Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1883-09-25
From the Rockingham Register.
Come, Let uS Reason Together.

During the contest in which these United
States became free and independent. the
question was discussed as it has been on
many other occasions. '1s man capable of
self government ?'' The question was de-
cided by the patriots of rs in the affirma-
tive, and they, in order to demonstrate to
the world the correctness Of the decision,
established a government in which the peo-
pie were the rulers instead of being the
slaves of some hereditary potentate. AS
the contest for self government hinges on
the question, SIS man capable of self-gov-
ernment ?'' all selfgovernment hinges on
the one point, viz: The judicious exercise
of the right of suffrage. This right is only
appreciated as it should be by those who
have lost it, or those who never possessed it,
Our people who are intelligent and have
had the opportunity of seeing the effect of
iudici0us exercise of this right III the past,
should see and see clearly that of late this
right has been injudiciously exercised. Our
people should reason tog gsther they should
calmly and dispassionately think for them
selves, and never surrender to any party or
set Of men tie right to do their thinking.
This may seem simple, but let every voter
ask himself the question, Have I always
exercised the right of suffrage according to
the dictates OF reason or of my conscience
Have not been frequently governed by pre-
liudice or voted according to the dictates of
clique or caucus, against my own better
Judgment? Have ! not considered party
before principle? Men frequently in com
mon every day affairs, make mistakes and
when they discover them they hasten to
remedy them, or do all they can to counter
act any evil that may arise theTefrom. Let
men reason on political affairs as upon 9TH
er affairs. Of late men were much interest
ed i'll harvesters and many wanted to pur-
chase. What did they 90? They examin-
ed the different machines and listened to all
the agents had to say but this did not
satisfy them. They talked with their neigh
bors and got their views, which were given
honestly and calmly-each acting con-
scientiously in the matter. All this consid-
cred, many men bought machines they had
not thought of buying, simply because they
were in this matter entirely willing to be
governed by reason, and not by the story
of one interested,in the matter, as the agents,
Now many political speakers are agents, and
interested agents, as they have an axe to
grind and like the good graces of The one
who owns the stone, and try to obtain them
by honest Or dishonest means. Men gen
orally discard one who deceives them in all
things except politics. Now let our people
use the same caution and discretion in
forming their opinions politically, that they
do in other matters. Our people have been
democratic from the cradle up, and they
are democratic yet. They understand that
the very foundation of our liberties are th-
principles of true democracy, and the hopes
of our prosperity rest on the preservation
of those principles. The greatest good to
the greatest number, and the rule of the in
telligence Of the country, the purity of the
ballot, an honest performance of duty by all
public servants, and officers, after as Stunning
the duties of an Office, leaving politics alone.
The democracy have spoken in convention
with no uncertain sound, the platform is
broad and conservative, it is broad enough
for every lover of his State to stand upon.
1t declares in favor Of honesty, it declares
in favor of economy, it declares in favor of
nurturing our schools, it declares in favor
of according to the negro every right undcr
the law, it declares the democracy opposed
to any boss, it declares against corruption,
anywhere and everywhere, it declares the
debt question forever settled, it declares in
favor of just and equitable tariff, one op-
pressive to none and against discrimination
in favor of any. Every man in the State
should consider this matter-study it as a
lesson, and let no party prejudice control
their decision. Let the people consider well
the position men occupy now and in con-
nection consider their past declarations !;
consider the pledges these men have made
during the late bitter contest, and see
whether they have kept their troth. Take
a view of these things morally and conscien-
l,n tot 70 10 l.,
some men in regard to their fealty TO the
democratic party. and farther consider
whether men who have once deceived can
be trusted whether, in plain words, men
who have lied time and again to our people,
will not continue to do so. Consider wheth-
Ell deceiyers and traitors are TO be trusted
with the most important concerns of a peo-
pie. Should such men control affairs which
should be conducted as sacredly almost as
our own worship; l mean the control of
the asylums for the insane, the deaf, dumb
and blind. Can men who will set aside the
interest of these unfortunates to subserve
the interest of party be longer trusted P
Can it be possible that honest men will
trust dishonest politicians to prostitute
their interests longer in this matter, when
the remedy is in their own hands? The
republicans have always manifested great
love for the black man and brother; more
particularly about election time. Let our
people, and likewise the negro consider
whether the depth of this love is not gaug
ed by interest. Are republicans more scru-
pulous in regard to complying with their
contracts. Let each and every voter in the
State of Virginia ask himself the following
questions, and not rest until he has reason
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