The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-03-29
DEFERRED MATTER
The Politicians Suspicious.

The Richmond Enquirer publishes the re-
suit OF interviews with various prominent
members of the Le islature, and Gov. KEN
per, on the subject Of President Hayes pro
posed administrative policy. Tue general
tone of the gentlemen interviewed was eau
tious ard suspicious, resulting in no decided
opinions, except that the Democratic party
of Virginia must remain intact. We have
no doubt sEch would be the case, did these
gentlemen carry the party in their pockets.
But it is the course of the Legislature, more
than anything else, that has dissatisfied the
people, who have been kept in the organiza-
ton because they desired to present as solid
front to the Republicans as possible. Now
that they find President Hayes is disposed to
be kind and conciiatory, they feel that it is
their duty to meet his advances in the same
spirit that they are extended. This does not
suit the politicians. They are fareing very
well under the close political corporation
that rules Virginia. They think their con-
dition cannot be bettered by any change
that might be effected. They can run the
caucuses, under the party lash, and secure
the places OF profit. With party lines
loosened, and the people free to act as they
please, the chances would not be so good.
Ordinarily, the trading politician is poor
adviser. His opinions are shaped by his per-
sonal interests. He is incapable of taking
broad, comprehensive, unselfish view of pub
lie interests. He is selfish, and levels every
thing down to his selfish desires. He never
reflects the honest opinion Of the people, and
it is from his class that opposition to Presi-
dent Hayes will be encountered. They don't
want reconciliation. They don't think Of
the general welfare. Their course in the
Legislature demonstrates this. Their suspi-
cions OF the President are aggiavating
They would repulse his overttres without
hesitation, did they think they could carry
the people with them. Blu, we believe the
suspicious time is upon us when the peopIe
are going to teach these se!f-nalc leaders
that they must either conform their actions
to the public interests, Or stand aside. TIE
people want peace and good government,
State and National. They know that they
4
have it not in Virginia. Their resources are
expended, with no equivalent in return. |
Their public obligations are increased, amp
yet they are oppressed with faxes. They |
cannot endure this thriftlessness longer and |
if they would boldly declare what they think. |
the Democratic parry would fall 10 pieces. |
The people do not want sany ob>iru. ton
thrown in the way of the peace policy of Il e
President. nor do they doubt thu sincerity of |
the Chief Magistrate in the efforts he is row
making to restore coniiienc between the
sections. The gentlemen who have author
lied the Enquirer to speak for them are not
the people, nor do they reflect popular sent-
ment. 1t is to be regretted that they siionll
have thrust themselves before the public il,
the tantalzing and suspicious utteranct;s
they have announced. When they come to
study the interests OF their section and peo-
pie, they will find they are mistaken, and
that they will not be sustained.