The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-06-24
evening State sournal.


~ Hc ibd6Of " tue tbeutt op"fHh'
The gratefully distinctive feature OF
THE JOURNAL is free discussion of men
and measures. without restriction as to
political bias Of the writers; and this fea-
ture is specially noticeable in the cores.
pondence as to claims of different gentle
men for nomination on our state ticket by
the Lynchburg convention.
The advocacy of Hon. George T.. De-
neale and III. A. Wise as proper names
to head our ticket, and the labored article
of Virginius," intended as an apology for
President Grant, show that some intelli-
gent writer's, who are at last convinced OF
the utter worthlessness of Conservatism
are but partially informed as to the under
lying and active principles of Republican,
ism, and while forced to confess that Re-
publcanism is the true combination of pro-
gress and Conservatism, as shown by re-
suits, allow themselves to be atirighted
by the old cry radical" and want to
vote for Republicanism, while protesting
to shrink from the ordeal Of voting for a
Republican. ... ... .
Such fears and devices are characteristic
Of the strategic politician, not the sturdy
freedman, and never meet the hearty sup
port Of the masses, who are essentially
honest in their political convictions and
preferences and always vote for men who
have earned their confidence by champion
ing the principles they approve; in prefer
ence to men who merely agree with them
in opposing some Objectionable individual
measure.
Now both the gentlemen above mentioned
deny most emphatically that they have been,
are now, or ever expect to be identified
with the Republican party and yet their
friends expect to elevate them to Office, be.
cause their honest Democracy forces them
TO antagonize the sham of Conservatism
The tried and true Republicans of Virginia
ask something more than this in their
leader. The issue they have with Conser-
vatism is not disagreement ON any one ques-
ton of public policy, however grave that
question may be but is an indictment of
the whole policy as affecting the liberties
and rights of the masses, the prosperity of
the state, free thought, free speech, and free
ballot, all ofwhich have been jeopardzed or
destroyed by the Conservative legislature
and executive authorities which have had
sway since 1869.
Now it is true that many who are not
Republicans have denounced this or that en-
croachment upon liberty, or reckless if not
venal financial legislation above alluded to;
but every Republican has done this, and
therefore, although we may be pleased.
that--of those not with us-many are patri-
otto enough to side with. comfy against
party, it is no reason why proved able
Republicans should be passed over, and
dissatisfied Conservatives set up as leaders.
OF Republicans so far named in connection
with the nomination Of governor, r. w.
Hughes towers head and shoulders above
all others, and this can be said of him with
out disparaging the claims Of others to
popular sympathy and support.
Whether we give prominence to finance,
course with other states, immigration, So
cial polity, or inviolability of individual
rights. as governing our choice of candi-
date for governor, the record of r. w.
Hughes shows that on all these questions
that gentleman holds sound views, and is
the able exponent and advocate of the pol.
icy endorsed by the people wherever pre-
sented while he is so Thoroughly honest Of
heart and firm of purpose that what her
past promises for him will be performed, If
performance depends upon him.
When r. w. Hughes speaks he utters
no uncertain sound, but gives out the true
ring which denotes conviction of right and
earnestness of purpose. A Republican
from the purest and highest motives which
actuate men in making declaration of politi.
cal faith, to the principles of that party
he is