The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1886-11-11
The Hour of Victory.


in the 10th district, and in the State, on
the I'd inst, for them to manifest their
delight in public demonstrations, such as
have marked the success of the Democrats
in the past. Were not the conditions diff
ferent. probably there would be an out
flow of enthusiasm in bonfires and torch
light procession, caricatures and transpa-
rencies, such as have been INDUCED by
their opponents, and were feeling OF
resentment encouraged, designs ar
ranged to indicate the fall and humilia-
ton of some of our political opponents.
The remembrance of the jeers and taunts
offered to Republicans on such occasions,
the miniature coffins and offensive mot
toes, which were emblazoned in the pro-
cession of hooting hundreds, might call
for and justify a return of the same KIND OF
manifestations. But we trust the RepuDh-
cans of Stanton and Augusta county and
the district will rise to higher plane OF
action, and in the light Of the dignified,
manly and courageous fight they made and
the pronounced victory they won, evidence
that the great principles which have been
indicated by the verdict of the people
and the splendid record they have made
in the contest, need no such Fictitious in
fiuences to impress the public mind. The
platform adopted at their nominating
convention declared for certain principles
and policies There was no evasion or
lodging any of the important issues ger
name to the contest. AS plain as language
could express it they pronounced for pro
lection to American industries and Amer
| lean labor for national aid to our public
free schools on the basis of illiteracy; for
the repeal of the internal revenue laws,
and for free ballot and fair count. These
questions were discussed by pen and
tongue, frankly, fairly and boldly. No
attempt was made to mislead or deceive
to cover up or conceal. Arguments and
facts were addressed to the reason
and Judgment of the voter. No ap-
peal was made to passion or preju-
dice The intelligence of the people was
considered and respected and their calm
and deliberate conclusion invoked. The
verdict was rendered from these premises.
1t was verdict that recorded thoughtful
consideration Disseminated between
the froth' and fume and false and decep-
tive pretences of their opponents, and the
rational arguments and honest presenta'
tions of the Republicans. On the one
side there was nothing that the reason
could take up, without condemning. On
the other there was everything to COM
mand attention and invite investigation
and deliberation. And it was this DELHI
crate Judgment that was voiced on the Cd
of November. The victory thus won
ought to be borne with the same self
poise, dignity and conservatism which
signalized the means to achieve it: and
thus demonstrate to the country that the
Republicans are as capable of wearing
their honors of triumph as calmly and
modestly as they have shown fortitude and
forbearance under the trying provocations
of defeat The writer of these lines has
seen his miniature coffin paraded through
the streets of Staunton, amid the huzzaf
and cheers of an unthinking partizan fol
lowing, without disturbing his equanim.
ity or arousing his resentment. Conscious
of the righteousness of the cause he
maintained, he was content to leave it to
time to bring the rebuke, and returning
sense of public duty to vindicate the prin-
ciples for which he as aspersed. Strictly
adhering to his convictions, without vary
ing hair S breadth from the commands
of what he regarded his duty, he has the
satisfaction of contemplating the triumph
of that cause and the pleasure OF an ap-
proving public sentiment. The same equa-
nimity with which reverses have hereto
fore been borne, we wish to see manifested
in the hour of success. 1t is the triumph
of principles, which relate to the well-be-
ing of community-to the progress and
prosperity of all the people, and not the
individual, which calls for consideration.
The Republicans, therefore, can afford to
be magnanimous in the hour of their VIC
tory, and thus show to their opponents
that it was for their welfare as well as
the If own that they iabored. Their con-
dition is different from that of the Demo
Gratis would have been had they succeeded.
They have no principles as it affects gov
eminent which they dare proclaim to the
world. They have doubled and lodged
upon every important public question, IN
State and Nation, for many years past,
and if they had won, it would simply have
been an individual triumph, with no other
significance, and therefore could have oc-
casioned individual glorification.
The Republicans have won an impor-
tant battle-achieved notable victory
Let the victors bear their honors in a
spirit in accord with the high aim which
inspires them, and show to the country
that it is principles, not men. which COM
mand their devotion and stimulate their
action. That they rejoice because they be-
lieye all the people will be the beneficiaries,
and not because their political opponents
may feel Inundated. The hour Of victory
should be the hour Of magnanimity.
In the event that the next Presidential
election should be thrown into Congress
by the failure OF any candidate to receive
amajority of all the electoral votes cast,
| the House of Representatives would, in
accordance with the Constitution, be re-
quired to choose, Immediately by ballot,
the President. In making that choice
"the votes shall be taken by States, the
representation from each State having one
vote, - so that in order to carry the cleo
tion one party or the other must control
the delegations from a majority of the
States There are thirty eight States,
but New Hampshire has delegation
equally divided politically.-one Republic
can and one Democrat. Hence the voice
of that State would be silent in the
choice of President by the House. Rhode
Island has elected one Republican, and in
her other district there is a vacancy, but
the politics of the State render it almost
certain that before the Fiftieth Congress
meets, that vacancy will be filled by the
election of a Republican. Concede Rhode
Island to the Republicans, and that party
will control the delegations of the follow
| ing States California, Illinois, Indiana,