Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1875-10-08


FRIDAY MORNING. OCT. 8. 1875.
THE s.PERFECT LIBERTY'' OF A
"POLITICLAN."
We copy the following card at the re-
,uest of Maj. Mcmahon, though, for his
own sake we confess we had rather not:
Editors Valley Virqinian:
observe in the VIND1cAToR, of Oct.
list. the following editorial paragraph:
ssSaturday afternoon the Conservative
meeting at the Town Hall witnessed the
return of most esteemed gentleman to
the Conservative ranks--nO less prominent
a person than Maj Ed. McMahon, who, it
will be remembered, was the most formid-
able opponent of Judge Hughes for the
Republican nomination for Governor, at
the Lynchburg Convention. To his old
companions in politics his 'saligning' him.
self with the Administration seemed to
have been more inspired by the hope that
fine Federal Government would complete
the James River and Kanawha canal and
otherwise aid in the restoration of Virgin
las prosperity if she was in line with its
politics, than from any other motives. He
did not see to the depths of its intents, no
that to keep a State PROSTATE in every
thing was the way to control it's politics.
Since that time Maj. McMahon has seen
dreamed of, and found out, as everybody
predicted, that it there was any party Oh
earth entirely opposed in it's character to
his nature, the Radical party in Virginia
aud in the United States is that party.
We welcome him back home; he is just in
time to Join in the triumphal procession OF
1875. Along with the Major we also vel
come the enrolment OF his son, Mr.. Ed.
A. Mcmahon"
It is unnecessary, in this community, for
me to state that the above article is an Ut
ter perversion of the. motives and lnten1
tions which governed me in the action L
took in the primary meeting on the 25th
ult.
TT had been announced through the
ssVaIIey Virginian,o and cOncurred in by
leading Republicans in the city and county,
that the Republican party would not or
ganize in Augusta county, with reference
to the fall campaign. nor would they pre-
sent candidates of their own party faith to
be voted for at the November election for
representatives in the Legislature. AS 4
tax-payer in the county and State, felt
81 perfect liberty to exercise my judgment
and right of giving expression to my wish
as to Who should be voted for in the cOun-
ty to make laws by which I, in common
with every other Taxpayer in the County
and State, have to be governed. In the
absence of candidates of my own party
identity, was anxious for the return to
the Legislature of Hon. A. H. FL. Stuart.
as a gentleman in whose ability. and SOUND
views on various Important pnpl6c ques-
tions. I have the utmost confidence.
These questions have no relation to party
nolitics. nor was the line drawn between
Republicans and Conservatives, in the can
vass of his merits and claims. Prominent
Renuhlicans ana Conservatives were in fan
vor of his return, as there were infiuentia'
gentlemen of both parties who wee Up:
posed to him. 1t was in no party sensel
whatever, that 1 regarded my action, but,
as citizen of Virginia, with none OF my
rights impaired or questioned, deeply In,
terested in the State laws to be enacted
and the public policy to be adopted In
matters affecting the material-interests OF
the people and the Commonwealth
With these views, was earnestly anx-
ions for the nomination and election OF
Mr.. Stuart, and, in taking the steps did
to- effect that object, I compromised mel
ther nv self respect nor my party rela-
lions. I would, under similar clrcum-
stances, do precisely again what dld 40,
and vet maintain my convictions that the
Republican party is the only truly nation
: al organization in this country, whose VI, e
y principles and policy are best calculated to
promote the peace. prosperity and prog
ress of the whole United States.
The action of my son, Mr.. E. A. McMa.
hon. was influenced by my advice. and
with no reference to the construction that
might be given it by those who would
make the great interests of the State Sec
ondary to party usage.
fOrbear from criticiSing. as it deserves
the spirit and evident intent OF the piece
in the INDICATOR. Had the writer o.
that article desired to do me justice, and
not miSinterpret my action, it would nave
been an easy matter for him to have ques-
toned me in person on the subject and
learned my motives.
The reflection that it seeks to cast upon
me in assigning reasons for my ldentlty
with the Republican party is conveyed III
spirit. that it would not comport will
my self-respect to reply to.
The VINDICAToR is respectfully reques-
- ted to copy this ''card'' as an act OF Juskice
to myself.
Oct. 4th 1875.
From the report of the proceedings OF
the Conservative meeting in which Maj
Mcmahon voted.]
On motion, resolution was adopted
that every Conservative present slloul'
write his name on the back of his ticket
Mr.. S. Travers Phillips stated that he
saw several Republicans present, and asked
whether any but Conservatives were allow
ed to vote in this meeting.
Mr.. Burke, the President, said, Of course
none but Conservatives could cote.
Mai. Bell said the object of placing the
name at the back of the ticket was to Of
ford an, opportunity for coluntary alliance
OF aay Republican Nth the Conservative
i9nrtu in the future and avOuld be so nnder-
stood.
Mr.. Phillips then said # that auas the Oh
iect and understanding he had no issue to
make.
The ballot was then taken mp by the tel
1srs.
On motion, the names of all voters were
then read out, to enable those present to
know what Conservatives had voted.
The ballot was then announced and the
ticket given elsewhere was adopted by a
vote of 65 to 35.
And now for such an awkward position
as this record places Maj. Mcmahon in,
let US examine his reasons His perfect
liberty" as s'tax payer" has been used
with license. The "tax payefs'' of this
State are divided into two paFties-=the
Conservative taxpayers, who pay nearly
all the taxes, and the Republican tax-pay-
ers, and these two parties hold very diff
ferent views The meeting at which Maj.
Mcmahon voted was primary Consesra
tue meeting, as he well knew and, as will
he seen from the report, was distinctly so
stated. The political lines were distinctly
drawn-so distinctly that the chairman Of
the meeting announced that none but
Conservatives could vote and it was as
distinctly stated by Maj. Bell in the as