Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-11-11
Gen. Fitz Lee the proper man.

IL VIII De remembered that the SPECTA-
TOR was the first paper in the State to put
the name of Gen. Fitz Lee at its masthead
as its choice for candidate for Governor,
and when it did so, it assigned as one of its
chief reasons for doing SO, that he would
excite more enthusiasm and rally more men
to the Democratic standard than any other
man that could be nominated. The magnifi-
cent canvass he has made vindicates the
correctness of our opinion, and the wisdom
OF his nomination by the Democratic State
Convention. He inspired enthusiasm wher-
ever he appeared, and was so wise and
level-headed that he did not make single
mistake, or use an improper expression in
any of his many excellent speeches.
The Alexandria Gazette says
"The result of the Virginia campaign
shows that General Lee is the strongest
| man the democrats could have possibly
I selected for their leader He made voters
wherever he went, and during the entire
campaign never said or did any thing that
was not calculated to promote the success
of the cause he led.
And the Richmond Dispatch says
GAS far as human foresight goes, as far as
the popular judgment extends, no man could
have so grandly borne the standard of his
party. He has kindled an enthusiasm never
surpassed-in the opinion of many never
equal]ed-by popular leader in this State.
He has made vigorous and statesmanlike
addresses, appealing to the calm judgment
| and sober sense of the voters, and won for
himself a name as public speaker exceed
ing what his most ardent admirers had hoped
of him. He has had ovations that would
have turned the heads of most men he has
been overwhelmed with evidences of affec-
ton, especially by the old soldiers, but no.
where has he made false step or given ex-
preston to a sentence that ought to be re-
called. With no great experience on the
hastings he has led the canvass in man.
ner which is positive assurance that he has
the material in him for a good Governor.
He has acted we'll his part.''
And the Lynchburg Neaos says
Sand from the first day of his nomination
to he setting of the sun on November 3rd,
General Lee gained strength and won deep
er hold on the affections of the people
Everywhere he appeared he attracted new
friends and added to the grand army of mis-
admirers. He has made splendid canvass;
made no mistakes, but showed consummate
skill, tact and discretion.
sEGoing into the fight with little reputation
as public speaker he comes out laurel
crowned and conspicuous. He has estab-
lished a reputation as ready, fluent, forci-
bic, effective speaker-showing that he is
as ready with the tongue as he has been
with the sword. The bold cavalryman is
as doughty in a tourney of words as in tilt
of lances, and has proved that in any emer-
gency he will be able to bear himself well
in his nigh Office
Factors IN PoLITICs.-We agree with
the Dispatch that the unthinking too often
give to public speakers far greater credit for
gaining victory than they are willing to
give to the Press. They do not know that
whilst speaking is more snowy and attrac-
tive, writing is more effective and substan-
tial. They do not remember that the public
journals largely furnish the basis and mate
rial for public speeches aud that, moreover,
while the public speaker is addressing his
audience. the public journal is speaking to
ten times as many. The Saul of the hust-
ings Stays his thousands, but the
David CT the press his ten thousands. 1t is
forgotten, still further, that during three
fourths of the year, while the public speak
er is resting from his political labors, the
editor is defending the principles of his party
and keeping the people awake to their
danger.
But there is still another factor in public
affairs, one which is far greater than press
and public speaking combined, and without
which both these would be powerless. 1t
is that force of earnest workers who win no
fame beyond their neighborhoods, but who,
by their faithful and intelligent labor from
man to man and from house to house, al
ways win the right to the greatest share of
glory that descends upon party in time of
victory. Richmond State.
THE TRUTH OF THE CAsE.-What is he
present condition of the colored people OF
the south ? asked a New York inquirer the
other day, and to this Mr.. David A. Straker,
colored, formerly dean and professor of COM
mon la in the Allen University, Columbia,
S. c., replied
''Since the return of the democrati c
party to power in the southern States more
has been done for the education of the col
ored people than ever before. Intelligent
democrats see that public welfare demands
the education of the negroes and are doing
what they can for the free schools. The
republican adventurers who were in power
for SO long after the war cared nothing for
the general welfare but only for themselves
l believe the social prejudice against the ne
gro is stronger in the north than in the
south. Here an ambitious colored man has
little chance to become anything but bar
Der or a waiter; in tho south there are many
colored carpenters, blacksmiths, masons,
architects and contractors and few factory
operatives. The negroes are cheated in
politics, just as ignorant men are everywhere,
but there is not now any violence or terror
iSm."
This is correct statement of the whole
question, and any other vie of it is simply
an insult to the people of the south, wheth-
er white or black.