The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-03-09
The Case of Secretary Belknap.


ocratic party predicted. These assumptions
show lamenlable absence OF appreciation OF
the intelligence of the American people and
the sincerity of conviction as to government
tai policies which controls them. The history
of parties in this country does not warrant the
conclusion that any che man determines the
stability aud decides the destiny of political Or
CARNATIONS. The same fallacy that seized the
Democratic press in regard to the effect of the
Belknap exposure on the Republican party,
seems to have prccipitated the conclusions Of
European journalists in respect to the perpe-
tlity of American institutions. Fortunately
for the country, neither the Republican party
nor Republican government depends for
its vitality upon the action of any one man,
They both stand out upon fundamental princi-
pies which address themselves to the sympa-
thy and the conviction Of the American people.
Men of cmincnce and intellectual greatness,
enjoying popular confidence, may fall from
| their high estate and excite feeling OF sad
| ness and regret for the weakness that has
pressed them down. But the principles which
they maintained, and the policy they may have
| supported will lose none of their virtue by rea.
son of this. The philosophical and political
works of Lord Bacon lost none Of their purity
and grandeur, when he confessedto the charges
of corruption in ohicc, and tearfnlly plead for
the s'broken reed; to be spared. Even his
condemnation, harsh as we have always believ-
ed it was, did not obscure or impair the great
truths which he inculcated. Nor did the moral
vagaries and lapses of poor Tom Paine de-
| tract from the political principles which he so
brilliantly and forcefully presented to the
American people for their acceptance and fl
nal Incorporation into our system of govern
ment.
| Neither will the sad fall of Cabinet officer
of Republican administration, compromise
the vigor or abate the conviction of the great
mass of the people who believe in the princ-
pies that govern that party. Secretary Bel
KNAPP might have been the most conspicuous
and influential member of the Republican Or
ganization and might have exerted personal
influence and enjoyed degree Of popular
confidence, unsurpassed by any of the states
men of the country. Yet his betrayal of the
confidence reposed in him and the perversion
of his trust to corrupt gains could not affect
the principles of the organization which he
has so shamcfully abused.
No. The Republican party stands upon a
frmer basis than the moral atmosphere breath
ed by any one man. 1t is identified with the
great principles Of human progressed moral
and intellectual developments aud the dignity
and honor of the American government. 1t
cannot claim immunity for its members
| from the fral,ies which too painful
! " attest the weakness of human
nature in State and Church; yet the tenets of
its political faith, the broad ideas of freedom
| and equality which give energy and life to it,
will be cherished in the consciousness Of the
Amer can people, whatever the delinquencies
OF those who may chance to prove unworthy
OF the confidence reposed in them.
The Republican party has passed through
more trying ordeals than is presented in the
case of Gen. Belknap. Bad as it is, and ap-
parently the III re foul from the high position
OF the guilty party, it does not compare with
the corruptions of which the party has been
purged by its own agency in Credit Mobi'ier,
Pacific Mail and Internal Revenue Frauds
With steady hand and mistaken purpose the
| Republican party has probed and exposed
the corruptons of these various combinations,
and brought to the bar of public opinion and
the tribunals of justice the guilty parties
for condemnation. 1t has sought no party
capital in the prosecu ion of crime and the
punishment of criminals, but has pressed with
orIo oil avid for or0O1 of
the country and the publication Of govern
men..
1t presents contrast to the disgraceful ac-
ton OF the Democratic party in the develop
mcnts in the case of Belknap. Without walt
ing to perfect the investigation, and with a
precipitancy that may yet let the criminal es-
cape, they rush before the country with half
made up case, in order to influence the cleo
items in several States, where the strength of
parties will be determined in few days. The
history of American politics does not expose a
baser motive or a more contemplate proceed
IRE. 1t extracts the elements of patriotism
and purity from all that has been done, and
shows the sordid and venlal spring that has
controlled in the matter We cannot imagine
more pitabe position, i'll which great par
ty could be placed, and no other party than
modern: Democracy could have been guilty of
so gross an insult to American intelligence
Whatever credit might have attached to dig
nied and elevated procedure, involving SO
intimately the national character and rcputa-
ton. has been lost in the mousing ambition
that preferred the tricks of party to the honor
of che country.
There is no indications to show that the Re-
publicans have thought of anything else than
the seyerest proceedings against Gen. Belknap,
and the amplest vindication of the law and the
dignity and honor Of the government. Mr..
Blackburn, democratic member of the special
committee, announced in Congress that the
Republican members had been as earnest and
laborious i'll exposing the wrong doing as the
Democratic members. The action of the
House was sustained by every Republican
vote. Mr. Bass, a Republican member OF the
special committee, took the high position that
evidence OF guilt was conclusive, and there
should be no abatement of purpose in bringing
TO punishment the high official who had perpe-
tratcd the wrong. The President and his Cab
met Instituted the mos. thorough and decisive