Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-06-30
CLOSE UP THE RANKS.

ing more than a just share of the burdens |
of government, is briefly summary in part |
of the doings of the Republican party when
controlling the affairs of this country. the
tendency to Capitalization on the part OF |
the Government, as directed by party in
fuences, engendered and encouraged the IN
warrantable purposes of monopolies and IN |
dividuals in political favor with the doml-
nant power. In one way or another, through
such means, the treasury and the wealth OF
the nation in many instances became the
prey of illegal and unauthorized claims
Arrogance and corruption developed into
oppression, till the spirit of reform arose
and overpowered the efforts of all who en-
deavored to arrest it. The officers OF the
Government everywhere, from the lowest
to the highest, were governed by party feal-
ty only, and were educated to look upon
their adversaries as destitute of any desire
to see the country united and prosperous.
The reform which the people willed has
an infexible supporter in President CleVe-
land, who at least has broken and scattered
the enemies of fraternal intercourse between
all sections of the country and restored the
south to an equal share id the adn4inistra-
zion Of the government. If he had done
nothing more and been unable to effect any
change which the details of public service
demanded, it would have been triumph
worthy Of the grand fight made under his
leadership. He has pursued the course he
mapped out in the canvass, and which he
said he would follow if elected. The TWEEN
ty years of misrule made his task one of
great responsibility and difficulty. A pee
wish Senate seems willing to embarrass
him, though he is anxious to respect every
obligation of law and the comfy which
shonld exist between the separate powers of
the Government. The Democratic party
should be satisfied with his progress and
should remember how different the condi-
ton Of the country would be, if, from any
cause, his hands should be weakened. There
are more ways to do that than by open OPP
position. Had he done nothing, then the COM
Unsuitable, but his resolute course and what
he has accomplished have placed him far
above any proper ground for dissatisfaction.
The Democratic party has duty to per-
form in this matter-it should aid the Ad-
ministration in completing the work ex-
pected of it. This they will not do, if, from
any cause, local or other consideration, they
| fail to be united. The smallest local trouble
disturbs harmony and efficiency, without
which victory cannot be won. The loss Of
| a stronghold or position, however seem.
ingly unimportant, will have disastrous
effect. The expectation of the Republican
party that the rivalries and jealousies be-
tween Democrats shall furnish it with ma
terial to assail the Democratic party should
be disappointed by throwing aside all diff
ferences and standing together united and
harmonious. We will soon be engaged in
the Congressional canvass, when our oppo
nents will expect to accomplish more from
our want of union and harmony than they
can hope for upon any ground of superior
merit which they can claim. It was con-
certed action and united purpose which
elected Democratic President. The same
united counsels carried Gen. lee to the
Governorship. In this way we strengthened
our representation in Congress and the Leg
islature. All these are barren victories if
we fail to maintain our position, and that
we cannot do unless by union in every con-
test and exercising a determination that
will poll every Democratic vote for the NOM
inees of the party.
TIE question of what measures of reform
have been accomplished by the President
and the Democratic House of Representa-
tives is not pertinent and certainly can
not be with Il Republican Senate in the
way Our continued supremacy in the Con-
gressional districts now represented by
Democrats must be maint aimed Our can
didates will not be called on by their Re-
publican opponents to meet them on a
living issue. Their reliance will be
to widen differences between Democrats BY
artful Vaccinations. They will assail Dem
ocrats for not completing the reforms which
their Own guilt made necessary, and which
their action now proves was a justifable
charge against their party.
1t is no time, then, to allow divisions or
minor matters to work wrong to higher
interests-in maintaining Democratic as
cendancy in the Federal and State Govern
ments. Unless there be complete harmony
and great activity, there is danger of de-
feat Our whole strength in the coming
contest should be exerted. There should
be unity and harmony of action, and the
concentration Of all the engergies of the
party for the good of the country.