The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-10-23
Two Notable Contests.

ton to popular thought OH a prominent
question of governmental administration.
In 1876, when the Democratic party bad
denounced the Resumption act and de-
manded its repeal. the issue was made
squarely by the Republicans that it must
be enforced at the time fixed by the law
and the pledges of the government re-
deemed to the letter. In the October con-
test this was made the issue above all
others. The Republicans discussed the
finance question in all of its bearings,
maintaining that one of the most imper-
alive duties of the party was to demon
strate to the world that the United States
intended to uphold its credit, establish It's
standing among the first powers OF the
civilized countries. and give to the people
notwithstanding and enduring currency
as the basis of business. The fight was
stubborn and conducted on both sides with
great ability, resulting in the election OF
Rutherford b. Hayes Governor by be-
tween 5000 and 1000 majority. The ex-
preston of public sentiment in Ohio IN
that contest. assured specie resumption on
the 1st of January, 1879. the day fixed IN
the resumption act. SO powerful was the
effect of the Ohio verdict that Republic
cans and business men generally were con-
fident of the success of the law And IN
veritication of this. the act went into
force on the day designated, without the
people realizing the fact. A paper dollar
passed at once into thesfull value OLA gold
dollar, in commercial transactions. and
from that day to this there has been no
variableness in the currency of the coun-
trv. whether greenbacks, national bank
notes, gold or silver. 1t was brave act
on the part of the Republicans and an IL
lustration of their faith in the people.
and that the best way to approach them
is in frank discussion of the measures
affecting their interests and Il direct APP
peal to their integrity and patriotism.
Another great question. of equal impor-
tance and similar relation to business in
terest and national character'and strength
is now before the country. 1t was made
distinct and positive by the action OF the
Democratic party in Congress last VIM
ter when the attempt was made to pass
the Morrison tariff bill, and fix upon the
country the policy Of free trade-to des-
troy American industry degrade American
labor. and transfer the theatre OF our
workshops from the United States to Eu-
rope. The challenge thus thrown down
by the Democrats was taken up by the
Republicans and the first preliminary Skin
mish was made in Ohio, with Il result far
more impressive and significant than that
in 1875. 1t is true the Democrats endeav-
ored to evade the issue they had made,
but it was pressed upon them with con-
sistency and persistency that they could
not run away from. or cover it up under
an avalanche of SANDER and villiication
of Mr.. Blaine. The Mulligan letters, dis
tributed by the Car load throughout the
State, and Immediately in the track OF
Mr.. Blaine. were thrown aside as so much
waste paper, other ISLANDERS and falsehoods
were multiplied to meet the same fate,
and the tariff question brought out as
one affecting the material interests OF the
people. 1t was discussed and presented in
all its phases, and the verdict rendered
voiced the sentiment of the intelligence
and worth of that great State in its IA
vor.
The most significant result was in the
district represented in the present Con-
gress by Hon. Frank Hurd. He is an
avowed free trader, declares that the
Chicago platform is free trade announce
ment. that Cleveland is a good enough
free trader for him. and went before his
constituents on that issue. He ran be-
hind the State ticket 1000 votes, and was
defeated by nearly 800 by his Republican
protection tariff opponent.
The courage of the Republicans of Ohio
we'll fits them for the vanguard of a ma
tional contest. They were found equal to
the demands of the position in 1876 and
they have been found worthy of the honor
in 1884. The voting on the 14th inst. was
but the skirmish to the great contest
of November 4, and foreshadowed the
summing up of the vote when the sun shall
have set on that day. The election OF the
Republican candidates is assured already
and only awaits the formality of record
of the popular will.
1t has been the policy of the Democratic
leaders in Virginia to evade and avoid a
discussion of the vital and essential prac-
tical issues before the country involved in
this contest. They know they cannot de-
fend the record of their party as to any
measure that has contributed to our ma
tional advancement, and for that reason
they seek to introduce imaginary issues,
indulge in personal ISLANDERS, arouse preju-
dice and passion, and thus draw the popu-
Lar mind away from the important ques-
tions whichinvi their attention and affect
their interests. This they cannot do
They will be forced to face the questions
which relate to government, which par
ties have to deal with, and which will be
subjects of legislation and administration.
The people cannot be deceived or misled
as they have been in the past. The desper
lite resorts of faithless party have too Of
ten been the means Of placing in power
those who care nothing for the public good.
The people now want to be served. The
industries of the country must be encour-
aged and sustained; the industrial inter-
ests must be considered our material,
moral and intellectual advancement con-
suited, and not the ambitions of political
marplots who would stir up strife and in
fame passion. regardless of the public well
fare. to gain power. The practical issues
properly related to government should be
incessently pressed upon public attention,
and all mere personal consideration design
ed to divert the popular mind ignored and
discountenanced. There is too much at
stake i'll this election for Virginia and this
immediate people to allow any mere person
almatter OF irrelevant interest to interpose
to turn the thoughts from essential and
vital issues. The judgment and not the
passions; the interests and not prejudices
should be appealed to, that the ballot may
be wisely and patriotically deposited
From now until the day of election we NAV