The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-08-10
M. YosT 81 SON. EDITORS PUBLISHERS
Will Tilden Withdraw?

| We stated several issues since that we would
not be surprised if Mr.. Tilden was withdrawn
| from the Presidential contest before the day o.
election. Certainly we expect to see an uttel
collapse Of the party he represents before chat
time. The irreconcilable differences that exist
between the friends of Mr.. Tilden and the
friends Of Mr.. Hendricks upon the currency
question, foreshadow the practical disruption
Of the party, Notwithstanding adhesive plasters
may be applied to keep up the appearance Of
organization. While not accepting as fully re-
liable the various statements that are promi-
nently head-lined by leading journals, detail
ing the growing dissatisfaction of the Western
Democrats with Mr.. Tilden, and the Eastern
Democrats with Mr.. Hendricks, there is GER
tainly good grounds to justify the conclusion
that everything is not precisely as lovely and
harmonious as it ought 10 be. The divergence,
too, is radical, for it is fundamental. The issue
about which they differ is paramount in this con-
test. The'Western Democrats are stubborn in
their adherence to greenbacks, in no less degree
than the Eastern Democrats are determined as
to the hard-money policy. The elastic platform
adopted at St. Louis, designed to effect recon-
ciliation Of these clashing ideas, cannot be
satisfactorily disposed Of by the two gentlemen
whom it was intended to place upon it, in their
discussion of the questions involved in their
letters of acceptance. Unless they depart from
well established and immemorial usage, and
refuse to elaborate their views in their formal
acceptances, it is not clear how they can pre-
sent concordance, or bring into harmonious
action the distinct classes of political econo-
mists they represent. If Mr.. Tilden plants
himself upon the high ground that the money
Of the country must be that recognized by the
nations Of the earth, and thata failure to return
to its adoption at the earliest practicable
period, would be Il compromise of our national
integrity and impair onr national credit. he
will drive from his support two-thirds of his
party in the West. If he falters in this, he will
be repudlated by his party In the East. In
either case, he destroys all hope of an election,
and substantially gives up the contest.
Further than this, it is not probable that Mr..
Hendricks will be willing to confront the
known and pronounced sentiment of his party
in his own State and section upon the currency
question, by acceding to the well-defned
views heretofore expressed by Mr.. Tilden as to
that issue. He will. insist that the st. Louis
platform be fully carried out, and that the pre-
sent Democratic Congress shall shape its az
ton in accordance with the mandate of the
party, in the repeal of the Imption law.
Not to do so, would create revolution among
The Weston Democracy. To do so, will be met
by an indignant protest FROM the Eastern
Democracy: -.
In such dilemma and with such embarrass-
ments surrounding. there is no perceptible
escape except for Mr.. Tilden to withdssk from
The canvass, or assume its responsibilities and
labors with certain defeat staring him in the
face. He is too shrewd a politician not to per-
ceive and comprehend the difficulties that lie
in his path. Whether he will esteem the dis
5inction Of mere candidacy as sufficient COM
pensation for the humiliation that must follow,
and cling to a forlorn hope, or stake arms
against a sea Of troubles, and by opposing end
shem'' in an abrupt reputation Of the nomina-
ion is yet to be determined
Men may construe things after their fashion
Clear from the purposes of the things themselves.
But in the attempt to place an interpreta-
ion upon the st. Louis platform not designed
3y the friends of Hendricks, and in accordance
With Mr.. Tilden's convictions, would open
,hasm in the Democratic ranks, that would
sngulf both candidates, and end the contest.
And that is the way it stands and the diff
% it? We shall see.