Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1883-12-11

der from their leaders designed to effect a
party manGvsr-namely, to lay a founda-
tion to contest the seats of the Democrats
the county Of Pittsylvanla, embracing Dan
vile, was certain to elect, it being well
known that the whole negro vote of Dan
vile would not avail against the overwhelm-
ing Democratic majority in the county,
with which it mast be reckoned
The news Of the riot did not reach the re-
noter parts Of the State till after the cleo
ton. 1t did Immediately reach and consol-
idate the negro vote for the Coalition party
In what 10 known as the "Black District"
| In the counties of Accomac, Northum-
berland, Westmoreland, and many others,
where these troubles were not heard of till
after the election, the Democrats made
| large gains of votes-a fact which eonclu-
| sively controverts the Coalition leaders sug-
gestion that the news of the riot was a con-
trolling influence for the Democrats at the
| polls.
1t will, indeed, always remain question
Of doubt which party obtained an increas-
ed vote in the State in consequence Of this
accidental and deplorable encounter.
So much it has been necessary to saw in
detail in recital of the few isolated, and for
tuitous breaches of the peace. upon the
strength of which General Malone has
lightly propagated libelous charges against
brave and generous people. 1t remains
to declare that the only intimidation prac-
ticed in Virginia was the intimidation Of
Coalition negroes upon negroes. All their
social and religious organizations were used
to this effect with ruthless power, and
proofs are not wanting that the leaders of
the Coalition party knew how to employ
negro preachers for such coercion.
The election machinery, as has been
said, was almost without exception in the
hands Of the Coalitionists. Their registrars
and judges committed many illegal and
frudulent acts which, in due time, will be
brought to light. They registered illegal
and fraudulent voters; they allowed men to
vote who were not registered or duly trans
ferred, the judges of election sometimes de-
clining to examine the registration-books to
ascertain whether men offering to vote were
registered, their only test being the voters
Coalition proclivities.
To sum up, fairer, moro peaceful,
more legal election-so far as the Demo
cratic party is concerned was never held
in Virginia than the election whose results
are now proclaimed.
These results, as ascertained by re-
turning board composed exclusively of Goa
litionists, are popular Democratic maiori-
ty in the State Of over II, 900, and major
ity of in the Senate and Of 90 in the House
of Delegates.
In bringing about this great work the
Democratic party has had the active support
Of nearly all the native Virginians, who
constitute by their mind, their moral worth,
or their intelligent labor that civilization
which is the life of the State, and of nearly
all the adopted Virginians of Northern
birth in every field, from the ingenious me-
chanics who have made the city of Roanoke
spring up in a day like creation Of magic,
to the capitalists, manufacturers and engi-
neers who have brought their money and
skill to share in the development of the
Old Dominion.
They nave in like manner had the SYM
pathy and good wishes, without regard to
party lines, OF a large majority of the most
progressive, liberal and enlightened people
of the North and West. 1t is therefore
distinctly triumph of light and civilization
in full accord with the best progress of the
age, and not the victory of reactionary
party, which is here announced.
In conclusion, the real truth of the mat
ter is tn at on the 9th of this month of No
vember the people of Virginia rose, as pa
tient, long-suffering, law-loving, American
freemen will always rise, against outrage
and oppression-a majestic spectacle for all
lovers of civil and political liberty in every
part Of this abounding land. The fullness
Of time had come, the petty dictator had
played out his selfish and reasonable game
| till even the blind could see that bitter end
which short time ago only the wise could
predict.
Then came the uprising of the people in
their might Then came that resounding
voice of Virginia, uttered with all its vol
ume, with all its power, with all the ear
nestness Of men who knew and felt that the
struggle was for good government, for hon
est administration, for the peace of their
homes and the security OF their rights. Let
the people jealously guard the liberties thus
| restored to their keeping.