Staunton Vindicator

We do not know anything which challenges our admiration, to a greater extent, than the heroic fight just made by the Democratic party of Pennsylvania and Ohio against the radicals. They threw down the gauntlet, with the knowledge that they would probably meet overpowering numbers, but like David they went gallantly forth, with confidence in their principles, to meet the great Goliath of Radicalism.

Fearing that the Democratic party would win, the Republicans cast off part of programme intended to be played by them, and virtually ignored their pet scheme of negro suffrage. By this, and a quasi endorsement of President Johnson's policy, they defeated the Democracy, but the vote shows an increase for the Democratic party. If the contest had been waged on the question of negro suffrage, as it was in Connecticut, the result would have been different, as it is the Democracy can rejoice over the defeat of the Republicans on this issue, from the fact that they were compelled to ignore it, or leave their policy entirely in doubt.

After the next Congress, the issues will be plain and well defined, and the Democracy fighting upon principles based upon the Constitution, pledged to the support of no measure that does not insure equal and exact justice to all, with the prosperity and perpetuity of the Union for its aim, must and will succeed.

Fight on noble old Democracy! Though the dark cloud of defeat overshadows you at present, the bright sun-light of success will ere long dispel it. The triumph of principles may be delayed but is eventually certain.

A short time since, judging by the acts of President Johnson, we called the attention of our readers to the fact that, notwithstanding the immense pressure brought to bear by the radical faction, President Johnson was bending all his energies to the restoration of the Union on the broad basis of the Constitution. That, step by step, having planted himself firmly on the great charter of American freedom, did he move onward to the accomplishment of the ends he had so much at heart, and which, attained, would redound to his everlasting praise, and would result in a deep and firmly rooted attachment to the Union.

We are now more than ever convinced that he firmly adheres to his [unclear] intentions and need only cite his proclamation (published on our first page) releasing, on their parole, Messrs. Stevens, Campbell, Reagan, Trenholm and Clark, to convince even the most skeptical. By this act has he shown additional generous magnanimity to an overpowered people and laid them under an obligation they will amply repay. These gentlemen, freed from the restraints of imprisonment, and having the confidence of our people, will be the best co-workers President Johnson could have engaged to assist in the great work of restoring a happy and prosperous Union. They will not betray the confidence he has reposed in them and an immensity of good will follow this additional step taken in the right direction.

"The Washington Union states truly that every State in the South which participated in the late rebellion has returned to its allegiance, and having in good faith sought with all the means in its power to take itself out of the Union, has abided the issue, and now in as good faith seeks to put itself upon its old footing in the Government. The change from a state of war to that of peace and restoration has been swift and well illustrates the wonderful energy of the American character. Prior to the first of last April the Southern Confederacy reared its head defiantly, and though upon the point of being hopelessly crushed, still threw the gauntlet to its more powerful adversary. Six months have elapsed, and despite of Radical interference and fanatical opposition, the work of restoration is practically complete. On the first Monday of December there will be nothing to prevent the representatives of the Southern States taking their seats in Congress, and hence a completely restored Union, but the sectional agitation and interference of the Republican party."

Thus speaks the "Scranton (Pa) Register," one of the earnest advocates of a Constitutional Union.

There is nothing to prevent a completely restored Union, but the agitation of the party, which opposes the President's plan of reconstruction. This plan has progressed so happily, that, at the convening of the next Congress, representatives, elected by the loyal voters of the Southern States, will present themselves for admission. Whether they will be admitted or not, depends upon the action of the Republican members. In nearly all the Republican convenings the policy of the President has been endorsed. By some this has been suspected as a trick, as meaning nothing but simply to fight the Democracy without an issue, and reserving for the next Congress the war against the President's policy. We shall then see whether, in reality, they endorse the President's policy, and desire the existence of the Union, for the preservation of which they have persistently prated, by which they gained their great successes, or, by endeavoring to prevent Southern representation, their acts do not belie their protestations, and show that it is not the preservation of the Union which they desired, but rather the continuance of power in their hands. If the Republicans act as it is to be expected the Northern Democracy need not fear the result of future elections.

We have frequently inveighed against the horrible condition of some of our streets and pavements, and hope, with the present desire for improvement, they may shortly be put in respectable order, but until that is done, persons who are compelled to move about at night, are, in many places, in imminent hazard of bruising or fracturing a limb.

We are pleased to state, however, that our worthy fellow-citizen, P. H. Trout, has a preventive for bruised shins, from bad pavements and open cellar doors, in the shape of a pocket lantern, which, when closed, can be buried without inconvenience in a side pocket, when opened and adjusted, is a neat and useful lantern. Don't fail to call and get one and at the same time examine his Kerosene Lamps, of all shapes and sizes. They are economical, and Kerosene, different from the old Coal Oil, being without smell and giving a brilliant light makes them very desirable.

Capt. Peck is very much pleased with the Lantern, but about the Kerosene Lamps we don't know so well. He, like ourselves, is in the Gas business, but in a different line, and may possibly recommend Rosin as preferable to Kerosene.