The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-03-22
The Presidents Policy.

obliteration Of race and sectional lines in
politics. The language employed and the
sentences formed, received the cordial COM
mendation of both parties. The Democrats,
however, assumed that the kind and patriotic
expressions before his election were intended
to command the support of the reform ele-
ment of the Republican party and the indie
pendent offshoot of both parties, to be fol-
lowed in the practical administration of
government by the seyerest party regime
that had ever marked the history of the
country. They alleged that his inaugural
speech was holiday exhibition, designed to
please the fancy and attract the attention OF
the country for the time being, to be sue
ceeded BY harsh and oppressive practices to-
wards the Southern States. They asserted
that nothing else could be expected from
him-that having been elected by party, he
would necessarily be under the control of
party managers. and that all the fair promises
made would amount to nothing. Republi-
cans believed differently. Mr.. Hayes had
been nominated in defiance OF and to defeat,
what is commonly called machine politics.
He had filled various high and responsible
public positions, and given incontrovertible
evidence that he was a man of rigid integ
rity, sensitive honor, and undertaking fidelity
to duty. He had been true to every trust
reposed in him, and equal to the demands of
every public obligation. They believed that
he meant what he said in his letter of accept
ance. His dignif1el reserve during the pro
gress Of the contest, and the eminent pro-
priety OF every word and utterance, empha-
sized into conviction previously entertained
opinions as to the character Of man chosen
to represent the party. There was no pledge
exaeted OF him that conficted with his vol
unfairly expressed views. The platform Of
the Convention and the letter of acceptance
harmoRised, and there was everything to
encourage and justify the belief that il elect
ed. he would be faithful to the high resolves
Which he had promulgated in asking the
suffrages Of the people.
The country has not been disappointed.
The Inauguration Of his administration, with
. political opponent Of high character and
conservative views, far removed from the
hates and spitcs Of sectional partizansm, as
one Of his constitutional advisers, testifies to
the sincerity Of his desire to pacify the coun-
try, heal the wounds of war, and bring to-
Retiser the energies Of all good citizens in the
labor OF working odt the grand destiny of a
common country. Obedience to law and
sacredness Of the rights Of citizenship are
the broad thoughts which constitute the
basis of reconciliation. There is no severe
partizan shibboleth to pronounce-there is
no. sacrifice Of honest convictions, founded
ION fact, to demand. 1t is simply the En-
foreement of the Laws, as they are; the
complete and unrestricted and unquestioned
operation Of the Constitution as it is. Post
MASTER General Key well expressed it the
other day when he said, he might be "called
q democrat standing on Republican plat
form to carry out the policy of Republican
administration. no He had accepted the situa-
ton In 1855, when President johnson re-
moved his political disabilities, And there is
nothing Inconsistent in his accepting Cabi-
net position under President Hayes. He
believes It the highest evidence of good citi-
zenship to obey the laws. He is simply the
agent Of the government fer the promotion
Of this object. The mere democratic nomi-
naiism, where the purpose is to enter into the
spirit OF and to execute the laws, amounts to
nothing practically. He is doing what Gen.
Longstreet did in 1869, and the favor the
country has accorded him in the position he
has assumed, Is the highest yindication of
Lonastreet and Orr, and the severest rebuke
70 their slanderers tliat the recurring events
OF history have produced.
President Hayes has sufficiently vindicated
the earnesthess and sincerity of his declara-
tiers before and since his election, to callfor
as equally sincere response from the peo-
pie. We do not expect or want the trading
politicians to accord with him-their support
Is not desired, for it is never honest. But
the people. who are interested in the peace
full operations Of government, in the abate-
nent Of sectional strife, and the recon-
Citation and harmony of all classes of So
eiety, should move to meet him in the spirit
which animates his advance, and join with
him In concentrating lasting reconcilia-
ttea. What need they care for mere noma-
lisms What peculiar claims has the name
Democracy for them? It is the synonym Of
'all their woes-it antagonizes all their best
taterests-its traditional and distinctive adj
authoritative policy is In direct conflict with
TIE Interests Of the South-it is retroactive
nod repressiye in all its political theories and
Hsscticss.s There is nothing in its past or
present position to commend it to popular
fsyor. It Is bsstia ghostly skeleton TO
remind US ~ 'hbpes blasted, and the desola-
tsons that followed its bloody pathway. It's
lcw-tasjff. antf-internal improvement, and
as1ti-land distribution tenets are all dead AMI
zone. Its State Rights and Right of seces-
don hare been wiped out in the blood of the
brasest. Thsfe is nothing practical in it. It
lives upon sectional hates, and, with these
Fs4aevsd. II must 60 down.
What interest have ihe people in repress-
ing an open recognition Of the friendly pur-
pesss already manifested by the President
What they want is good goyernment-is
peace and quiet everywhere, SO that the
legitimate development of the country may
be secursd-cttizens to come and 90 from
Seetess State, feeling free in the enjoyment
Of their opinions-welcomed everywhere for
the worth that is in them, and the good they
can do In building up industries. and con-
tributing to the general welfare. What need
the people care for political nomenclature, il
material growth progressess What need
they to. care for sentimental, Impractical
50 our mines are developed, our
dead wealth brought into contact with live
capital and enterprise, and two blades Of
grass made to grow where one grew before.
President Hayes has declared that it is his
desire to so shape his administration as to
wipe out sectional and color lines in politics.
It Is serious and difficult work. Surely the |
purpose is noble. VIII the people cooperate |
with him in carrying it out? or will they 4