The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-05-14
Prorressfye Politics.

stand out i'll history as an example to thenl-
selves, developing elements OF successful self
without Il precedent, andindependent
Of comparison. They are never at stand
stil-always reaching out for SOME fresh incen-
tive to active, original thought, and repesing
in their confidence to regulate all innovations
upon, and changes Of, the usases and govern
ing rules of the past, into safe, conservative
channels. This popularity OF the people is
more prominently exemplitied in the political
affairs of. the country, than any other. The
changing circumstances which material and in
tellectual development produce-the results OF
this restless activity-of course imply modifi-
cations in the policy Of government, and to
superficial observance, departure from funda-
mental rules. This, however, is not SO. The
governing principle which should and does
control all free government, is the highest put
lie expediency If in attaining this, the neces-
sity for departure from time-hOnored tenets
of political faith becomes apparent, and must
be resorted to, .does. not imply departure
from the true purpose and end OF Republican
government: The underlying good OF the peo-
pie and the accommodation Of the machinery
of government ..tothis end, comprehend the
safestsprif cipie Of public policy. The. popular
mind too frequently misconceives principles for
rules of action under given circumstances. The
paramount principle. in government is the
highest pnbliuexp ediency, and the policy gov
erningg. the actiop, OF parties isvaried by the
new. circumstances which may now and then
spring into existence.
It is ii applying this general lilie Of thought
to the progress OF the American government
that We find Justification i'll departing from the
usages OF our ancestors, while seeking toattain
the same object The central aim OF their gov
eminent was the good of the people, and they
were governed in their legislation to accom-
plish this by the events and circumstances
which surrounded them. While the same mo-
tive may animate and a kindred object may in-
cite, now as then, the instrumentalities to be
used must vary necessarily, by the circumstan-
ces which may surround. The business OF gov
eminent is to messld existing events to accom-
plish present good, ana secure a safe premise
for future benefits-or rather work out the
highest public expediency.
It is in the adaptation of present means, the
utilization of surrounding circumstances, to the
advancing demands of the age we live in and
the. good of the people, that the Republican
party finds it's greatest source of power. 1t
keeps pace With the warnings of the popular
heart, directed. by the developing and expand
ing mentality Of the age. 1t boldly seizes the
occasion, and relying upon the patriotism and
intelligence Of the people, goes forward in I'M
tried paths, to work out the true purpose OF
free government, in the enlargement of the
liberty and the enhancement of the dignity Of
the masses. Partaksng of the instincts of the
popular consciousness, it wages an aggressive
warfare upon5the. efiete notions of the past, and
assumes an attitude of vigorous self-reliance in
dcrising and, adapting measures for present
good. j.
. It is here where, the line is drawn between
now exist. TEepne is constantly progressing,
and thus inviting, and captivating the active en-
ergies and capacities of.the vigorous manhood
of the age, while tlle5other is obstructive, pas
sive and wotshipRillg over the dry bones OF the
past. 1t has no positive, prospective and ad-
vancing polics.s acts OH the defensive, and
hopes to gain agaahtages BY the indiscretions,
or mistakes, which are inseparably incident to
adventure and Progress, and thus encourage
the hope OF popular triumph. 1t rests upon a
misconceptions and total misunderstanding OF
the American people: They would rather 'ap-
prove temporary progressive wrong, knowing
that little tilie viii correct it, than to adhere
to a defunct right, 80 The restless energy and
inquiring activity of the people readily discrim-
mate between the rule. of right that lays at the
basis of aetasn, and the immaterial Irregular
ties that sometimes accompany its operation
The popular mind is being educated into a rec
ognition of the policy and principles of the Re-
publican party as rejecting the welfare of the
masses. Theysee in its aggressive policy cor
responding dereIopa1ent and improvement OF
the people. Progress means improvement ;
and adherence 70 effete notions and obsolete
ideas means: mental an dsmaterial stagnation.-
It is upon this contrast-these directly antago-
nizing positions and policies, affecting the car
dinal principle of public expediency, that the
people are.callcd to choose; and not upon the
occasional irregularities and imperfections Of
transient suggestions, designed to effect there
suit aimed at. So -
The Republican: party is boldly marching for
ward in the path of progress. With firm
hand it is exposing corruptions that may have
crept into its organization, not waiting for the
camp-followers and trailers OF the opposition
to do it for them. Ii in the vast machinery OF
government, compreheading SO expanded a
territory, and interests so ramifed and COM
plicated, there should develop imperfections
and wrongs, the firstto discover and expose
them, and demand correction, are the leading
minds of the Republican party. The opposi-
ton representa- ore merely spectators, and
not unfreaaientl tana aloof, with the selfish
expression tlhstz:iit 40 quarrel of theirs, as
though they had not : duty to perform to the
country, ID de,H OF the slavish seryitude
of party.
1t is truly pitiable sight to contemplate the
petty spites and parsizan contractedness which
govern nesprof II chment eprinciple,
and wearing the livery Of American citizenship.
They make it tlielr b business to pervert the ma
chinery Of party from its'legitinate purpose of
working Tor the public good, into an instrument
Of obstruction, in the hope that in the turmoils
and strifes Of party conflicts something may de-
velOn that will aduanee their interests and wa fl