Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1884-11-12
PRAISE TO GOD, YHR PEOPLE HAVE qRlUMPHED
Cleveland and Hendricks Elected +!
THE COUNTRY BLESSED-A CALAMITY
AVERTED!
THE BLESSINGS OF THE RESULT.
REASONS FOR PERSONAL QUALIFICATION.

REASONS FOR PERSONAL QUALIFICATION.
Let God be praised, and the people re-
joice, for they have triumphed over the enc
mics of their government, and Of their
dearest rights and best interests. Honesty
has won the victory over dishonesty. Lib
erty has triumphed over tyranny. 1t is
not simply the victory of one party over
another, but it is the victory of the friends
of liberty and free government, over those
who were sapping the very foundations of
our free institutions, and making an Upas
tree of the tree of liberty. The election
of Cleveland and Hendricks is a great
blessing, whereas that of Blaine and To-
gan would have been dire calamity. The
victors are not SO much disposed to triumph
over their political opponents, as they are
to rejoice at the deliverance of their coun-
try, which they now feel is redeemed, re-
generated, and disenthralled."
Duly approaching the momentous con-
sequences, the people-the 'sbest people,
Lahore d faithfully before the election, when
they were hopeful, yet anxious about the
result, and on the election day when the
ballot was to be cast
"a weapon that comes down as still
AS flakes fall upon the sod;
But executes a freeman's will,
AS lightning Goes the will of God,"
they were still anxious about the result of
that days work, and awaited with impa-
thence the news that the telegraph wires
would communicate. Some few hours after
might and darkness had closed around, :"
the people, standing on the tip-toe of ex-
pectation,' eagerly listened for the click
of the telegraph that was to bring them
news of the votes cast in this and ether
States. The news was not favorable. and
at 10 o'clock on the night Of the election,
when we were about to close our form for
publication, the prospect was dark, and
the news of such character as to sadden
the hearts of all true lovers of liberty,
honesty, reform, and free institutions, for
it then seemed that not only had Cleveland
been defeated, but hat even Virginia had
failed to do Der duty, and the heart of true
Virginians sank in modification, and feared
that it might be that the failure to elect
Cleveland might be caused by the failure
of Virginia to cast her vote for him, and
they felt that then the steel would enter
their very souls, and that they would never
be able to recover from the wound thus in
ficted. This narrowing dread was remov-
cd on Wednesday, when the news was such
as 20 give assurance that Virginia,
bless her,-had faithfully performed her
patriotic DUTY; but the anxiety concerning
the general result still continued, as it still
seemed to be doubtful. Tie minds of the
people were thus kept on the tenter hooks of
anxious suspense, throughout Wednesday,
and Wednesday night, and all day Thurs
day till late in the evening. when the posi-
tive and clear-ringing dispatch Of Hon.
Daniel Manning, chairman of the State
Committee Of New York, was received,
announcing the election Of Cievlaend and
Hendricks. Then the suspense was termi-
mated, and a heavy weight lifted of Il g
hearts of the people, and then there was
Joy and hilarity, rejoicing and congratrla-
tions, and the more excitable gave vent to
their feelings by cheers and shouts, and 9TH
ers by-blowing horns, firing pop-crackers,
burning colored lights, and boisterous,
and good-natured jolliication generally.
Then it was learned that the Republicans
also claimed the victory, and as the mar
mense vote of The great Empire State of
New York, upon whose vote the result de-
pended, some minds were again clouded
with doubt, and this doubt was net wholly
dispelled till Saturday, when all Democrats
became satisfied that they had gained a
glorious victory, aud that the boastful
claims Of the Republicans were false. and
were made with view to attempt to de-
defraud the people of the election as they
did in 1876, but the Democrats felt assured
that the Republicans could not successfully
play that game this time, for the Demo
Gratis were on the watch, and they we're
determined to have their rights, peacefully
il they could. but forcibly if they must.
The people who had won the victory were
determined to maintain it at all hazards.
They were willing to abide the result Of "a
free vote and a fair count" but were re-
solved not to be defrauded as in 1876
That there was, and may be still, purpose
on the part of the Republicans to attempt
such game, there can be but little doubt;
and we warn them that they had better be
careful, for the Democrats are firmly re-
solved to maintain their rights sat all
hazards, and to the last extremity" In
o word, ssthere is blood in their eye," and
The provocation should not be given.
THE BLESSINGS OF THE RESULT.
The blessings that will follow the cleo
ton of Cleveland and Hendricks are innu
merable and incalculable. Every interest
of the country, in all the pursuits of life,
will be promoted-all will be benefited,
and all will have reason to rejoice-all, OF
both races and sexes, old and young, rich
and poor, with the single exception of the
office-holders, who value the emoluments
of office more than the promotion of the
general welfare. A better and more kind
ly feeling will pervade the ranks of the
people, North and South. The fend OF
sectional hate, will stink abashed to her
cavern home, and the union of the States
as it should, will be-
A Union of hearts, and a Union of hands,
Union that none can sever.
A Union of Lakes and a Union of lands,
The Flag of our Union forever.
The Union will be stronger than it has
been since it was "dissevered Union.
drenched in blood, ~ for it will be cemented
by confidence and bound with the cords OF
affection. The people Of the South will
be recognized as the equals of their breth
rem of the North, and tie will be more
kindly feeling between the races in the
South; for the negroes, who have been, for
selfish purposes, taught by interruptions