The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-01-29
Zion. JnO. r.. Lewis.

article tnae TeEects moro credls upon the au
thor, than the following, taken from thu
Richmond Whig, Of the 18th. It has beer
quite popular for years past, for the Conssr
vative press Of Virginia to pronounce Seua
tor Lewis a traitor to Virginia, and to hi
profession ia tho canvass Of 1863. He hs
been denounced by persons claiming to b.
gentlemen, but who are beneath him in al
that goes to make up ncu. az politically
false and uutrustworthy, whom it is known
to every Virginiau who is aud was acquainted
with Senator Lewis views of public questions
that he has never claimed to be anything
else than Republican. IF people were de-
ceived that he did not follow in the track Of
Gov. Walker, and identify himself with th..
Conservative organization, they simply de-
ceived themselves. They had DO advance or
expression from him to justify any such con-
clusiou. The Whig properly and fairly
states the facts, and we are pleased that they
come from that source. The people of Vir-
ginia committed themselves to the Reputli.
eau party and Republican policy 10 1869,
first by the election Of Lewis as 1t. Govern.
or, and then as U. S. Senator, and it is Meth
er honest nor manly to deny it.
Although Senator Lewis has acted with
the Republican party, is a profsssed and un-
compromising Republican, he has been a
faithful. efficient and effective representative
Of the entire people Of the State irrespective
Of party. He has never Disseminated be.
tween Republicans and Conservatives, when
his services have been asked and his infu-
ence solicited, unless it were in purely party
matters.
The people of Virginia will greatly miss
him, after his successor shall have taken his
seat. We do not mean to impugn the will
Of Col. Withers or Judge johnson, but we
venture the prediction that both Of them to-
gether will fall short 10 rendering the SCR
vice to the citizens of Virginia that Senator
Lewis has, since he has been their Senator.
His open, frank, manly method of attend
ing to his official duties, have won the con.
6dence and esteem of the heads of depart
meuts and the subordinates, and Of the Pres
idsut and his cabinet. They regard him as
strictly honest man, above deception, and
conscientious in the discharge CT duty
For these reasons he will be missed by the
people of the State, when his term expires.
Partizan malignity may be grati6ed when he
retires, but we think the State will make a
poor exchange when Col. Wi,hers takes his
place. Not that we believe his successor
will not do all that he can in his represen-
tative capacity for his constituents, bpt be-
cause he will not be able to do much, on &C.
count Of his political record, and his impe-
rious temper.
SENATOR LEwIs.-Compliment to the Senator
elect have been the order of the day with the
press of the State generally since the announce
ment Of his election. The WHla has added its
tribute, if not in terms as eulogistic as some Q.
and sincere. We now propose to say word Of
him whose political race is well nigh run. To
much that we may say doubt not many viii
talks exception but we propose to do justice, and
shall not be deferred through fear of what 9th
| ers may think or say. Senator Lewis we have
| known these many years, and whilst we differ
| with him radically in his political views we yet
| believe him to be as horoughy honest in his
| convictions any man in the Commonwealth
r -.lo.1o IL
ticket by those who framed it with full knowi-
edge Of the fact that he was Republican. liz
so declared before he was placed there, and in
every speech made by him during the canvass he
| reiterated the avowal. Soon after being sworn
into the Office to which he had been elected ano
whilst presiding over the Senate by virtue OF biz
position as Lieutenant Governor. he was elected
10 the United States Senate. Why? Because O
his commanding abilities? Because Of his op
position to the Administration? Most assuredlJ
not. U. on the contrary, he was elected because
he was a pronounced Republican, it being sup
posed his well known adhesion to and sympathy
with that party would insure the prompt admis
sion of the State. Upon what other ground, W.
may well ask, could the withdrawal of the Con
sentative ticket. composed of Robert E. vita
ers, James A. Walker and John L Marye, have
been excused, and the substitution of one com
posed Of genuine s.True Republicans defended
Ne; it was the price paid for oar admission, ant
whilst it was an outrage TO have exacted pay 10
what was clearly ours by the guarantees OF th
Constitution, still in country where might a
lone makes right we have now no reason to com
plain siuce our offer accepted and the con
tract complied with by the admission OF tn
State. because Senator Lewis, whose election
as ne have said, was part of the consideration
indacement offered to secure readmisslon
did not see proper so soon as our object wa
gained to repudiate the principles he processes
aud declare his hostility to the National sdmls
tration. In word, we did not suppose the OBJ
iect was to purchase Senator Lewis by his cleo
ton, or to induce hin, to forswear himself by pro
Tossing to abandon principles, or preJudlces
YOU will that have grown with his growth, an
strengthened with his manhood until they
mount to convictions that cannot be held o
loosely as an old gown that can be thrown ASIA
ut moments notice. Had he have done so We
at least, would have held him in profound con
tempt. As it is, whilss we cannot comprehen
how he or any man Of fair intelligence can cor
sent to act with the Radical party of Virginia
vet we believe as we have said, that there IS n
man in the State who'is more honestly impress
, ed with the correctness Of his COMMISSIONS,
, one who would not as soon b lrter his princlple
as John f Lewis. Bigoted he may b., prelt
diced and utterly wrong in his political views "
: T know him to be- but nevertheless he command
our respect as an honest man, brave anu detsl
mined. unawed and unnfuenced by persons
considerations, to discharge his duty wfshout II
gard TO consequences.
: We think some Of the Conservatives
Virginia are making themselves ridlculo'