The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-02-22
Now fer Cancellation.

correct idea OF tlic progress and points IN the
most important arbitration that has ever en-
gagged the attention OF this or any other conn-
try within the past century. 1t will be re-
ferred to in after time with even more inter-
est than now attaches to il, from the fact
that it viii constitute Il matter of study, and
stand out as testimony to the devotion OF
the American people to our Republican form
Of government. In 10 other country couln
an Issue SO momcntOus and so much calctl-
lated to arouse the passions aud prejudices
Of the contcnding parties have been ADJUSTED
by peaceful methods. Empires and political
dynasties OF various forms have tottered and
been destroyed for causes OF infinitely less
magnitude than that which has just beeh
determined without the shedding of a drop
of blood or the impairment OF the system OF
checks and balances which maintain the equi
lbrium Of Our government.
All the people, irrespective OF party, should
feel gratitied that the patriotism OF the ma.
ton has risen above the animosities Of party.
and that peaceful agencies, Consistent with
the integrity and honor of the country. have
worked out a solution of the complications
that so seriously threatened the peace, and
even the existence OF the Republic.
Approaching the grave duties incident to
the Chief Magistracy of government OF
100000 OF freemen. under the crculn-
stances attending the Inauguration OF Gov.
Hayes Presidential term, it %onld be an
opportrne occasion to institute an adminis-
tration OF cancellation, kindness and gencr
Gus ierbearance to divergent political views.
looking to the abatement Of that fierce part
zan resentment and insane animoSiv which
have done so mich towards intcnsifying sec
tional strife and disturbing the fratcraal re-
laticus OF the constituent elements OF a com-
mon country.
Differences OF opinion have always existed
and always will exist as 10 party ami gov
eminent policy In this, as much as in any
thing else. may be found the conservative
tendency ana influence OF our institutions
They inspire and stimulate freedom OF
and where variant views are entertained and
expressed. resulting fiom conviction OF right
lauIlabc emulation is excited to accomplish
results in administration promotire Of the
general welfare. ami h. rmeniziug with til.
yearnings and endeavors of the people foi
the greatest good to the greatest number.
With convictions OF dirty and a sense OF
right as the source of opposite opinions. each
cali respect the conclusions OF the Other, and
both unite upon common basis OF politica
action, in the interest Of all the people.
With those OF our politica; opponents who.
from the lights before them and the method
of thought they have cultivated, differ from
! us honestly. we have no word OF complaint.
They are as much entitled to their opinions
as We are to ours. The policy they WOULD
adopt aims at the same result As that we
would have accomplished, and the divergence
is in the agencies to reach the consummation.
Such men bow to the majesty OF law.
They recognize the constitutional aud legal
sanctions OF the nation, and can have no
other ambition than 10 see the country pros
porous and happy, let the party in power be
of their cwn faith or that OF their opponents.
There is class. however, with whom we
seek and would have no political utilization
or association-w whatever their party
identity, are incapable Of contributing to the
good Of community or administering to the
advancement of conservative government.
The surface agitators, who do not compre-
bend the limits or nature Of an idea, or the
force and operation of !; principle--who
grope and founder in the mire and miasma
CT passion and prejudice, with mentality too
weak and moral conviction too shallow to
rise to the level Of any issue affecting CON-
munity or government-men Of this charac-
ter are neither profitable or desirable as
friends or foes. They are the disturbing
element of society, and manage to arouse
feeling, in the heat of great political con-
tent, which they can neither direct nor con-
trol--destructives OF order, of harmony, and
the well-being anu peace of their fellow
men. The sptes OF passi9n-the envy of
turptude, are the familiar and congenial in
struments they employ to defane those who
differ with them, thus acknowledging their
incspacity to grapple with an argument Or
appreciate conviction.
The great mass of the people have inher-'
entlyno sympathy With this class OF pestif
erous agitators. They are, however, allowed
too great a latitude, and assume leadership
and arouse prejudice, too Frequently. that
subordinate reason and work harm to So
ciety. Any party or administration is fortu-
nate in being rid Of such creatures, and no
political organiz alton or administrative an
tlority could tolerate their identity, that
aims to uphold The dignity, maintain the
putty, and advance tie efficiency nf gov
ernment.
TO that portion of the democratic party OF
the South WHO are willing to recognize and
support the right when it is presented to
them, we believe the administration OF Gov.
Hayes will be acceptable. and in the course
Of time receive their support 4 manly.
generous policy, such as the whole life OF
Gov. Hayes guarantees he will institute. will
be met in q manly and generous spirit by
many vile have put forth honest efforts to
defeat his election. They have been gnv-
erne1 by honest intentions, and when they
find that the end which they desire Call be
better accomplished under Republican adj
than democratic, they will not
hesitate to declare it, and show moral cour-
age sufficient to Join their endeavors for the
attainment Of 4 common good.
We desire the co operation OF the eonser-
iatiye and honest portion of the so called
democratic party in building up IN admins
ration support ir Virginia, which will draw
% it that class Of persons who are not welded
@ name, or controlled by mercenary mo.
ives in their political action. For eight
years they have antagonzed the govern
nent, and for eight years they have been
farming their State. Instead Of inviting, by
he manifestation OF liberal sentiment, inn
migration, they have repellcd it, because of
he narrow, selfish prejudice that has shown |
tselr BIZ those whom they allowed to lead |