Norfolk day book. [volume] (Norfolk and Portsmouth Va.) 1868-1880, 1869-05-07
WE MAKE USE OF POLITICS.


WE MAKE USE OF POLITICS.
We wish it distinctly understood that
the DAY Book is an independent paper;
independent of party or clique and that
we have only embarked in politics at
present in order TO have matters ar
ranged for the future opening of new
line of policy on the part OF the people
of our State; policy which will make
ali interests in the State work together
for the advancement of the material
prosperity of our people In this view
politics is tue foundation stone of our
superstructure, and we wish to have the
foundation stone laid in its proper posi-
ton, in order that we may hasten to the
work of erecting our building. That's
why we have gone into politics, aid it
is good and sufficient reason, we think,
why every inhabitant of the State should
take a similar interest in them. The
o..ooo OF the war has opened up to our
State prospect that in Our view is ab-
so4utely Dl..nanl, FOR building our dear
Old native State into une that henceforth
shall far outstrip all OF ner former splen-
doris but we cannot commence this
building until We are reconstructed, and
it is for the purpose of being reconstruct
ed, and to stave off from our people as
much of the pains and penalties of re-
construction as possible that we plead.
Before going into this matter we took
what We consider proper survey Of the
political situation, and we found we
were ostracising every man whether ma
tive or new conner, that did not ,oclaim
himself Of certain politics, aud that an
odium surrounded every Republican in
our midst, which would dep, re him of
becoming useful citizen in ne future
unless that odium was removed. This
would of course not only impair his
usefulness but would deter others from
venturing to come among us. We
could see nothing more fatal in carrying
out the wishes of the people for material
advancement, than this identical matter
OF tabooing man for his politics, and
we deter lined to do our utmost to make
Republicanism as respectable among our
people as any other line Of politics.
Our success SO far has greatly transcend
cd our anticipations,and the pure men of
Republican principles in our midst feel
That in tnis g new movement" We have
done the State some service.
Our programme, to carry out this de-
sigl, was to select some gentleman of
tbs Republican party 10 whom all class
es Of the community could have conf
dence, and put him on the new move
meat' platform. We should have
brought out Col. Gilbert G. Walker for
that man, but the political sagacity OF
our excellent contemporary, the Rich
mond Wing, anticipated US in the NOM
ination, and we gladly availed OF its
selection. Mr.. Walker has been a
townsman with us for the last six or
seven years, and we cheerfully endorse
him as a high-minded and honorable
gentleman, and one admirably suited
for the position, even allowing the peo-
pie of the State had their choice to Sc.
lect from their whole catalogue Of suit
able men. We mean to say he is better
suited for the position under our present
circumstances than if to the manor
born," and to carry out our ideas OF
starting the old ship of State along on
more brilliant voyage than she has
ever had heret otore; under the changed
condition OF our affairs, he is the very
man of all Others in the State That we
should choose for our Governor. We
know the newspapers in the interest of
Governor Wells denounce him as a fol- :
mer Democrat, but seeing that President
Grant was also Democrat, we cannot
see how that charge should initiate
against him now. He and President
G"~nt stand squarely on the same plat
form, and President Grant is good
CROUCH Il ,uolican for us, SO is Gilbert
c. Walker. and in saying this we mean
to say we do not wait a democratic
Governor for the State of Virginia, f.,
we have 60. quite tired Of that party a.
rulers and want a change. We want
good, respectable Rep l5lican, and be-
lievs Col. Walker is just the man Let
| &c as fo.O 4