The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-04-01
Political Parties.

of the credit of the country. Its history is
freighted with evidences of its adherence to the
lcas suggested in these three propositions. 1t
commends itself to the confidence of the Amer
lean people by reason Of the great principles
which it proclaims and thit undehie its organ
izasion. Itappeals to unsefish patriotism all
over the country for support. because OF its
demonstrated adherence to the only cardinal
teuets in political faith, that can preserve the
U:.ioll, uphold the Constitution and give eff
cheney to the laws.
The anomalous difficulties that have embar-
rasscd the administration of national affairs for
the past ten years, and which have severely
tested the craftsmanship of the country, are
without parallel in the political literature OF
this or any other people. Coming into power
as the representative Of the national sentiment
of the country at a time when the doctrine OF
State sovereignty was eliminating in its logl-
cal sequence dissolution OF the Union
the Republican party conducted to
successful close the bloody struggle
for the supremacy of national authority.
Its triumph in the field, was signalzed by the
been born of true patriotism, and the surrender
at ApponMttox, and the terms presented by
the great captain who now presides over the
Executive chair Of the nation, for acceptance
by the opposing forces, were more in conso-
nance with the spirit OF fraternal friendship
than with the naughty evincements of a tri-
umphant foe. The subsequent conditions ten
IL. e e,Jl u
fellowship, simply contemplated an adjustment
of the differences OF the contending sections
upon the ideas that were successful in the con-
test OF arms, and which comprehend the recog-
milton of the paramount authority of the ma
tional government over State autonomy. No
vindictive punishments were suggested Or con-
sidered. Upon the theory Of the successful
party to the conflict, the halter and the dun
geon might have been introduced as infection
for treason bat recognizing as honest the adj
hesion of each section to its construction OF
the constitution and Interpretation Of our sys-
TEN OF government, no ether requirement was
enforced thsm the abandonment OF the doctrine
of State Sovereignty, and the acceptance Of
I the ideas for which the successful party con-
tended.
Tn the contamination OF this result, and the
process OF reconstruction incident thereto, there
were events and circumstances logically grow
ing out fit, that appeared harsh and even Sc
we're. But when it is considered that there
were prejudices that had grown with the edll-
cation OF generations-tlaere were convictions
as to the limitations of national and State ALL
tlority that had become part Of the political
orthodoxy Of q whole section of the Union
that there were social, Industrial and ecopomi-
cal systems that were inseparably interviewer
with the institutions of the South-all to be
it does not seem strange that difficulties were
encountered i.r she consumnation OF the ends
determined upon by the one party, and pro-
fessettly accepted by the other.
The Republican, patty has simply adhered to
the theory upon which it defended the unity
OF the States 1t only asks that the conditions
OF adjustment be faithfully obserlea-that the
national government is supreme in this ceun-
try, and that the doctrine Of State Sovereignty
be abandoned by its advocates, and the fund;l-
mental conditions of the peace effected be
strictly maintained.
Laws male in pursuance OF this adjustment
were enacted, Which it has sought to enforce.
1t has simply contendcd for the free exercise
| of guaranteed rights-the enjoyment of opn-
lNions, and their expression at the baliot-box
without molestation or Intimidation. and the
full and free recognition of the equal rights of
the citizens of the country,
Not only has the Republican party proclaim
ed its devotion to TIE paramount authority of
the National government. and the enforcement
of the laws btEt it has made it q cardina! tenet
Of its fsith, to maintain with scrupuous fideli-
ty, the public faith Of the country in all its f.
nancial relations. Staggering under huge
debt, created in support of the oneness of the
Union, the government, under the control of
that party, has tolerated no approaches to an
impairment Of its credit Or compromise ofsits
obligations. It has. recognized as basis OF its
dealings with foreign nations, the principle of
commercial stability that controls in the gov
ernnents OF the civilized world, and has indig-
nant!y repadiated and spurned all specions
schemes which have had for their object the
lowering Of the standard Of public faith With
\ record Of fidelity to these essential principles
OF a great and powerful government, which de-
fies the carping criticism of partizan enersies.
it can safely appeal to the national sentiment of
the country for support. Errors It may have
committed not affecting the vitality of the
principles it processes. and corruptions may
and doubtless have, crept into its O. ganization.
These are inseparable from all combinations Of
men. But the great principles which consti-
tute the essence of its ereed loom up in prom-
nent relief, to challenge the support and conf
dcnee OF the whole country.
Its confronted by the organization Of what
may be called modern Demecracy-a party.
since the war, that until recently has given no
ntimation OF q positive policy bat conrented
itself with the employment OF every device TO.
effect the discontinue of the Republican party.
Stimulated by recent success, and emboldened
by the hope OF securing the control of the go7-
eminent, the last days of Congress invited de-
bate, and ill the flush of returning confidence
i'll their own strength, the leaders OF that party
uncovered their real designs, and emnleiated
their political doctrines. They frankly pro-
claimed their adherence to the tlefunct doctrine
OF State Sovereignty, which is simply q
reasserton OF the policy OF the Democratic par
ty that brought ON the war. They 90 back to