The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-10-29
REPUBLICAN, CANDIDATE.
FOR CONGRESS,
Hon. JOHN f. LEWIS,
OF ROCKi NGHAM.
November Third.

The brief period intervening between the
action of the Harrsonburg Convention in
presenting the Hon. John F, Lewis, as the
Republican Candidate for Congress in the 7th
District. and the day Of election. of course pre-
clutes the possibility of as thorough a canvass
OF the relative claims of himself and his COM
petitor, as we should have liked. We cannot,
however. too earnestly urge upon every Rep
ublican in the district the Importance of active
exertions to bring out the full strength of the
party, and give to Mr. Lewis as strong a vote
as possible. There are many Conservatives in
this district who recognize in the Republican
candidate gentleman Of uninapeachable
character, fair and fearless public servant,
who aims to do what he believes to be right
free from partizan prejudice, and above the
petty devices of the trading politician. It is
conceded by all, or at least, with few excep-
lions, that he has faithfully represented his
constituents in all matters not purely political,
and that his relations to the government will
enable him to accomplish more than could pos
sibly be effected by his competitor. There
can be no objection urged to hira except that
he is identified with the Republican party
The most exactlng Of his political opponents,
will not say that he has not been true to the
best interests OF the State-that he has not, in
his representative capacity, faithfully attended
TO every request made Of him, and given the
same attention to all who have called for hi.
services, without respect to party afliliation.
While believing that the best interests of Vir-
Yanfa and the South would be promoted by
recognizing and adopting the liberal principles
OF the Republican party, he has not been in
tolerant OF the opinions Of those who differ
with him. nor sought to make that difference
means of prescription. His course as Sem
ator has been Impartial, manly and liberal.
lie has been governed by considerations of rep
resentatiVe daty, and unhinchingly adhered to
his conyi5bigN eli right. His record has been
such us to command the respect, and, in some
fustances, even the communication of his OPP
ponents. His votes have shown that he can be-
Republican and yet his Judgment not warped
or controlled by sectional OF partizan feeling.
On this respect, especially, he presents strik-
ing contrast to his opponent, Judge Harris
Whatever usesuaness might have resulted from
ftheonersyr md industry of Mr. Harris, was
.entirely 'netitfs1izeA and destroyed by the ex-
Inhibition Of narrow sectional prejudice, which
ansulted the liberal minds of the Republicans
lin Congress and arrayed them against him.
-MF. Harris joined with the obstructionists in
the House. and without reason or public pol
dcy, thought it his duty to oppose the admins
'tration in almost every thing, simply and sole
ly because it was placed in power by Repub-
aican votes.
When we consider the meaning of Censerra-
Tive, Mr.. Lewis has shown much more OF the
true, genuine spirit implied BY that word, than
Mr.. Harris. His course has been in sympathy
with the Recognized laws of the country;
with the authorities ofthe country, and in har-
mony with the bestinte1est eof THE State and
country We are satisfied that the honest
1udgment of the district, If e2pressca free from
the bias of partizan distinguishing alone to
the true interests of the State-woud declare
for Mr.. Lewis. Let the people consider the
matter in a calm, business-like spirit, and cast
shcir votes as intelligent freemen, for the man
Mhesc opportunities will be the mere enlarged
ito serve them.