The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-10-07
A Gard from Major Mcmahon.


We publish in to-day's VIRaINIAN frank
and manly :scard'' from Maj. Ed. Mcmahon in
reference to a paragraph that appeared in the
Timdicator of the 1st inst, claiming that Maj.
McMahon had left the Republican party and
identified himself with the Conservative organ
ization. The ingenious method which was
adopted by the Vusdtcator to convey the i'm
preston that such was the fact could not mis-
lead tny one in this community, where the po-
litical sentiments of Maj. McMahon are well
known. But persons at a distance reading the
paragraph might reasonably infer that a thor
ough renrncis.tion OF the Republican party had
been made. Hence the s'card."
Maj. h.cMahon is not acquainted with the
tricks and devices of the politician. He is a
Republican from principle, and whenever an
issue is squarelv made between the two parties
there will be no difficulty in ascertaining his
position. There was not nor is there now,
any such issue in this County. 1t was merely
legislative honors could, in his opinion, Best
subserve the interests Of the State. He felt
that concern III the matter that attaches to
large property possessions, and, as tax-pay-
er, he could see no improperly in indicating
his preference in any method his Judgment
power or right Of any combination of men to
deprive him Of this privilege, In maintaining
Republican principles, he forfeits no right of
citizenship, nor is he relieved of the RESPONSE
bility pertaining to his constituent relations.
Indeed tile Republican party OF Augusta
numbers among its adherents some of the
most responsible and respectable citizens Of
the County, who know their rights and are not
afraid to assert and maintain them. They
care nothing for the assumption of exclusive
ness by the Conservative party, that rules ev-
cry man in or out of theat party, who chooses
to exercise preference either for or against
its machinery. If the machinery can be
use it, and if its tendency is to the contrary
they will repudiate it, caring very little what
is thought of their action by the political wire
puilers, who use party to elevate themselves to
positions, when their inherent qualifications
would consgn them to merited obscurity.
! 1t is we'll enough to remind the indicator
that party harness rests loosely and lightly up
on the people of Augusta County. They be-
! gin to see that they have been deluded and
duped and wronged by the deinagogues' cry
of party, PARTY, PARTY, when the great in
terests of the State are overlooked and be-
trayed in the name of party. They feel the
oppression that has been inflicted upon them
by the Conservative caucus system that has
ruled Virginia, and they do not intend to
yield their manhood and individuality to the
behests and schemes Of plotting demagogues
any longer.
/ Mai McMalion did what he deemed it right
to do, in his efforts to secure the services Of
Mr.. Stuart in the Legislature, and we presume
it matters little to him what Others may think
Of 1t, as long as his Judgment and conscience
are satisfied.
F When the time comes for him to indicate hi;
bposition in respect to the two parties OF the
State and Nation, upon distinctly drawn and di
vergent lines, he will not give the Vtedtc0to,
much comfort in the part he will assuredy
take. Aud tie same may be said OF his son.
Mr. E. A.. Mcmahon.