The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-04-16
Governor Ikemper and Judge
Hughes.

executive OlIlce OIL Inc k7stt'S ii' So =
federal Judiciary Judge whose career Diels l''ir
to be one OF enviable success III the us
charge Of his official duties, whilst his Compel
itor. Gov. Kenper, has 50 administered tiie
powers conferred upon him as TO fehaer HIS
name famous as a champion OF popular nee
dom, and firm advocate OF right, unbiased ny
prejudice and undsturbed by fear.
1t is "a matter Of congratrlation to the friends
of constitutional liberty everywhere that Gov
kemper has thus far proven himself true 70
that liberty, and it is with pleasne we nave
witnessed the general endorsement that MS Oh
fetal actions have met from the people OF tiie
Valley OF Virginia, whose efforts anu supper,
conduced so eifect,nally to his election, and
this endorsement is above party, and indel'en-
dent Of party spirit.
In the case of Judge Hughes, we perceive
the same feeling of unaninlity expressed ana
Indicated in regard to the energetic, decisive
aud able manner that characterlzes ms rulings
in his court. If the future Of these two gentle
men is in keeping with their conduct during
the brief season they have been in office, their
lasting fame is assured and Virginia Will be
fortunate that at such crisis their services
have been called into reqllisition.
We indulge in no fulsom. adl,ation, nor
seek even to avoid the responsibility OF tpposl-
ton to the election OF Gov. Kemper, by thus
admitting the full merit that his record illus
trates We did oppose his election, but we
now endorse his official acts thus far, and our
political faith would be amenabie to all tire APP
| Drobuin our worst enemies could wish, ii we
hesitatad, because he was not our choice, now
when h. has proven himself so worthy, to give
him commentator. 1t is the sau1e Justice
melted to him which Coy. kenlper and the
Conservative party in their platform indicated
a willingness to accord to General Grant
That was, in SO fur as he did right to approve
him, and to make no faetions antagollsm to
him because it was Gen. Grant.
Partizan acerbity is bitter, sharp, often ull-
forgving, most always mielenting. Involved
with petty ambitions controlled by selfish de-
sires, political leaders seldom care to do justice
to their successful rivals, and have seldom
magraninity to acknowledge their public ser-
vices however er1inent and patriotic they may
! be.
! Here IN Virginia we have fallen on such
times, aud are surrounded by such circumstan-
ces, that every man, woman all child, IS In
tereste:1 i'll the securem.ut OF two facts-the
enforcement OF the laws OF the Elnd, federal and
State. as they are written, so long as they re-
min sllcll-and the promotion of good will and
kindly feeling between all citizens OF the coun-
try. North and South. Neither Republicans
nor Conservatives, in. their promulyed plat
forms Of principles vary from this demand.
and the only diversity which should exist, is as
to the best methods OF indicating them.
There can be but one method where the idea
of suffrage itself is attached, as the law now
reals, for this suffrage, whether right Or wrong
admits between citizens no distinctive Or eN
elusive privileges. The veto must, therefore
be promptly exercised when legislation is al
tempted innowtting general franchises and con
ferring caste privileges, and it is only proper
respect shown to the laws to exercise this veto
Without Il due observance OF this rule no gov
ernment can long exist. We cannot vary
fundamental rule for particular case, for thu
laws are made to be enforced and to govern ali
men in their acts vi life. We have no indul-
gences to sell, in this country, political or re
ligiolls, neither have we such offerings to be
stow without sale. But whilst the laws remain
as such, they are higher than party, Or favou
or corporate power, and must be obeyed ant
observed, if we would have order and peace
abroad over the land.
Let all political officials stand to the constitu
ton, as Gov Kemper has done, and members
| of the judiciary administer their duties, a.
Judge Rives and Judge Hughes, we believe
are exerting themselves to do-lnd the hates
and animosities Of paltizan warfare, which have
been tearing our country to pieces and retard
ing the prosperity Of the people, will gradually
wear away, and the rewards and prizes OF the
political arena will be awarded only to those
who deserve them best, by reason of capability
honesty and far-reaching sagacity.
The name of Puritan and Cavalier in tn
English revolution, which brought Charles [
to the block, and John Hampden to his dealt
on the battle field, were words of reproach, t.
the respective parties as they then were asso
ciated, long after blood had ceased to flow an(
peace was established, but wisdom and mutua
interests finally brought even the fercest Q
contestants in religion and politics to cast be
hind them the memory Of old wounds and tx
act together for the common welfare. Shall no
this be so here in America? Or shall the Consel
vative-Democrat, and Republican continue t
be mere synonyms Of hate Or applause
rather than Of parties endeavouring to achiev
good for their country.
We bear the olive branch for all good mer
:. and true of whatever name Or sect, who's
endeavors are given in behalf of their country
: good and the Happiness of the people.
+ ! Gov. KEMPER'S LETTER.-The Richnon,
1Fhig and DispatcA of the 18th contain Ions
letter frosn Gov Kemper, written to Mr.
/ Fowler Of Washington county, in response te
the action Of a meeting Of citizens Of that coun
, ty approving his veto Of the Petersburg char
ter. LIE maintains the ideas enlsneiated ant
, defended in That message, and claims tina
, | they are those Of the Conservative party Ii
this we think he is nsistaken. The principle
he enuneiates s"all right, but the Conservative
; party, or the leaders, have no sympathy will
it. That was evidenced in the passage of the
: Petersburg charter by the Legislature. Gov
kemper virtually cuts loose from every mem
Der Of the Legislature who voted against his
veto and who voted for the charter Either