Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1889-08-21

attention SO exclusively to so called Ameri-
can industries. We are not making nation
al platforms this year in a State election |
and can we'll give the tariff rest We
have more difficult problems to solve.
l dismiss the subject of the State debt
with the single remark that, having declar- |
ed in all our platforms since 1888 that we
would acquiesce in the law known as the
"Riddleberger Act" do not see that it
now remains an open question, or how the
Republican party of Virginia can, with any
consistency or good faith, repudiate their
own legislation and at this late day go back
on their own adjustment.
OUR POLITICAL SITUATION
in Virginia is unlike that in other States,
and it seems to me not well understood
abroad. Our population is divided between
the white and black races, in the proportion
of three to two, or thereabouts, but not
withstanding that the white people repre-
sent the bulk of the property-holdiug ele.
ment of the more Intelligent portion of the
community in numerical strength, the ne
groes prefer to combine their entire
strength, as rule at the polls, and to cast
their solid vote against the great majority
of whites. In this way the color line is dis
tinctly drawn by the minority element, and
of course the white people must meet it or
surrender their civilization aud local gov
eminent to the domination of the negroes
an6 their allies. And behind all this lies
another question; if successful, how long
will the white people of Virginia submit
peacefully to be controlled by a union of
negroes and small number for the most
part of irresponsible white persons? And
confronted as we are with the further strik-
ing fact that with the twenty odd years
which have elapsed since the emancipation
in this country, can it be truthfully affirm
ed that the negroes have made any substan-
tial progress in civilization or the knowl-
edge of self-government? Notwithstanding
the large appropriations which the State of
| Virginia has made for the
| EDUCATION OF THE coLoRED RACE
and which amounts to more than four mil
lions of dollars paid by the white people of
Virginia exclusively since 1871 up to the
present time, it is exceedingly doubtful
whether any beneficial results have been &C.
complished. Although more than a gener-
alton has passed since the war; very much
doubt if the slave of former times is not to-
day more valuable citizen and better
type of his class than his descendant. How
| these antagonisIls ara to be recoDciled no
one can foresee.
ton we are now confronted also with Re-
publican Administration, prepared as has
been intimated, to extend its power, infu-
epce and patronage to our adversaries at
the approaching election. All this we must
meet with firmness, harmony and union
among ourselves, an abiding confidence in
our principles, and determination to main
tain Democratic supremacy at all hazards
in Virginia.
Above all, bear in mind as essential to
success the great Importance of effective or
ganzation in the cities and counties of the
State.
With proper effort and patriotic devotion,
success at tho election in November will be
assured, and on the first of January next
some true aud tried Virginia Democrat will
take the place of our present admirable
Governor, Fitz. Lee, whom We all so much
delight to honor.
With an apology for having detained you
so long, move that the Convention pro-
coed now with its temporary organization,
aud for that purpose nominate the Honor
able James w. Marshall, of the county of
Craig, as the temporary chairman of this
body.
Mr.. Barbour said as this was the last
time that he would address State Con.
vention as the chairman of the State Com
nittee he hoped the convention would par
don few words of a personal nature.
He had accepted the craftsmanship OF the
State Committee in 1888, when all was dark
and when the prospects of the party were
anything but flattering.
He had endeavored to discharge his duty
faithfully, and now felt that it was time for
him to retire when the stars were full of
brightness.
There are younger and better u Ell in the
party who can now come to the front. In
retiring he should abats none of his zeal
for, or interest in, the success of the great
party, on whom depended the salvation and
security of Virginia.
He had given notice year ago at the
Norfolk convention that he would ask to te
discharged after the last campaign, aud
must insist upon his right to be discharged
from further service as chairman.
By order of the Executive Committee he
named as mporary chairman Hon. James
W. Marshall, of Craig Co.
Judge Marshall came forward and was
received with immense cheering. At his
request Rev. DR.. Hoge offered up fervent
prayer.
DIR. HoGE's PRAYER.
The earth is Thine, O Lord, and the full
therein. Thou hast created all things aud
Thou carest for all that Thou has created.
Thou ruleeb all things, and Thou rulest all
things well, for Thy kingdom, founded Oh
wisdom, justice, aud righteousness, is an
everlasting kingdom, aud Thy dominion
endureth through all generations.
| We therefore worship Thee, we adore
Thee, we glorify Thee, as God over all,
blessed fore7ermore.
Without Thee nothing is safe, nothing
strong, nothing enduring. Conscious of
cur entire dependence on Thee for all that
makes councils wise and Conduct right, we
feel it to be our first duty as we'll as our
highest privilege to unite cur hearts in
prayer for Thy gracious aid and blessing
At this memorable hour when all patrio
tic men are earnestly asking how social and
domestic order may be maintained, and
public tranquility secured and Christian
civilization perpetuated, we turn to Thee
for light aud guidance. We recognize Thy
| goodness ia permitting Thy servants to rs
semble here for the discharge of the high
duties entrusted to them. May they enter
upon the consideration of the great ques-
lions which are to Occupy them with minds
free from prejudice and passion, animated
only By the oesire to know what is true
and to do what is right. May wisdom,
harmony and supreme devotion to duty
characterize all their deliberations, and may
heayen;s blessing SO crown their labors as
to secure apd advance the true and psrman-
ent interests OF tho people here represent
ed.
Almiehty God! let Thy beuediction rest
on orr beloved Commonwealth; upon it's
Governor judges and magistrates; upon its
schools, colleges and universities; upon its
industrial pursuits; upon its agricultural,
slsch ,uical and commercial enterprise; mp
90 very effort that can DO devised for me
proaioti,n of the public good-tha- oHg
cities. villages and country homes msY all
10 4 led with penple virtuous and happ5,
| prs :.sl Gus and freel
B nd together, we beseeeh Thee, lit 0ue
erea5 fraternal union all the States of this
r public, and may the inhabitants Of this
whole land ba brought more and moro to
citriisl tho relations which mite. them "a