Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-11-10
Why They We're Absent.

why lHoy were ADSeNt-
During the political canvass which has
just closed in Virginia, thousands of voters
heard from the speakers, and read in the
journals discussing the issues, representa-
lions of public affairs generally in which
there was similarity of conclusions as to
certain facts with their own views-an
agreement in relation to the existence of
disturbing elements without concurrence
in all cases as to the causes which produced
them. Many who voted and Thousands
who did not had causes of complaint, one OF
which was that the Legislature, both,State
and National. in which the producing inter
ests have most concern has been short
sighted and oppressive. The depres sed
condition of agriculture was often ad
verted to, and whilst education and certain
other interests were made themes, and
would receive the particular guardianship
of aspirants to the representative trust, it
was only here and there, except in gene
raj way, that the great sustaining interest
Of the country received so much as pass
ing word of recognition. 1t seemed to be
treated as an alien instead of being recog-
nized as legitmately entitled to the direct
and fostering care of government. Thous-
ands failed to vote who have hitherto been
at the polls in previous contests. Whilst
there were various causes influencing them
to a course of inactivity and indifference. it
becomes q matter of more than passing
interest, as the field is reviewed, to con
slider that fully th1ee-fourths Of the number
are farmers, who have established a most
dangerous precedent, if it is to be pursued,
for indifference will not correct any evil,
either real or supposed ; on the contrary,
that policy will only aggravate the matter.
The policy of the Fedora Government has
been to protect and foster all other interests
than agriculture from which it persists in
exacting direct tribute, not required for
the economical and legitimate expenditures
of administration. Under this sense of
practical oppression, thousands failed to
vote, though all did not who feel the III
Justice to which reference is made.
No interest embraced in the scope of
material development in the United States
SO much needs progressive legislation as the
agricultural. The Government virtually
turns it's back upon its chief sustaining in
terest. In the race it has to run in compe-
tition with the producing countries Of the
old world, backed and upheld as it is by the
Governments there, every appeal is an
swered practically with the remark that
| other interests must receive attention
now" Every enlightened Government in
| Europe and elsewhere, except Switzerland,
appropriates more to foster its agriculture
than is expended in the United States
| There agriculture is speciaf bonefciafy in
constructing the basis upon witch
their Governments and their civilization
| is to rest. In comparison with the States
| of our Union, Virginia is far behind most of
them, and especially North Carolina and
Georgia, and none are so bountifully blessed
with soil and other resources as is the Old
Dominion.
Farmers are conservative-more so than
any other class-and will never resort to
the boycott or countenance strikes. They
may, however, learn something in this day
of the power of association : and who has
right to complain if they organize as a
body? If they should, they would attract
the sympathy and secure the support of the
rejecting men of all parties. Before such
a combination, all parties. as distinctive
organizations, would disappear like melt
ing snow. Farmers would not attempt the
idea of taking the rule solely in their own
hands, but only to correct faults and amend
the ways of Government; for parties with
but one idea and one purpose soon run their
course and are cast aside. They would
have the Government to perform its duty
to agriculture without inflicting harm upon
any other interest, and this feeling is more
intensely agitating their minds than poll
ticians suppose. The future is fraught With
insecurity to party managers who discern
nothing in the past and who propose to hold
on to party tactics which leaves the pro
ducing interests behind to suffer and still to
be taxed that others may be pampered.
We repeat that the Indifference mani
| tested by so many voters in Virginia cor
| reefs ro evil of any kind. and that state of
| things cannot last with good results. The
constant and most vgilant exercise of the
right of suffrage is the only remedy under
orr institutions which will keep the govern
| ment in the right track. Whenever the
cause of discomfort is just, natural remedies
are at hand to correct the evil.