Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-08-05
THE BUGLE SOUNDS.

Again the Democrats OF Virginia have
taken counsel together. Guided by no pur-
pose save that which should advance the
public veal, their deliberations have been
in the interests of peace and good feeling,
desiring that agitation should cease, and
that the people and the government may
move forward accomplishing all proper
ends, free from the scenes of discord and
the fatal consequences of strife. To bring
our distracted public affairs within the
channels through which safety and a just
solution of difficulties can be reached, are
objects all parties should desire.
The principles and purposes set forth in
the platform of the Democratic party de-
serve the united support of all patriotic
men. In establishing a just course to be
pursued for the purpose of rendering the
people and the State secure against every
emergency which may come upon them, as
well as to break down the Vaccinations of
fanatical leaders and partisans arrayed
against law and order, and who in their tri-
umph would bind all who oppose their
schemes and designs in letters OF bondage
to base and reckless power, should awaken
every freeman to the consequences Ct the
impending conflict.
The chart for our guide, and our leaders
in the field, are before US. The foe is stub
born at all points and contending for the
last hope of existence. With victory for
the Democratic party expires the last hope
of a shattered and discordant power, which
has ruled only to hasten ruin in the accom-
plishment of its purposes. The issue now
made is one which seeks to take from the
people and the State, through every means
which can be combined for the purpose, the
right to direct and maintain popular and
State sovereignty, and to place the de-
spoiled privilege at the feet of boss rule
Every thought which aspires to rightful
and independent action is to be made sub
servient, and the powers and functions of
the government made to crouch at the feet
of dictatorial Boss.
The representatives of the Democratic
party in the State Convention were more
than the delegates of a party. They have
reflected the will and desires of all the peo-
pie of the State not maddened by discom-
future in the tenure of Office and their fol-
lowers. Our nominees are of the people
and for the people, and when they shall
come before them in that straightforward,
direct manner, characteristic of the work of
the Convention, and indicating the wis
dom of its action, it win become manifest,
that we have for our Standard bearers the
very men who should have been placed
there. Organization and work till the day
of election is our duty, and nothing short
of that will leave US without reproach.
To hesitate, is to suffer defeat. The
work of the day and the duty every Demo
crat owes to the organization of his party
and its purposes call sternly for a full dis
charge of the same. Is not Fitz Lee bet
ter man to be Governor than John S. Wise?
Would not Massey, who refused to be driv-
en- into the Republican party, fill the sec
ond place far more to the credit of the State
than Wood, who deliberately obeyed the
mandate and enrolled himself under the
'sbloody- shirt" leader? Would not Ayref,
endorsed by the great Southwest, make far
more acceptable law officer of the govern
ment than Blair? Take the tickets and
analyze their merits. With the Democrat
ic party, support the right ticket, and dis
card the other, because it is unworthy to
direct State affairs and at variance with the
best interests of the people.
Three months is sufficient for quick, de-
termined work We should commence at
once and not rest till victory is assured.
Wait not for the approach of the opposition,
but move with resolution and speak and
declare that Virginia shall be ruled for the
good of all her people, and that the admin
istration of her affairs shall be worthy Of
the fair name she has borne and desires 10
retain.
The balance of trade in favor of the
United States for the year which ended on
June Both amounted to more than $780,
600, 000. This looks well for us, and shows |
that our neghbors have more need of US
than we of them.