The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-01-15
Gov. Kemper and the President,

Gov. Aemper having declared In his IN
augural message that the Conservative par
ty Of Virginia was not in utilization with
any national party, and also announced some
friendly sentiments towards the administra-
ton, it seems that this was made the basis Of
an arrangement for a visit from the Govern
or to the President The Richmond scr
respondent of the Washington Star tells the
rest of the story
"Prominent Democrats in Washington
have telegraphed Governor Kemper, advis-
lug him not to pay President Grant the visit
arranged by Mosby, and said prominent
Democrats have dispatched committee to
wait upon the Governor to ask him to re-
consider his determination Of paying the
visit.
We submit shat this is small business
on the part of prominent Democrats in
Washington" Gov. Kemper recognizes the
fact that the popular sentiment of Virginia
is in sympathy with the administration.
This he learned from the last canvass, for he
is as well convinced as any one, that mad the
question of race prejudice been left out Of
the State election, he would not to-day be
where he is. IF, however, he allows him.
self to be placed in the keeping of ''promi-
nent Democrats and to disown his own con-
victions, he will prove himself to be less Of
a man than we had given him credit for.
Gov. kemper has been disposed to make
as much out of his declaration of an anna
BILE feeling towards the administration as
possible, it is true. In return for the an
nouncement that it is not the purpose or the
policy of the Conservative party Of Virgin
ia to make captious opposition to the Presi-
dent, or his administration, he asks that the
Federal government shall pay the debt Of
the State; build the James River and Ka~
nawha Canal, aud make an appropriation for
the education OF the people Of the State
This is all modest enough, and shows how
much value is attached to the favorable
countenance Of the Conservative party of
Virginia. IF this bargain could be made,
we cannot see why prominent Democrats in
Washington especially if they have any
interest in Virginia affairs, should object to
the visit of Kemper to Grant. Looking at
it as business transaction, we think the
objection could, with propriety, come from
the other side
Since writing the above, we have seen it
stated that Mr.. Beck, of Ky, was one of the
prominent Democrats 10 Washington who
advised Gov. Kemper not to pay the Pres-
dent friendly visit. OF course, nothing
else could be expected of him. He is a
constitutional obstructionist, and has large
class Of sympathizers in Virginia He has
about as little political sagacity as any pub
lie man in this country, and if Gov Kemper
wishes to inaugurate a splendid failure, he
you'd do we'll to consult Mr. Beck at the
outset OF his administration. The Governor
mas grand opportunity to make himself a |
name, and do the State some service, Tt he |
IS wise, he will do SO, by cutting away from
the political FOSSILS who atfict the State and |
and moving forward under the in
piration Of the progressive spirit and ideas
IT the age. We might institute parallel
between the administration of President /
drant and those Of Presidents Madison and
Jackson, and demonstrate that if it was Dem.
'cratlc or pubican, in those days to
support them, it is equally SO to give adhe-
ion to Gen. Grants administration now
The reader who is familiar with the political
history OF the country, will readily perceive
ne analogy, and would discern no inconsis-
ancy IN jackson Democrat becoming
srant Republican.
Three persons made their escape from the
! I onroe county Jail last week, viz. Edward
Irlplett, james Taylor and William Henry
Iefrirg. .gsf