
| esteem of political friends and foes-the
victor and the yanquished receiving alike
| the plaudits of their respective. following.
Col Cameron will pass to the Gubernato-
rial chair with the laurels Of victory fresh
| upon bis brow, and will make it his study
TO still further command the confidence and
admiration fthe people by addressing him
seifto the higher duties and measures of
craftsmanship. His field Of usefulness and
lasting distinction is broad and inviting.
| That he will be equal to it's demands we
have the assurance of the surprises he gave
| the people in his masculine grasp OF the COM
| plicated issues discussed in the recent can
yass and the development of an intellectual
force, such rs it is meet should adorn the
Chief Executive of the historic old Com
monwealth.
Maj. Daniel will have the consolation of
| the reflection that he made the best fight
that could have been made for his party and
chat it was for no fault or failure of his that
| disastrous defeat attended his cause. The
plumbers OF the canvass were his party's,
not his, and however depressing the result
| and stunning the rebuke his following re-
| eeived, all will recognize thar he stood
| steadfast to the colors placed in his hands
| and proved true to the trust confided to
him, although his personal convict ions
might have modified the programme to con-
form more nearly to right and justice