The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-02-16
A Retrospect.

we have no disposition TO revive Ine re-
membrance of any of the unpleasant polht-
zeal contests which have occurred in The
past and would not refer to them now were
it not to show the simulated change VII ich
has taken place with those who were The
instigators and promoters of some of the
most discreditable influences that ever en-
tered into a local election We hope the
conservative sentiments publicly and pri-
vately uttered by those who were proIni-
nent in the most proscriptive political war
fare ever urged are sincerely entertained,
and that hereafter fuller assurance may be
given of this sincerity, by more catholic and
considerate methods than have heretofore
been employed. 1t is possible that the POI
litical situation has something to do with this
declared change, for adversely does some
times bring people to their senses, and in
spre regret for excuses INDUCED i'll the
flush of power and the pride OF place.
1t has not gone out of the remembrance
of the people, that the most prominent of
those who are now deploring political con-
sderation in the conduct of non-partizan
officers, were the bitterest assailants Of all
who would not bow TO ring rule in mu-
nicipal affairs. One of the most efficient
mayors the city has ever had was elected
from place to make room for ring candi-
scribed because he would not bow to the
command of the curb-stone caucus the
city clerk, who. had grown gray in the pub
lie service, was hunted down by the same
insatiate greed for place, and only saved
by the Republ lean vote; every policeman,
who was not the supple tool of the ring, was
notified to walk the plank, and the policy
proclaimed an carried into effect to the
letter, in all the offices of the City, that to
the ''victors be longed the spoils." 1t is not
forgotten what agencies were employed to
accomplish the Sc ends-how public pressure
was brought to bear upon prom inent citi-
zens to force til EN- into the work of pro-
scriptioE; how business considerations were
used to lnfluen ce men TO vote against their
convictions, and how mercilessly the
enginery OF pa rty was invoked to crush out
all indepen dent thought and self-reliant
action. The Mayor, who was candidate
for reelection, was born and reared within
the corporation precincts had been one of
the most su cces,sful business men and paid
more taxes than, any other citizen Of the
place; had served in various post ions of
honor and responsibility with signal abl-
ity AMI u sefulnes 5, and was identified to as
large degree as: any other citizen with
every prominent business interest of the
city. Yet it was proclaimed to the world
that the reelection of this man would ruin
our splendid female schools, be a stigma
upon the town of his birth, for whose pros
perity he had done SO much and IN which
he was so much personally interested. And
the same persons who are now prominent
in proclajming the beauties of charity, were
the promoters and directors of this policy of
malignant prescription and malicious defa-
nation. And the venerable old city clerk.
with one foot almost i'll the grave, who had
served the people in that capacity from the
creation of the Office, well and competently.
was singled out for the party knife. be-
cause he would not obey the command of
INC 10 SSeS. anu IedVe 1Or them TO deter
mine what it was the business of the peo
pie, whom he had served, to pass upon.-
The Chief of Police. one of the best. il not
the best, the city ever had, fell victim to
the insatiate greed of the ring. for the same
cause, and in this way the whole machinery
OF the city government was placed under
ring rule.
Ii " as the same spirit that animated the
same party in the State. 1t subordinated
every interest to partizan behests. In all
the ramifications of government, from the
most prominent to the minutest. the de-
mands OF party were supreme, and With re.
Ientless energy the claims of party authority
were exacted. But now the tables have
been turned. The people have revoIted
and overthrown the despotism, and
with the loss of power and the authority to
prescribe and persecute comes the plea for
federation and charity.
The picture is before the people for study, |
for it teaches lesson that it NAV profit TO
digest and appropriate
On the 18th the State Senate passed the
hill introduced NV Capotnr Toao,