The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-10-31

as the VIRGINIAN is concerned. Pie
ballots on next Tuesday must do the final
and effective work 1t has been the
most disagreeable election contest in
which we have ever been engaged, except
possibly the Greeley campaign in 1872,
when we felt it to be our duty to OPP
pose Greeley and support Grant. 1t was
thena separation from lifelong friends,
who became ACKNOWLEDGEMENT because
we would not let them do our thinking
and control the columns of this Taper.
Then as now, we hold in almost sacred
reverence the mission of a newspaper
No one..who assumes to write for the
public, i'll the editorial columns of
journal, and feels the responsibility of
the position, can approach the duty
lightly. 1t means good deal. week af-
ter week, to impress thoughts and con
victions upon the people. If wrong,
much harm may be done. If right, in
finite good may be accomplished. The
writer ought to be stirred and moved
by high conception of duty and re-
sponsibility and pursue the path OF right
without fear, favor or affection. Ii not
in accord with the prejudces and pas
sions of the hour or sympathetic with
the popular current, time will yindicate
his motives The right will assert itself
and those who maintain it will have
nothing to regret or lose in the end.
In this campaign we know that we
have crossed the feelings and opinions
of many valued personal and political
friends. We have done SO conscien-
tiously, believing that we were subserv-
ing the best interests of the party with
which we are identified, and the State.
Our motives have been questioned and
many unkind criticisms made of the
course of the VIRGINIAN. We have
borne them patiently, not allowing any
mere personal matter to draw us away
from candid and square statement OF
our views and discussion of the central
matter at issue. As in 1872, we believe
but short time will elapse before those
who differ with us now, will recognize
the wisdom of the position we have
taken and the arguments we have adj
vanced.
What we ask now is that every voter
shall value his ballot as highly as we
value our editorial obligations. Let it
be deposited with the knowledge that
itjs' the most sacred privilege associated
with our political system 1t is the
method provided by law, and the only
methed, by which the citizen can make
his impress upon legislation, administers
ton and the interests of government. 1t
should carry with it all the sanctity and
ali the honesty that good citizenship
implies. and be used as a medium to
declare for integrity in office, justice to
allSke people and impartial enforcement
of the laws. We can conceive of no
greater crime against Republican insti-
tutions than a corrupt ballot, pur-
chased vote and debauched citizenship.
1t is an assault upon the groundwork of
our political institutions; an invasion of
the citadel of our liberties: a menace to
tho very existence of n Republican form
of government, where the people are re
,cognized as the source and inspiration
of all power. Corrupt government at
its fountain source, and it will not be
long before its framework will tie i'm
paired, its pillars undermined, and the
whole fabric topple and fall.
Honestly believing that Gen. Malone
is not qualified for the impai tial dis
charge of the grave duties of Governor
of Virginia; believing that he is corrupt.
malignant and revengeful to an insane
degree, and that his election would prove
an absolute calamity to the State, as
well as to the Republican party, we have
opposed him. In this we have nothing
to regret. We would do the same thing
over again, under similar circumstances
because of a sense of duty to the posi-
ton we occupy. Others equally sincere,
and equally honest, differ with us. With
them we have no cause of complaint.
They are entitled to their opinion, and
at liberty to act as seems best to them,
without their motives being assaied.
There are others who place no value
upon the ballot, except as it may be
used to effect mercenay object. With
win, regardless of the means used and
reckless rs to the consequences to the
State and country. They are mere
spoilsmen, ready TO prostitute a high
privilege to unworthy selfish ends, and
rob the ballot of it's sancity by making
it a commodity of merchandise. For
such we have no respect, and rather
court their displeasure than their favor
They are the enemies of good govern
ment, of an honest ballot and the welfare
of the Commonwealth. Any party is
injured by their association. They of
fend the moral sense of community and
bring reproach upon any organization
and any cause which they may espouse.
With the close of the campaign will
abate the exclusively political character
of the literature that will hereafter be
furnished through the columns of the
VIRGINIAN. We will endeavor to give
more diversified reading, to discuss gen
erai topics, and thus hope to make the
paper a more welcome visitor to its
thousands of readers throughout the
State.
'.Mahone's election will be the triumph of the
Republican party" Washington Press.
Not at all. 1t will be the defeat of
everything that goes to make up the
creed of the Republican party. 1t will
be usurpation of the rights of the peo-
pie. 1t will be the enslavement of the
masses. 1t will outrage every principle
of equal rights and equal privileges and
enthfpne despot who would use the
power conferred as despot. Mahone's
election would not only destroy the Re-
publican party of Virginia. but would
imperil the Republican party of the
country. The introduction of his meth
DDS into the campaign of 1892, would re-
suit in protest from self-respecting Re
publicans, that would prove as disastrous
in the Presidential election. as it was in
the State elections of New York and
Pennsylvania in 1882 The Press does /
not understand the situation in Vir-
GINA, nor does it know the man it would
have elected Governor of tine State. 1t
NAV be a very comforting theory to de-