Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-10-27
ON SPECTATOR AND GENERAL ADVERTISERS

dissatisfaction and discomfort which has ex-
hibited itself in strikes, public meetings
and other modes in which popular resent
ment generally manifests itself.
am persuaded however that these causes
will prove to be temporary in their charac-
ter, and that by the exercise of wisdom on
the part of Congress, and under the healing
influences of time, and of the natural laws
of political economy, they will soon pass
away.
But little more than Decade has pass
ed since the agriculturists-the farmers aud
planters of the country were represented
by some who claimed to be the peculiar
friends of the people, as the subjects of
rank injustice and oppression! They were
appealed to organize as class for mutual
defence. This appeal was promptly re-
sponded to, and for time the dogma be-
came popular that none but "tillers of tho
soil' could be safely entrusted with the
an organized body, and even in the con-
servative county of Augusta thirty thous-
aud dollars was subscribed to erect Gran
gers HalP' in Staunton! The popular de-
fusion proved short lived. Farmers soon
found that they had been made the dupss
of designing men who were seeking to make
them stepping stones to Office! The organ
ization collapsed The hall was sold for
less than half its cost, and Staunton acGuir-
ed spacious City Hall at the expense of
the farmers.
This whole system of class or ganization
and class legislation is wrong and delusive.
The government is organized for the whole
people and should be administered for the
benefit of the whole people. Onr institu-
tions recognize no privileged classes, either
in the interests of Capital or Labor, of the
rich or the poor! Equal and impartial
justice mustbe melted out to all, and pecu-
liar privileges granted to none! These great
truths address themselves so forcibly to the
justice and common sense of the people that
they must soon give tone to public opinion,
and the popular craze which seems to pos
sess the public mind must soon share the
fate of the many popular decisions and er-
immutabe law of supply and demand"
the relations of labor and capital will ad-
just themselves ON an equitable basis!
1t is to be hoped the people will bear in
mind these great issues, and that they will
not forget that it is their duty to contribute
their aid to their solution. Every voter
owes duty to his country. He has no
right to stay at home on election day and
leave others to fight his battles! The
Constitution imposes duty on him and he
is bound to discharge it.
I have been insensibly drawn SO far into
the discussion of general subjects, that /
have but little space to say anything Of our
candidate. He comes fully up to the JEFF
fersonian standard He it honest; he is
capable; he is faithful to the Constitution!
have known Capt. Bumgardner for thirty
years and I have yet to hear anything in
disparagement of his character. He has
held many responsible positions in peace
and in war, and he'nas proved faithful to
every trust confided to him. Possessed of
fine natural abilities, highly cultivated by
liberal education, he is we'll qualified to dis
charge the duty of a Representative in
Congress, and his sterling integrity and un-
flinching courage furnish the safest guar
antees that be can neither be seduced nor
driven from the path of duty. He is every
inch man, and | cordially commend him
to the confidence and support Of the voters
of the 10Th district.
Very respectfully your obedient servant,
ALEX f. r. STUART