Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-04-01
Staaifan S1pdfEirtator.
". DNE.yN, APRIL 1. ,ss5.
THE TINES.

Under our system of government, we
drift so rapidly from one scene of political
agitation to another, that the people are
deprived of repose in the almost continuous
excitement of partisan conflict. Questions
which belong to national affairs are intro
duced in State and local contests, and is
sues are made which can be of no benefit
one way or the other, and only hurtful to
the best interests of substantial progress.
There can be no question of the fact,
that the frequency of elections, two in the
odd and one in the even-numbered years,
with weeks and months of agitation pre-
vious to election days, in which every voter
is absorbed in one way or another, is drain
upon the resources of the country, which
we in Virginia have felt in no little degree
The present times are not favorable for
changes in the organic laws, for in the at
tempt to escape from one set of evils, 9TH
ers worse in effect might follow in the eff
fort.
The time which should be devoted to
local improvements is in great part con-
sumed in the excitement of party contests,
and thus Is imposed burden upon the
people which impedes their progress in the
development of their resources.
This burthen has, however, to be endured
until we can do better. A careful exami-
nation of the situation will demonstrate
the fact, that the chief difficulties in our
more rapid progress in material develop
ment and prosperity arises from the plain
truth that our local interests cannot move
forward as they otherwise would if the en-
ergies of the people were not hampered as
they are. Nor can individual enterprises
be set on foot and pushed with successful
steadiness, whilst ceaseless agitation, with
the introduction of all manner Of issues
which in the end but harass for evil only,
are made paramount to the best interests
involved. A general effort from home re-
sources to improve our lands, acre by acre,
will accomplish more in the end than the
outlay of large capital at few points on
what may be termed grand.scalc. Com
mencing and persevering in the establish
ment of manufactures according to safe
rules. will work better results in time than
the outlay of large means at a given place
for such enterprises, which too often have
failure written upon them. A safe and
economic progress by individual and asso-
ciated enterprise is indissolably connected
with the advancement of the surrounding
public interests. Our local public concerns
require time and reflection for their judi
cious management, and as much SO as any
other matter of public or private import
ance. Progress in our local public affairs
is hindered by the causes stated, and con-
templated individual enterprises are often
defeated because instability rules where
a permanent and settled policy is indis-
pensable in repairing to success.
The tax upon the business interests OF
the coun ry under our form of govern
ment, as political contests are conducted,
is enormous, but there is no remedy
for it, except to endeavor to shorten the
time occupied in canvassing, to which
all parties should willingly agree. The
representatives of the industrial pursuits
are now about to assemble in council with
the hope of infusing new life into anguish
ing prospects. The schemes which they
will inaugurate for this purpose may be
overshadowed by the engrossing cares and
excitements which will sweep through the
State. All classes and all pursuits suffer
more or less, but the producing interests
suffer most, and neither the employers FOL
the laborcrs can estimate the difference ii
would be to them were it otherwise. CouD-
ty and district affairs must stop with half.
planned and unfinished schemes, and, per
h.ps, finally be totally wrecked in the whirl.
pool of ceaseless political strife.
The patience and endurance of the peo-
pie, upon whom the burdens of govern
ment mainly rest, are largely beyond any
estimate which can be made. They can
not afford to allow the powers of admins
tration to be continually welded by selfish
pa. tisans to the ultimate destruction oil
every valuable interest, jr can they allow
time to roll on without putting forth every
effort-though embarrassments come az
thick as hailstones-to secure that prosper.
ity and progress which their interests and
the advancement of the times demand.
1t is gratifying fact that the Virginia
Democrats are beginning to agitate the
question IF selecting Governor, and can
didates are being brought out. 1t does nc
harm and can do good. The man worthy
the high place will not suffer by having his
merits fully canvassed. A Governor is to
be nominated by the peoples voice, and
not by a machine convention such as Ma
hone has taken pleasure in manipulating. -
Richmond State.
When they have taken the pains, as we
have done, to look carefully over the field,
and consider with calm and impartial judg-
ment all the circumstances, we have an
abiding faith that the ''people's voice" will
be for the gallant Gen. Fitz Lee.
Hon. John s. Barbour has rendered such
efficient service as Chairman of the Demo-
cratic State and Executive Committees as
to place the party under great obligations
to him, and many would like to have him
as the candidate for Governor; but there
are good reasons why he should be honored
with another Office than that of Governor.
He can render more service to the party as
Chairman of the Committees mentioned
than as candidate for Governor, and il
would not be wise to nominate him for Gov
ernor, even if he desired it, and we have
good reasons to know that he does not de
sire the nomination for that office. Tit
wise thing to do is, to nominate Gen. Fit;
Lee for Governor; retain Barbour as Chair
man of the State and Executive Commit
tees to manage the canvass with the skill
that his abilities and experience enable hin
to exercise; make an active and succs ssfu
canvass, as we can do with the gallant Fit.