The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1872-05-09

ctaf'ahlaul, 'tI ~ onlHe genes, hdsc az
by turns received his countenance; and now
to put such man forward as the leader of Il
great reform movement-with his extrcm e
protective tariff collar around his neck--is
trif,rg with the common sense Of the people
to degree, that is closely allied to insult -
Had he been nominated on ticket for Vice
President with Susan B. Anthony at the head,
1t would have been more in consonance with
his past record, and assigned him to an asso-
citation more 10 harmony with the crotchets
and and idlocyncracles of his mental or ganism.
We expected, however, nothing of for
midable character to result from the Clncln-
natl Convention. We looked upon it as a
vas. mass meeting Of Office seekers, land political
adventurers The result Of its action is in
accordance with our preconceived notions OF
its practicabil.ty 1t reminds us Of theory
Mr.. Greeley advanced not long since, that
the farmers Of Virginia and Kentucky should
dispense with rain, and resort to irrigation.
Because the people of Texas and Mexico.
where it rains twice year, raised good crops
by irrigation. he thought tic people OF Vr-
ginia could do the same thing and dispense
with rain. Now irrigation is very good
process, in country where there is not
enough rain to promote vegetation. We
have seen it tried But it strikcs us as be-
ing rather unutiliarian,to resort to irrigation
where there is plenty of rain at all Seasons Of
the year. IF this country was devoid of
statesmen, we might possibly make some use
of Mr. Greeley in place where statesmen
are sadly wanted But as we have an album
dance of men who would PISS as statesmen in
any country or any age, we seriously submit
that there is no necessity for resorting to the
experiment Of substituting Mr.. Greeley with
his fits and starts, his cfotchets and idiocyn-
cracies. for a comprehensive statesman. 1t
would be very much like praying for sys
TEN oe irrigation. instead OF thanking the
great Dispenser Of benefits for the gentle rams
and fructfyine showers. which relieve the
tler of the soil from anxiety and uncertain
tty.
As this Cincinnati Convention was no at
fair of ours, we feel no obligation to support
it. Had its action been such as to challenge
the respect Of the nation, a sense Of duty to
our section would have impclled us to look
| upon Representations with an eye of favor. But
as 1t has not met the emergency OF the occa
sion, we regard every man as entirely free
to follow the dictates of his own judgment -
| There is no obligation resting upon any one
Who does not believe in the Republican par
| ty, to support this ticket or that which may
| be presented b. the Philadelphia Convention
We are now in position to Nuke our power
| fti: in the next Presidential election and the
paramount consideration that should contro,
the people Of the South, should be to direct
their efforts to the securcment Of the great
est possible good. Of course: men will DIFF
fer, and honestly differ as to what that ac-
ton should be. We do not aim to impress
our views upon the popular mind regardless
Of calm and substantial reflection on their
part. 10 grave emergency. like the pres
cnt, men should weigh well their utterances
and their actions, for the next President may
owe his election to the conservative element
Of the country. We would in that event,
be responsible for his administration. and its
distinguishing characteristics might deter
mine the line Of denarkation between the OPP
posing parties, hereafter. Wcare not respon
sible for any of the sins Of the present add
ministration. nor should We hastily and pre-
/ cipitaeIy assume an attitude that would not
stand the crucblc OF time. Tie campaign.
although inaugurated, is not sufficiently de-
veloped to show US Enthusiastically wherein
our true interests lie. In selecting between
two Republican tickets--nom'nees Of ayowed
Republican Convcntions--if that be the
feast OF which we have to partake-wc shoad
ha hat onuGitiou xyouI bo haftovn0
and the best interests Of the country promot-
ed in the choice to be made
We do net believe that Mr. Greeley is the
man for the occasion. As an editor he is
able and bod-a;s statesman, he has no re-
cord that the country can look upon with ap-
prevail. Had the Cincinnati Convention Civ
en- snch ticket as Charles Francis Adams
and Mr. Cox. of Ohio, the expectation OF The
country wonld have been met, and the tr-
umph of the opposing elements to the present
Administrations assured. While both have
been identified with tire Republican party
yet there is a solid conservatlsm-a broad
tesmansbip-lssociatea with them. that
would have proven substantial anchor upon
which the hopes of the country could have
rested. The campaign, on the conservative
sloe, Woulo HAVE ftStu u tie TcSioH VI pasI l.
otism, and lui!ea the fevcrish apprehensions
Of the people. As it is, the Presidential
nomination Of the Cincinnati Convention can
not command even the respect Of the states
men Of the country and partakes more of an
amusing farce, than real purpose to benefit
the people.
| PUBLIC SENTIMENT, as indicated by news
papers from every section of the country is
very unsettled in regard to the Cincinnati
nominees. Many of the leading Democratic
journals are decidedly aversc to accepting the
ticket; while others, Of equal inAu nee. pre-
icr to await the action of the Democratic Ma
tional Convention before definitely determin-
ing what is best. We are inclined to the be-
lief that another ticket will be brought out.
What effect that would have on the 6na. re.
suit in November depends entirely on the
sincerity Of the Liberal Republicans in the
movement they have inaugurated. Of opposi-
ton to the present administration. Ii they
are really in earnest in their declarations to
demand reform in the affairs of government
and believe it can be effected by a defeat of
Grant for reelection. they will adhere to the
Cincinnati nominees regardless Of the action
Of the Democrats IF it is only desire to
Dust one wing of the Republicans and place
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