The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-06-03

The Significance OF inc victory.
The result of the contest for the control |
of the city government, Oh Thursday last,
cannot be, and is not claimed as a prtiZan |
victory. What was known as the Anti |
primary ticket was composed OF represen-
tatiyes of ali classes aud parties-Republl- |
cans, Democrats, PTohibtienists, Hwets,
knights of Labor, merchants, business
men and working people generally. with
out abating one jot or little Of their party
allegiance they simply combined as cill-
zens with common interests at stake, and
common rights to maintain, for the defeat
of political faction, which, conscious OF
its weakness before the masses, sought TO
perpetuate its power by welding the party
lash So far from being a party victory,
it was victory over partizanism-the as
sertion of the right to representation by
those whose claims had been studiously
ignored and notification that the king
makers of this country are themselves the
kings.
The forces. which upon the call for a
primary, and not until then, crystalzed
into compact opposition, entered the con-
test for fair, free measurement OF
strength, Irrespective of party ai1illatlon,
and with view to wrestling the city from
the thraldom of petty. sell ish bosslSm LII
was upon the basis OF free tight that the
preliminary plans were laid. 1t was Win
this understanding that the candidates Tor
the city offices made their announcements
and commenced to organize their respec-
tive forces. Suddenly, in the midst OF
this work, those who had 50 long assumed
unchallenged ownership of the city and all
its interests. awoke to the fact that before
the people their chances of preterment
were reduced to minimum. There was
then but one resort. 1t had proved ettec-
tive in Just such emergencies, and buoyed
to safety more than one sinking craft.
The party cry was raised, and * primary
ordered In the primary the names OF
gentlemen we're used without the consent
of the owners and against their wishes !;
the stronger candidates were employed to
drag the weaker through and under the
whip and lash of assumed party authority,
it was hoped to override the popular dis
favor in which the bosses were held.
To meet this change of front the opposi-
tion made common cause. A solid ticket
was framed to oppose the primary, and
although i'll this reorganization friends
we're separated and new lines formed, a
crystalization was effected, and on the day
of election the two forces met. The result
is announced elsewhere.
It is substantially a victory over petty
bossism and the employment of party
machinery for individual purposes. 1t
means that the people of Staunton propose
to exercise their own Judgment IN the
selection of those to whom their interests
are to be entrusted. 1t means the &C
acknowledgement Of the right OF every man
to think and act for himself. 1t means
that the wishes of the people are para
mount to the fayoritism of the select, and
it means that those whose energies, skill
and labor are potent factors Ill the growth
and upbuilding of the town demand and
intend to have fair representation in the
management and control of municipal con
Germs. 1t is the assertion of the rights of
manhood declaration Of independence
on the part of the voter, and the announce
ment of purpose to obey the dictates OF
individual reason and Judgment, rather
than blindly execute the commands of self
constituted leaders.
Taken in connection with the rtyolu-
tion in Richmond, and the result IN other
cities and towns of the State, the election
in Stanton may we'll afford food Tor
thought and speculation. 1t shows that
mere party names are no longer potent
: that men with kindred sympathleS. kin
dred interests and kindred aims are begin
ming to look to the accomplishment OF d
common end that manhood recognition
and material benefits are more TO be de
sired than the role of mere automata
and that in the Virginia of the future
class legislation and the reign Of caste
must give place to broader understand
ing of the needs of the masses, and
ulster appreciation of the full privileges
of citizenship.
1t is an augury of good for the State and
community, and if its fruits are properly
sarnered. will date a brighter era Ia the
history of The Commonwealth.