The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-11-15
Some of the Causes.

We see statement in several of our
Democratic exchanges to the effect that
not more than II, 900 whites voted the
Coalition ticket in Virginia on the 9th
inst. We think we are safe in saying that
it was nearer 10000 than 1000. The
vote was increased in Augusta, Rock
bridge, Rockingham Shenandoah and
Page over any Readjuster vote ever cast
in those counties, and when the full re-
turns are published, it will be found, no
doubt. that it has been increased all over
the State, with here and there an excep-
ton in localities where there is a large
colored population. There were fewer
colored votes cast for the Coalition-take
the State over-than in any election here
tofore, and more cast for the Democrats,
secured through bribery and CORFU ption.
Had there been fair ballot-no coercion.
threats OF intimidation-th Coalition
would have carried the State. Many white
voters, whose purpose was to vote with the
Coalition were induced to vote against their
convictions by influences brought to bear
on the day of election. The Democratic
captains of tens operated Oh busin ess men
by appeals to their interest and the intima-
ton that they would suffer if they did not
vote the Democratic ticket. Whiskey and
money were used literally to control an
other class whose sympathies were with
the Coalition, but who could not withstand
the pressure brought to bear upon them,
in the manner and form it was used.
No party ever had to contend against
such infuenoes-such desperate and UNI
scrupul0uS reSorts-as the Coalition did in
this canvass, and never again will the Dem
oerats be able to bring into operation the
same kind of forces. They exploded their
dynamite-exposed their plans and schemes
and hereafter they will be met at all points
and met successfully.
There were blunders committed, too.
by the Coalition leaders. They did not seem
to understand how to use the power thew
mad won in former contests, OF address
themselves to crystalizing and harmonic
ing the forces that had achieved their sue
cess. Some OF them looked more to the
temporary benefits of place than to the
great cause which was involved, and reck-
lessly risked the substance for the shadow.
They seemed to assume that there was no
such thing us failure-that all who had
voted with them. because of the cease,
would still be held to the organization,
however much they might be offended by
methods. But methods, sometimes, COM
promise the virtue of a cause, and to cure
an evil OF progressive growth, if encour-
aged, heroic remedies are deemed essen
tlal. Considerations of this kind had their
influence, and in localities diminished the
coalition vote. But we are well satisfied
That the aggregate of the white vote cast
for the Coalition candidates is greater than
IN previous. contests.and having been tested
rs II by fire, it will stand firm in the flu
lure. Indeed the despicable means en-
ployed by the Bourbons cannot but revolt
many who were seduced into their support.
NO party can long hold the confidence of
inc people which cannot appeal to the pub
&c conscience for its vindcation, and this
$ the last appeal that even Bourbon eff
rontery would make.