Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-11-11
THE RESULT.

remnant of power and influence, which have
so defantly demanded supreme control in all
our affairs, National and State, as well as
to place every local Interest within the
grasp of domineering rule, which, in ey-
ercising its authority, would grind all OPP
position into dust. 1t was, indeed, fight
for all our highest aims in directing the
government, down to the minor, but still
important. consequences as to what prin-
ciple of administration should be applied in
controlling county and district affairs
The gauge of battle was thrown down by the
Republican party and accepted by the DEM
ocratic. The contest was for the supremacy
of the one or the other.
The chosen standard bearer of the demo-
ocratic hosts traversed the State, and near
ly sixty times promulgated from the hust-
ings, and in the hearing of immense crowds
of people, the principles and the purposes
of which he and his associates on the ticket
were the representatives. The large ma
jority of the popular vote by which General
Lee is elected to the Chief Executive office,
is an expression of approval of those prin-
ciples and purposes which should settle
forever the policy of this State.
In summing up the gratifying results Of
of the contest, the people of Virginia of all
parties should take pride in reviewing the
history and incidents of the heated Cam
paign, as the bearing of General Lee
stands out SO conspicuously throughout it's
continuation. Modest to refinement, and
with courage blended with moderation,
never one word unbecoming him or the
people escaped his lips With exultant
pride he can be pointed to as model of
propriety, discretion, manhood, and con-
sistency.
If the long roll which registers the rank
and file of the democratic party, who obey
ed the call to duty, were scanned, it would
be found that not one was absent from his
post From the tireless and able Chair
man of the State Committee, all the way
along the line of resolute champions down
to the precinct worker, every man was IN
his place and every one hero. The crafti-
ness of the opposition and the plans of its
leader, were well considered, and every
where defiantly met. Resistance so con-
centrated and so determined could not be
overcome, and the great victory won is for
the good of all, and the sooner it is conced-
ed and acquiesced in the sooner we shall be
freed from the perflexing and expensive
drafts made upon the time and resources
of the people expended in political contests,
which should be more proftably used in the
fields of our varied industries.
| This is a fitting time for some reflection
by Republicans. The democratic party
does not and never will concede that it is
not the guardian of the liberties and in
terests of both races-nor will it ever adj
nit delinquency in maintaining measures
for the growth and expansion of the
country and it's development in all indus
tries. 1t desires and pleads for unity and
friendship between the white man and the
colored man, and would gladly welcome the
day, of which at last there are signs Of ap'
proach, when there shall be no contentious
between the races. Fate has decreed that
the two must abide together, and united
in proper aims they can make their sec
ton the fairest under the sun. The re-
suits of the late canvass demonstrates how
utterly unavailing have been the efforts OF
partizans to make issues when there was nc
ground for any. The truth is, the demo
cratic party is the true representative o.
every interest of all the people of Virginia,
and time and discussion will prove it. Il
years of agitation might be saved to the PEG
} Pile whose time and energies should long
since have been wholly devoted to advancing
their social and material interests, instead
of being absorbed in political agitation
The people of the State were entitled te
the benefits which will follow as a con
sequence of the democratic victory without
mourning the cost of time and agitation by
which they were obtained.
Great progress has been made since the
Presidential election of 1884 in advancing
national feelings and breaking down al
sectional animosities. The Democratic
party of Virginia was in full accord with
all this, and its candidate for Governor
was distinguished participant ON every
proper occasion designed to manifest
harmony and fraternity between the sec
lions.
The people of Virginia cannot express
themselves in more deci led tones than they
have done in the recent election concerning
the questions involved in the canvass. The
Democratic party is the guardian of the
people in all these matters, and that party
desires that in furthering the blessings OF
union and harmony between the States
and the entire country, our own State shall
be relieved of everything which creates dis
cord and engenders strife of every kind
The Democratic party of Virginia has the
| right, and it is its duty, to prescribe
for the future well-belng of the people,
observing justice, iberality, and the
rights of minorities arrayed gainst its
policy. That the government will conform
to all this whilst starting the State on a
new career, every reasonable mind is con-
WINGED. Factious opposition, after the
expressed will SO clearly enuncated, should
cease, and the entire power of the State
in all the elements of restoration to pros
perity which she possesses should be al
lowed full play for the good which they
will soon accomplish if unshackled by party
strife. The Democratic party would prefer
to secure the desired blessings in this most
practicable way, but it will maintain
it's responsibilities, breathe more strongly,
and looking back to that of 1888 and
subsequent contests, will go ON with
unconquerable will to hold its position,
and will, at every cost of inconvenience
and time, direct the government for the
good of all the people and keep the State
secure from another era of misrule, and
from the hands of those who have brought