The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-01-06
Freaks of an Organ.

MOI all organ whose SOIL harmOnleS, anu tile
concord of whose sweet sounds, charm the
senses and expand and warm tie emotions into
climax of JOY. but an organ that varies in it's
moods and notes, as the passions feel the i'm
press of surrounding events, regardless of the
fitness of things or the dscord that arises from
alludc to the swelling volume of music that
| floats out in solemn grandeur from the superb
organ at the Asylum Chapel nor to the less
imposing notes that roll IN soothing cadence
from the choirs Of our churches. 1t is not Of
these that we would write, for were it so we
would draw largely upon the inspiration of
imagery and court the dreamland influence OF
ings.
1t is to the Spectator as party organ, that
we wish to call attention. and to note Its vary
| ing whims and freaks, and the crooked paths
into which 1t Is drawn by influences unknown
to the common observer.
Before the October Convention was held, the
eloquent sentences of that organ of the immac
ulate Conservative party were rounded off in
bounding appeals to the patriotism, the Vir-
ginia pride Of its readers TO see that no harm
befel the State by reason of their absence from
the primary meetings. 1t was urged as essen
tial to the true interest of the State, the har-
mony and efficiency of the Conservative party,
for whose benefit its music was ground out,
that full expression of opinion should be had
in the selection of delegates to the nominating
convention. Obetlient to its appeals no doubt,
there were unusually large representations at
these meetings; but they did not dance to the
organs misic, and as it was grinding for par
ticular ears, the want of appreciation shown
threw the instrument out of tune, and even
into painful silence that excited fears of ire
parable disorder. Not one note could be
thumped out OF it to accord with the popular
pulse as expressed at the Convention. In
moody, gloomy, solemn silence it brooded over
the ingratitude Of Republics, refusing to en-
iven by its strains the patriotic hearts which it
had but recently stimulated to an effort to save
their country. Not one word could be gotten
from it to support the organization Of the
party. more than to announce the Nominees.
; Its particular desires were regardedas superior
to the combined wisdom of the chosen repre-
|
and by its stubborn indifference the Conserva-
tive party was rent in twain, the programme
OF the pipe-layers defeated, and the whole
thing thrown into hotch-poteh.
The last issue Of the organ shows signs OF
returning animation, not, however, to p reserve
the integrity of the Conservative organization,
to heal the breach that had been effected. but
IN fha
faithful, and threatens to engnlf them. It
comes out squarely and earnestly in support of
the gentleman whom its party had repudiated
in Convention-the Convention that it had ac-
lively urged as indispensable for the public
good, and by Legitimate inference, against tn e
party whom the organization had chosen as its
| standard bearer.
This last freak is an indication of demorali-
cation that should be looked into. We are
; afraid the example of the VIRGINIAN has had
an undue effect upon the organ, and that it is
trying to follow in our footsteps in our war
upon rings and cliques. That will never do.
It is ungrateful to turn upon friends by who m
we stood In prosperity, now that adversely has
overcome them. 1t was proper and right for
| lis to flesh lance in that direction, but for the
tiumpeter that was sounding the charge on the
other side to now direct his music to the dis
comfort of his own following is unnatural and
indefensible. Then, again, we do not reeog-
nize the right of the organ to grind music to
our tune. We have a patent for that, and do
not care to tolerate an infringement.
The plain English is, the Spectator has
shown an utter disregard for consistency
and respect for the organization of which it
processes to be all adhercnt, and does not de-
serve to be recognized as representative Or
gan of the party. It is neither fish, flesh,
fowl, nor good red herring, in politics, playing
to suit the discords of its own fancies and pre-
judices, thoughtless Of its duty to the party
that supports and gives it vitality.
AS to the Court street organ, after ranting
and cavorting in the most unseemly manner
about duty to party and the State, and the
mischievous purposes Of the Radicals, it is like
the little boy kicked by the mule-t has no.
thing to say. 1t cannot even raise whine for
a Convention, and has to quietly rest where
the people, lead son by the vIRGINIAN, have
| placed it-fat cn its back Requiescat IN pace.
| CHESAPEAKE AND OHIO RAILRoAD.-The
action of the U. S. Court for the Eastern Dis
triet OF Virginia, sitting at Alexandria on the
| 3D., reported in another column, in reference
to the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad, is inn
portant. 1t will be seen that the matter has