The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-09-20
The Consultation.

The informal consultation of few gentle
men from the county in reference to the
Legislative canvass seems to have given the
ring manirulators much satisfaction. They
place that conference upon the same footing
with the ring caucuses which have hereto
fore run and controlled the county. There
is vast difference, and no sympathy in the
methods and objects OF the two classes.
Those who met in Mr.. Hyde's building are
not politicians. They have heretofore rarely
ever participated prominently in political
gatherings, and only indicative that the sub
stantal people of tie county begin to see
the necessity of more careful attention to
public affairs, and OF concert of action to
defend themselves against the professional
politicians who have in The past taken the
interests Of the State under their own special
guardianship. 1t is a healthy sign, and fore
bodies evil to the ling manipulators. 1t in
terferes with the prerogativcs Of the self
constituted leaders. 1t promises a reform
in the methods of politics hereafter, and the
introduction to The councils OF the State of
men whose sympath'es are with the people
and who know the wants Of the Taxpayers
who VII study the welfare of those who are
the dependence Of the government, and VII
simplify and abbreviate leg "lation and the
expenses incident to it.
1t is a duty the people owe to themselves
to act together, ard unite the'~ strength
,,po,, n xx,oll dol;na6 po1,ov .n1 r,o,, 70 % rrv
it cut. They have been the dupes Of the
political schemers long enough, and unless
they propose to continue the present ruin
Gus condition of fairs, they will have to 60
into this canvass with sold column and a
resolute purpose TO use all honorable means
to accomplish success. They VIII have adopts
in political tactics to antas or 'z"-nen who
have experien and tact in organizing and
directing campaign. 1t wiz not do to be
inactive or to hesitate. 1t is the common
good for which the people are now moving.
| They have been aroused to action by the de-
plorable condition of public fairs brought
about by the very class OF politicians who
are now making sport OF the farmers, and
endeavoring to ridicule them into silence.
There is not one of the gentlemen whose
names have been mentioned as representa-
tives of the prevailing sentiment OF this
county who desires legislative position, or
who would not retire, ii it can be shown
that another would be more suitable. The
people want results, and men only as thea
can accomplish results. They want policy
adopted, and measures incorporated into
legislation which will carry out that policy.
If one man is better fitted for this work
than another, then the best will be chosen.
It is work, too, that will admit Of no jar
ring or conflict, but calls for harmony and
concert of action. Their consultations may
be called caucuses, or whatever the political
schemers may choose to term them. They
are certainly not the caucuses of professional
politicians and bummers. They are parti-
cipated in by men who have interests at
stake, and who feel that they have too long
neglected the important concerns to be SUBJ
served in the legislation of the State. 1t is a
kind of consultation far removed from the
trickery and wire-pulling which have con-
trolled elections heretofore, and which it is
designed to Illustrate. The peoples will is
to be consulted, and not overridden and de-
fed, and to do this the people have right
and it is their duty to adopt every fair means
to concentrate their strength, in order that
they may consummate the object they have
in mind.