Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-05-26
THE CITY ELECTION.

Now that the Democrats of this city, fol-
lowing the usages of the party, have pro-
ceeded in an open, fair, and just manner to
meet all conflicting views as to who should
be the Democratic candidates to be voted
for as officers of the city government, the
plain, consistent, and proper course for ev-
cry member Of the party to pursue, in ex-
ercising his right of suffrage, is to vote for
the nominees, made such by the majority
of his party. Not only is it his duty to
vote for the nominees, but it is alike in
cumbent on him to sustain in the interval
the candidacy of the nominees, and to bat
tie against opposition of every character,
well knowing that resistance to the action
of the party, especially when so clearly and
fairly performed, can only result in aiding
the opposition-the Republican party-in
it's efforts to obtain place and power by in
direct means, and which it will not pretend
to accomplish in an open and square con-
test.
The question of a primary election was
discussed and settled by one of the largest
and most completely unbiased assemblages
of Democrats ever convened in this city for
a similar purpose. If a primary was not
the thing to have, it was not SO stated
Those who advocated it, called upon their
brethren in the party to speak cat and pro-
pose better plan to keep the party intact,
if they dissented, but not word was said
in opposition. The primary was ordered,
and the Executive Committee, in perfect
fairness to every aspirant, and according to
all former customs, which allowed the
largest liberty and freedom in selecting
candidates, secured to one and all desiring
their claims to be considered, by the free
and unrestrained ballot, a hearing, and the
chosen standard bearers have been an
nounced. What could have been fairer?-
What course would those who stand aloof
now, as we once were, a united party-have
the old household to adopt? Have not the
Republicans candidate for Mayor in the
field? Should not that fact be sufficient to
awaken every Democrat to the danger OF
defeat? With the line broken, and desti-
tute of organization, the opposition foment-
ing discord, and Republicans moving solid
ly in the flanking movements by which the
Democracy can only be overcome, defeat
would be inevitable, and the result would
be heralded through the land as Republic
can victory. Obtained how? By the dis
sessions of Democrats, who, in violation OF
every fair and honorable usage and precept
of the party, have allowed that thing to be
accomplished. There are but the two par
ties. and however unintentional it may
have been, the action of those refusing to
comply with the usages of the Democratic
party, will enure to the benefit of the op-
position-to Republicans, as such, and who
will WELD the power obtained for party pur-
poses, and in opposition to the principles
and usages of the Democratic party. Lei
the Democratic nominees for Mayor, OF
Treasurer, or for either of the offices. OF fol
one or more of the Councilmen, be defeated,
and forthwith the shouts of Republican
victory will go abroad, to the discontinue
of the Democratic party in this city and in
the State. Surely, rejecting Democrats
will not have hand in this thing. Let the
unity and integrity of the party be main
tanned. Soon other contests, and on broad
er fields, will come on, and the Democrats
of Staunton should be then, as they have
been in the past, preparedsfo the conflict
with compact ranks and harmonious organ.
ization. This we cannot have if dissen-
sions are allowed now to perform their un-
toward results.
In relation to the administration of the
city government, as it has existed under
Democratic rule, who can complain of in
efficiency Or delinquency in any matter
where q Republican would have been the
superior of Democrat? The city is Dem
ocratic, and it is the right of that party to
control it's government, and it is the duty
of every Democrat to yield his individual
preferences, if need be, when another than
the one he would desire for office. is de-
clared the candidate of the party. If local
and ministerial offices are now filled be-
cause of the relations incumbents have sus-
tanned to the existing political parties, and
that such thing is wrong, what party and
who were they that practiced differently te
what they now preach? These prudes in
political virtue would fill the world with
their hypocritieal professions, but let them
once grab the reins of power, and no tyran-
ny or misrule in furthering their party pur
poses and in retaining their hold, would fol
moment fail to be exercised.
In every view which may be taken of the
situation surrounding the contest in this
city, it is the duty of every Democrat to
support his party, and maintain its organi-
cation, and vote for the nominees for office
whom that party has chosen.