The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1871-10-12
WHY Is IT2


people, and it would be to us, did we not
have knowledge Of the secret springs at
work, why there is such active and cmbittcred
opposition by the Courthouse clique to the
election of Judge Cochran to the State Sen
ate. We believe it is not only conceded here.
but throughout the entire State, that he ex-
crcised more influence in the Legislature
than any other member, and did more for the
county Of Augusta, than any other represcn-
tative. We do not wish by this statement
to reflect unfavorably upon the other Angus
tn delegates But we understand it is ac-
knowlelged by them that Cochran could car
ry almost any measure he desired, by reason
Of the influence he exercised with the mem
bcrs from the Southwest and Southside. We
confess to warm personal friendship for
Judge Cochran. 1t is friendship, however,
of no mushroom growth. 1t dates back almost
to boyhood, and from that time to the pres
=ent, we have never seen anything in his private
or public character, to impair our confidence in
his integrity, or lessen our appreciation OF
the sensitive emotions of honor which con-
troll his actions, or compromise the high opin-
ion we have ever had Of his mental capacities.
There are public questions upon which we
differ with him. But this is not reason suf-
ticicnt for US to denounce HIM, and seek to
Destroy his usefulness to the State. and espe-
cially the Valley. We would be traitor to
every emotion Of our nature were We to turn
upon him, especially now when he is being
prosecuted and bounded, not for any repre-
sentative unfaithfulness, but because he
chooses to act 10 accordance with his own
convictions of right and duty, and not do
the bidding of men whose policy is either
TO rule or ruin.
Judge Cochran served the people of Au-
gusta faithfully in the last Legislature
By the greatest effort, and through his per-
sonal influence he secured the establishment
of the Court Of Appeals at Staunton. Had
it not been for the cooperation of the South
west members we would not have gotten the
assignment of the Court to this place.
When food Of desolation swept over the
fair possessions Of the farmers on South and
Middle Rivers, especially in the eastern por-
ton of the county, and destroyed all their re
sources from which they expected to pay
their taxes, he advocated bill and was main
sy instrumental in having it passed in his
branch of the Legislature, relieving the peo-
pie thus afflicted from the tax levy on their
lands for one year. 1t came up in the Sen
ate, and failed by tic vote, Senator Wad-
dell, as the Journal shows, being absent, al
though he was present the day previous and
the day after.
When an appropriation was voted by the
Legislature of $4,000 for the purpose of fur.
nishing manned soldiers with artificial limbs
he went in person before the Board that had
control of it, and by the most persistent ef-
forts, secured the contract for Jas. b. Han
ger crippled citizen of Augusta, when re-
ally the Board had partially decided in favor
of party in Richmond.
He secured the SUPPLEMENTARY Of the
Staunton and Parkersburg Turnpike to cit
izen of Augusta county, Mr.. Nal ary, when
there was number Of applicants form other
counties.
Other bel cts, which it's not necessary
here to mention, we're obtained for Augusta
county men by the exercise of determined
will and pertinacious purpose. Whatever he
put his head to work to get for his constitu-
ents, or whatever measure he championed, be
generally succeeded in carrying.
EIlS luuuGuCC III bue IItSlSldCuIc grew Out
of the ability with which he handled every
subject that his mind was called toact upon,
and the courtesy and kindness which he ev-
or exhibited to those who differed with him
politically. He was faithful to his constitu
cnts, and the State, but because he was sue
eesful, and was making and did make his
mark as one of the foremost young men of
the State, it suited the purpose of interested
parties to seek his downfall at home.
1t is true he has had but little mercy for
the Court House clique. They commenced
the war upon him, and he responded in such
manner that they did not expect. Instead
of crawling to their fee, and asking favor,
he sdefantly met them, contending like
u man for his rights, and determined to APP
peal to the people for a verdict from them.
lie was in their way. He would not become
their plant tool, and therefore he must be
crushed.
No reason has yet been assigned why this
merciless war has been waged against him.
No reason can be assigned for it, but the stub
born fact that he has risen above their ex-
peetations-that he has declared himself for
the people as against the clique, and is deter
mined to march forward to victory with the
people, or to fall with them. And if he falls
now, it will be folly for any young man ever
again to attempt to defy the frown of those
who have constituted themselves the mas
ters Of the people Of Augusta county. He is
in the way of those whose will he's been law to
the people, and if ever there was time to-
break the spell, and crush down the despot-
ism that has made the people the mere tools
of individuals, that time is now. Judge
Cochran is the friend Of the mechanic and
laboring man. They have been regarded as
anere "hewers of wood and drawers of water"
by those who have used them to sustain their
presumptious pretentions. But in reality
they are the solid substance Of the country,
and when that gives way, then indeed will
the country become fitted for the rule Of the
'irou rod OF indiyidualism and dynastic sell
fshuess
Not an Organ.
thas been stated that the VIRG1NIAN
was the organ Of Judge Cochran. We
have had occasion heretofore to state that