The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-10-02
Some Things to Think Over.

best interests of this district and State.
and that if they will divest themselves of
the influence of prejudice, and be gov
erned by their reason, they would not vote
for him to reflect their wishes and inter
ests in Congress. In the heat of politi-
cal contest, we know, it is diflicult for men
to consider what is practically best in a
business and material point of view, for
party traditions and associations are very
powerfulin influencing action on such oc-
casions. But is it not better for the peo-
pie to measure the results of their action
in politics, as they would adjust their af-
fairs in the private business relations Of
life and avail of the advantages which may
be presented to promote their material
welfare, instead Of directly antagonizing
| the policy and measures which would con-
tribute to their well being? The ballot is
the only method by which the citizen can
make known what he wants in the legisla-
ton OF the country. 1t is the only mode
by which he can participate in govern
ment. 1t is the channel through which he
| speaks his wants, his convictions, his aspi-
ratlons, as they may be affected by the
laws, the policies and the purposes of gov
eminent. The ballot was instituted for
that end.and it is peryersion of its sacred
office to invoke its aid simply to record
prejudice and passion, and not to sustain
pubic objects, affecting the great inter
ests OF the people and country. We do not
believe the people of this district concur
with Mr.. Tucker in his theories OF his
yetes-we do net believe that lie could con-
scientiously represent their interests. nor
would his election be a truthful reflection
OF the sentiments and convict ions of the
constituency he would be delegated to speak
/ for.
lie did not represent them in voting
against Samuel J. Randall, and for J. G..
Carlisle, for Speaker of the House of Rep
resentates.
lie did not represent them in voting for
the Morrison tariff bill, which was known
and SO declared by it's friends to be the
entering wedge to eventual free trade.
lie did not represent them in his fatal
objection to the consideration of the Edu-
catlonal Bill, which appropriated about
$4,000, 900 to the educational interests of
Virginia.
lie did not represent them in opposing
the increase of the tariff on iron ores.
lie did not represent them in voting
against the Converse bill to restore the
tariff of 1867 on foreign woods.
He did not represent them when he
voted against the repeal of the tariff on
mate hes.
He did not represent them when he
voted against the Animal Industry bill
and to provide means for the investigation
and extirpation of pleuro-pneumonia apd
| other infectious and contagious diseases
among domestic animals.
| He did not represent them when he voted
against the appropriation of a few hum
dred thousand dollars for the relief of the
sufferers by the Ohio and Mississippi floods.
lie did not represent them when he
voted for the Bonded Whiskey extension
bill, which would have deprived the public
treasury of $S0000,000 for five years, and
perpetuated and strengthened powerful
whiskey ring.
lie did not represent them when in his
Staunton speech he Haunted an insult in
the face of the Firmstones, proprietors of
Longdale Furnace, and every other capt.
talist and operator who has come to Vir-
igifrfa to develop her resources and gipe-
employment to her labor.
He did not represent them when he
voted against the bill to stamp out polyg-
amy in the Territories and remove that
moral scolrge from the land, if possible.
LIE did not represent them when he
voted against the renewal of the national
bank charters-l vote which meant re-
turn to the old State bank system.
He did not represent them in his persis-
tent efforts to inhame sectional prejudice
and perpetuate the unfortuna tie animosi-
ties of twenty years ago.
He represented the people of this dis
trlct, and especially of Augusta county, in
none of these things, and if they vote
their honest sentime nts it will not be to
support him.
Mr.. Tucker has so trained his mind by
the study of constitutional distractions.
that he is incapable of taking a practical
view of any of the live questions Of the
day. He does not understand the people
and really knows very little about them,
OF the relation of their interests to nation
al LEGISLATION HE tboor;oc ond no+;o,c
If crystalized into law, would be ruinous
to the workingmen of the country. These
theories have become a part Of his mental
being. He cannot be educated out of
them and however honest he may he in
their maintenance, this makes them none
the less obnoxious, and him the more
dangerous. Plausible arguments he may
construct to defend the ideas he enter
tains, but they, nevertheless. do not reach |
down to the needs of the people, OF sus-
tain practical policy that works out COM
mon benefits. What do the people of |
Augusta county and the 10th district care
about MI. fuckers nicely constructed |
sentences and hair-splitting constructions, |
IL ehSy Wv Aioo ONO1fO oOliiC pAoCOIOdi pan
for material advancement, through the |
agencies of dead wealth converted into |
active values, labor EN- ployed and indus
tries encouraged? His notions, as reflected |
in his votes, if enacted into law, would I
close every iron furnace in Virginia, i'm
poyerish labor and PROSTATE all enter
prises. Mr.. Tucker may not think so, but
the experience of the country teaches us
that such would be the fact, and lessons
drawn from such source are more to be
credited than his ingenius Celebrations of
limitations.
And with Mr.. fuckers views of the
constitution he cannot get away from
these things to which he stands com
mitted, without going back upon himself
and the record he has made. What inter-
est in common can the mechanic and
the farmers and toilers Of the
Commonwealth have in such dead sea APP
plesg There is no vitalizing force in them.
There is nothingin them tostimulate prod
duction,t to encourage enterprise, OF develop