The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-05-18
Dangerous Maxims.

There were some monstrous maxims enun-
ciated by the conservative speakers asst Satur-
day, considered from an ethical stand point
There was thought running through them
that elevated party above the instincts and
emotions of humanity, morality and religion.
Senator Cochran's remarkable expression that
he would '.follow his party. right or.acrong. and
has State # it lead to pcrdition," was certainly
the most astounding declaration we have ever
heard deliberately uttered before public audi
ence Fora gentleman acknowledged ability,
of large experience in delberative bodies, prac-
ticcd debator, TO announce such sacrilgious
sentiment, can be accounted for upon no other
hypothesis than that fanaticism constitutes a
controlling element in the creed of the conser-
vative party.
DR.. Fauntleroy placed the ties of party
above those of nature, and declared snbst an
TALLY that he would obey the behests of party,
it they arrayed him against his own brother.
Gen. Echols stated that there were no con-
alterations of personal obligation growing out
of favors extended and benefits received, from
pure. disintercstcd motives of friendship, that
mandate of his party.
We assert such expression and such maxins
inculcate sentiment of recreancy to the oblga-
tions of manhood, and betray an insane fanat-
icism, that if participated in by the community
generally. would destroy the very essence of
the social organism.
When men Will allow the passions, intlamed
by party excitement, to subordinate the right
to wrong; to paralyze natural affection and
ties; to etface the emotion of gratitude, the
sweetest and hottest that vibrates the human
heart, then, indeed, may we look for tile reign
of putril corruption, and the sapping of the
very life of the body polite. The political at
mosphere, to be healthy, must be impregnated
with moral fragrance, and if you ignore the
Influence OF the Right for the sake of Right !;
If you forget the bone of your bone and flesh
OF your flesh; and crush out the grateful re-
membrance of Kindness shown and suffering
forefelded, truly will the liberty we boast of
become the license of passion, and all that ele-
Yates manhood and throws charm over
social existence be lost In the scething cesspool
OF political t!ebauchery. s,..s.1
The name of Secretary Bristow was submit
ted to the Union League of New York for adj
mission as a member. There were lhs.votes
cast, with u black balls, sufficient to exclude
him. Great Consideration was created on the
result being announced, and various were the
specnlations as TO the parties and their motives.
1t has been ascertained that Mr.. Durant.
member of sugar refining establishment, was
the prime mover in the disreputable action,
and that lie was governed by feeling of per-
sonal spite against the Secretary, because Of
some adverse decision OF Mr.. Bristow to the in
terests Of the firm of which Durant is a mem
Der.
If anything, the unexpected action of the
League has made the friends of the Secretary
the more determined to press his name for the
Cincinnati nomination. The course of the -
members who cast the black balls is universally
condemned, and gives Mr.. Bristow even more
prominence than he before had, us Presiden-
tial candidate.
& Mr.. Caulfields Committee have gotten tired.
uHoo "1'S"sIeu' VIII Atlle oohHy davenport.
They have determined not to recall him, but
have. appointed a subcommittee to proceed to
New York to ascertain whether the, operation
of Davenport's system for the detection OF
election frauds. did not operate in favor of the
Republicans and against the Democrats. More
than likely they will find such to be the fact,
as the frauds were all on the Democratic side.
MI 'Caulfied caught tartar in Davenport,
and feels very much disposed to drop him.
He has been Il troublesome witnesss and most
TOO sharp for the investigators.