The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-07-20
A Lively Rumpuss in Prospect.

"A AlVCly IeuiApASo Ill 1VoEUCCc.
The active interest manifested in this devc-
ted city by the ring leaders Of the Democratic
party, at this early day, in the formation of
Tilden and Hendricks clubs, and the organize
meaning than the Presidential election. The
prime movers know well enough that there is
little prospect, even from their own stand
point OF viewing the chances, OF electing Tilden
and Hendricks. There are matters nearer home
that are dear to the ''Reform'' patriots, and
Judge Harris will find out before he is pre-
pared for it, probably, that Il deep laid scheme
is Oh foot to retire him to thcshades of private
life, to enjoy the honors he has already won,
ana to luNnriate in the trophies of Il third term
already his. When a curb stone statesman once
gets a TASTE of power, and ''smel's the blood OF
an Englishmun," there are no bounds to his
greed and thirst. The recent success of curb
stone tactics in Staunton has whetteG the appe-
tite of the average stateman OF that species.
even If the faithful have to be sacrificed. Judge
Harris is in danger. The Aulic council has
decreed that change must be made in the
the wires have already been strung, and eN-
perts pullers are at the end of them. 1t mat
tiers not that Harris has been Il faithful public
servant-that he has accomplished more for
his constituents than any other Democrat
could have done-has served his party faithful
| ly, and been true to modern democratic i'll
stinct in denouncing the administration as
| corrupt and vicious. These avails not with Il
dye-in-the wool curb-stoner. He cares not for
efficiency in public position. He must rule if
ruin follows. He must grab the purse strings
and dole into his pocket the shekels, if shek-
els are involved. The curb-stoner is a monster
in politics. He belongs to the horse leach tribe,
and so long rs there is Il glittering prize in
view, the curb-stoner's eyes will be terrfcally
set in that direction.
The activity among the curb-stoners about
Staunton, though, don't mean so much Tilden
and Hendricks, rs Harris shoes. Some Of
them E,ay be deuded with the hope that Til
den will be elected,--and this is but another
stimulating cause why Harris should be retir-
ed. The ponderous curbstoner might not be
able to impress Harris with his importance,-
and in the distribution of the Tden patronage,
all the offices might not be apportioned among
the curb-sto1e tribe. Hence Harris must ''step
down and out'' il the cdicts of the curb stoners
are to be carried out.
| We are inclined to the conclusion too, that
| the curb-storers are throwing ont their feelers
and lires, to sound and drag into their nets
| the IlDCucpecfinfr 1v mi I,
the surrounding country. We would not be
surprised if the stewardship business OF Mr.. S.
| V. Sontllall, on next Monday, was not part
OF the programme, although we do not know,
and therefore will not say, that he is Il willing
party to it. 1t may be proper for Mr. Sonlhall
to give an account of his stewardship at st.
Louis. Ii so, it is the more pertinent and ap-
propriate that Col. Harman should have a hear
ing as to his stewardship, rs he more immedi-
ately represented this portion Of the district.
Has Col. Hartman been requested to explain
the Incidents attending the st. Louis Conven-
ton, and the reasons chat influenced him? We
guess not. And if NOT, why not Thurman
has been known rs "A friend of Harris in former
days. He may be yet, for all we know. How
sGanuS Mf. SOutllall on t1at particular point
Things looks suspicious and mysterious to the
uninitiated.
It the fight of the old man and the bear,
so far as are concerned. We only call at
tention to the troubling of the waters. to warn
the hot-hcaded and impulSiye. how they unite
in the clubs, ander the direction Of the curb
stone statesmen. These clubs may be used to
strike where you don't want them. You may
not discover the trick until it is too late Ev
erything is smiling and attractive now, but you
do not know what a day may bring forth. We
have an idea how the experienced curj-stoner
manipuates. He must be sure OF his victim,
before he dcvclopes his purpose. Harris is the
man this time. The beneficiary will turn up
in time, for the place.
As Il spectator we don't want to see any sto-
len marches or flank movements. We desire to
see fair, square, stand-up fight. If the curb
stoners and their colleagues can win, so mote it
he. If Harris knocks them out of time, we'll
and good. On yc braves, lay on McDulf, and
damned be who first cries, hold enough.