Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-11-10
HOW IT CAME ABOUT !

LII cpodhlHS VI tuo Q6I0aG OF the Demo-
Gratis in the elections ON the End inst, the
Norfolk Landmark says that the defeat has
been nothing like the ''tidal wave" which e.
lectri6ed the country during the second term
of General GRANT. The Republicans re-
covered from that, and the chance for re
demption of the fortunes of Democracy is
by no means as desperate as was the chance
open before the Republicans of that date.
The losses in Virginia are those, however.
which chiefly concern us. It would be folly
to underrate them, or to shut our eyes to
the possible consequences. In order to
comprehend the situation as it stands, and
to pluck the ''fower safety from the nettle
danger" we must examine the facts. as ia,
as we can, and deal with these in spirit OF
candor.
According to our judgment the defeat OF
MI BARBOUR was the beginning of Demo
cratic Generalization. 1t inflicted severe
shock on our organic alton. and left us, a.
far as we have been able to see, without thai
touch of the elbow which we had before thai
unexpected event look place.
To this cause we have to add the dissatis
faction OF great numbers of our people at
the extended application of scivil service re
FORM" Under this use of the law the Pres
ident has retained in office numbers of per
| sons who had rendered themselves obnox-
ious by reason of their department. In the
nature ofthings he could not be informed o
all the facts in such cases, and the result has
been that in very many localities men art
still in Office who, under the Presidents owr
rulings ought to have gone out. Yes, mer
are still in the enjoyment Of offices and
emoluments who havs shown on frequent
occasions that they did not regard 'tpublit
Office as public trust" and who are know
to have been deep and active in the in
trigues of the Malone Republican party in
this State.
Now, it may not be very lofty OR COM
mendable standard of patriotism which
| makes Democratic voters stay at home
when the polls are open. because of theil
dissatisfaction at such things as we have
recited; but the facts of human nature are
| those with which we have to deal, and il
accordance with these, great numbers Of
Democrats retired in disguest from the bal.
lot boxes on the I'd of this month.
This is the chief reason, we believe
which explains why the complexion of oul
delegation in Congress has been changed
out there are some other things which
should not be overlooked. By strange in
consistency the labor movements thus fal
parey, which is par excellence the poo
mans friend. In the Lynchburg Dstric
this helped to lose US one seat, and came
near losing us the seat still held by Mr.
| Wise.
Then the tariff came in, and persona
quarrels damaged us in another case; none
of which, we think, could have beaten III
| had the Democratic masses been aroused
and in the contest heart and soul, as they
were when they wrested the Legislator.
| from Malone.
The milk, however, is split. and tn,
question now is how we can keep tn,
bucket from being kicked over again it
our State election.
| Can this be done? After due reflection
we answer yes. When Governor LEE wal
elected the people were greatly chagrine,
| at the retention of Mahone's heuchmen i.
Office; they had divers views about the tariff
they had local quarrels; but it was for th,
Commonwealth that they acted, and wha
they did then they can do again. But tn
party must be recognized. We must g
to work to get our people in hand, and t,
bring out the voters in the next State cleo
| ton for the safety ofthe State. They draw
the distinction between a national election
which they unwisely think they can afort
to lose, and State election which the,
| know demands their care; aud it is for thi
reason that we say our present defea
need in no way imperil our domestic inter
| ests