The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1913-07-03
The New Virginia Spirit.


border to border. 1t is not local.
1t is not ephemeral. 1t is not bent
on undertaking or sporadic reform.
1t is not limited to political life,
though, as ever, it must find final
expression in just laws. 1t is spirit
born of great traditions and bent Cn
realizing great ends. 1t is beginning
to fill the hearts Of every class and
of every section. 1t is growing si-
lently, swiftly, beautifully, and be-
fore long it will sweep aside old fail
ures, mistakes and selfish leadership
to build new Commonwealth of
free people, where happiness and
justice make life a splendid victory.
In one sentence, the new spirit is
that Of service for better Virginia.
He must be foolish victim of party
and organization who thinks this
movement is directed against any
machine or clique. This new senti-
ment is not antimachine in any small
sense. 1t is for Virginia. The ma
chine must go, not because it is a
machine, but because it cramps and
hinders the destiny of Virginia. The
Times-Dispatch does not look on
this as political struggle between
the ins and outs. 1t desires to think
of it as fight for ends far bigger
than any political victory. 1t is en-
couraged because it is not limited to
such petty issues, but endeavors to
erect new ideal and give loyal SER
| vice.
The statement that three machine
men were defeated in Petersburg
because they We're benefited by the
aftermath Of a congressional strug'
gle IS misleading. This new spirit
waits on no past event. Three re"
men were chosen because the pee
pie dimly felt that they stood fol
better things. The entrance OF {
progressive into the race for Attor
ney-General tokened no sudden burs
Of personal ambition, nor the desir,
Of certain clique TO have them
selves pI15t.a1t.cclt. - - ,,,a.: cf t.ls,i
choice. The news that a professo
in a college has been urged to ente
the race for the Legislature mean
no mere fame Of bookish enthusl
asm. The candidacy Of young Uni
versity men on broad platforms o
progressive ideas is not just tn
sparkling Of new wine.
All Of these things, and there ar
scores of other similar instances
come from? a common sentiment nov
finding expression in Virginia. The
symbolic q powerful rebirth Of tn
ideals that made this State tn
mother Of Presidents and the moulc
er of national destiny. We al
awake. We are selfconscious. w
realize the glorious opportunity to
wealth and happiness awaiting de
velopment in land blessed by n;
ture with splendid and various Il
sources, and peopled by men an
women Of integrity, energy and ur
selfshness. Pride in Virginia, bot
past and present is creating the ne
spirit.
The people of Virginia want go
ernment that will answer to th
Y pride. They will sweep aside {
self-seeking, intrigue, small vlslt
o and charlatanry. They will demar
leaders who lead, and who do n
:. sacrifice the State to personal amt
= tons. The people will no long,
vote for a man on sentiment or pc
sonal friendship. They will vote I
him who represents the new falt
Il !, They will win because they are
f spired by the same hopes al
it STRENGTHENED by the same coura'
that has made Virginia CLOWN
= name in history.
L The Times-Dispatch devotes lts'
to Virginia. 1t pledges its suprer
70 endeavor to fostering and reallzll
the new spirit Of the whole peop
- To the nation we proclaim that I
! Virginia Spirit is shat Of service
| the good of men.-Times-Dlspatci
l (Ihe above article Was handed
| bv our townsman, Mr.. W. r. BUT
: worth, with request to publ
!? same, saying that it applies SO "
} to conditions in North Carolina
5 Editor.)