The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-11-02

Every Change Not Reform
John Randolph, of Roanoke, when urged
to support a measure of party interest, but
OF doubtful administrative virtue, uttered
the philosophical truism that stands at the
head OF this articlc-that ''evcry change is
not REFORM What was strikingly true in
that day, is none the less pertinent and
forcefu in this. In conversing the other
day with two old and esteemed friends
among the best citizens of the county, but
differing with us politically-tlle only argu-
ment they adduced to justify their intention
to vote for Tilden, was that they ''wanted
CHANGE We are sure oGr friends do not
properly consider the value of a vote, or the
great interests involved in what they lightly
and thoughtlessly call "a change'''
It is one of the serious matters connected
with our political system, that men OF char
acter, of social influence and standing, do
not give their own relation to government
that reflection and close study it deserves
The ballot is their only method of introdu-
cling their opinions and thoughts into admin
istration. whether State or national. 1t is
the instrument provided by law to get an
expression of the educated will OF the peo-
pie, and to mould legislation and govern
ment in accordance with the popular idea
upon which our institutions are based. Not
to weigh its Importance and study its effect
is a direct assault upon the whole theory OF
i- fronpht will,
danger, that should not be disregarded.
An intelligent, well-considered and patriotic
ballot. free from prejudices, and above the
slayish fear of party, is the bulwark of
American liberty, and through it alone can
the healthy growth of our institutions and
the welfare of the people be secured. 1t is
painful experience to the thoughtful citi-
zen and student of the events which are
now shaping our national destiny, to realize
that men of standing and natural capacities,
If they would but exercise them, to give
tone to government, are so welded to party
traditions and associations, as to allow their
reason and Judgment to be completely SUBJ
ordinated to the passing influences arising
from partizan identify, thoughtless of con-
sequences.
We NAV call their attention to and astound
their senses by faithful presentation OF the
condition of their own State, and the fearful
future that frowns before them. We may
tell them of the enormous obligations which
they are legally bound for, aggggregating sixty
millions of dollars, and increasing annually
at the rate of two millions defaulted interest.
We may remind them of the assets OF their
State which have been squandered to the
amount of millions Of dollars since
the war. We may point them to the wicked
and fragrant abuse OF public trust in tie ses-
siops of the legislature, invariably exhaust
ing every moment of the constitutional limit,
imposing useless cost upon the people OF
one hundred thousand dollars each year.
We may criticise the audacious frauds that
have been perpetrated in the finances OF the
State, and the preineditated failure of their
sworn servants to expose them, SO that the
tax payers may know how much has been
stolen from them. We may warn them OF
the proposed absorption of their rights by
the constitutional amendments to be voted
upon next week-so monetrous in their usur-
pations and so destructive Of the rights OF
the people, that, il their full meaning were
understood, would bring upon the corrupt
and designing men who framed them the
lasting condemnation Of every lover of lIber-
ty. We may seek to arouse them to the
foorf,11 haf ind,
tries by reason OF the embittered partizan pro-
scripton and ostracism that control the Con-
sentative party, driving away capital and
enterprise, stagnating trade and paralyzlng
energies. Notwithstanding they will ac-
knowledge the truth OF every charge pre-
ferred against the leaders of the party to
which they belong, yet it is their party,
and they will still embrace it, though the
contact be material death. There is no
sschange'' here, for reason is lost in preiu- |
dice, and the habit OF submission to caucus
lictation has grown so strong, that it seems |
irresistible.
Speak to them, however, about national |
affairs, of the successful administration of |
che government by the Republican party
its wise financial measures, which have |
operated to the relief of the people, payment |
of the national debt, reduction of the taxes, |
the establishment of currency without a
parallel for its convenience and validity,
and the danger that would threaten the ma
terial interests, and the peace and prospect
ey of the country, il not the existence of the
Union, by the election of Tilden, the most
palpable swindler and dangerous political
trickster who has ever polluted the history
Of the country, and they will answer they
<swant CHANGE No reason cali be as
signed for it. If they would but think they
could arrive at 10 other conclusion than
that the success of the Democratic party
would unsettle values, derange trade: retard
and cause tumult and dstrust
shroughouc the commercial and financial
centres of the country. They will not,
however, pat themselves to the trouble to
hint. The party is before them, it has laid
1owE the law-tlle corrupt and unprincipled
eadcrs have their selfish designs, and to ac-
,omplish them direct their endeavors to in
lame the passions and preiudces of the ,
,eople, so that they will not Think +
We have no apprehension of the success ,
4 the Democratic party in this national con- =
est. The people of this nation have no ,
lea of transferring the government to
olitica1 organization that has neither de-
ned principle or policy. The country is \
lst beginning to recover from the effects Of |,
le Wharf.-The abnormal condition Of trade, p
imulated as it was to an unhealthy excess Il
= reason of the immense volume OF curren- :.
7 inherited from the war, is resuming its -
ltural channels, values are being regula- 20
d by safe and stable standard. conf
,nce, shaken and destroyed BY tfls reaction
Om the excess, is returning in commercial o,
ansacti0ns, and all the indications that a
ould guide the judgment, point to the II
wn OF an era of unparalleled prosperity, V