The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-07-31

From the demonstration now being made
by Messrs. Malone, Paul, Massie, Riddlebar-
ger and others, there can be little doubt that
the fight to be made against what those gem
tlemen are pleased to term the new fun
ding bill, will be fierce one. That it seems,
is to be the issue upon which the State cleo
lions OF next fall will hinge, and it cannot
be denied that the aggressive party of the
new campaign lis not to be dispised. Whilst
we confidently believe that the good sense
and calm judgment Of the people of vr-
ginia will not permit them to be once more
plunged into chaos Of confusion, yet,at the
same time, we ca mot close our eyes to the
fact that the danger OF such COL tIngency
faces them, and that it will not be overcome
by SCOTS or affected disregard of the ability
and resources of those who confront Them
Over confidence is the rock that has wrecked
more political crafts than any one cause we
know OF, and it seems that the lesson it
teaches fades from the minds of men as
as soon as the establishment it occasions
spends it shock. Secure in their pride of
supposed strength, parties and individuals
Imagine they have nothing to fear from the
attacks of what they are pleased to term, and
it may be regard, as Insignificant foes,
whom to notice is to dignity and invest with
an Importance wholly disproportionate to
their merits. mo danger ~ s'No danger %
is the only watchword until the result comes
in, fuin md 2 ~
causes that lead to it. In matter SO grave
and all important as that which the people
of Virginia will soon be brought face to face
with, it is the supretnest folly to Lave sim
gle stone unturned that will contribute to
safety. Ceasless vigilance and un:ring
effort are needed to rescue this Common.
wealth from the peril that now threatens, and
we cannot afford not to recognize in the
foe that presents itself, bold, aggressive and
disciplined, an enemy dangerous, and not to
be put down by jeers and laughter.
The men who have undertaken to array
the people of this State against what we can
but regard as their true interests, are men of
ability, enthusiasm and strength. That they
have influence is evidenced by the fact that
nearly all of them were elected two years
ago by handsome majorities. Many of them,
we believe, arc conscientious in the work in
which they are nowengaged, and those whit
are moi, assume to be. The arguments they
present are plausible, until the strong lens
II truth is brought to bear upon them. The
.ase they make out is by no means bad |
me, until its fallacy has been proven |
md the sophisms of its advocates shown 4
n their true light. Facts and figures are |
ontorted to point their morals and adorn
heir tales, ana the mind of the most intel
gent listener, il he is not well posted in cur
ent history, may be readily confused if notin-
iuenced. Ii these men are allowed to 20 from
own TO town and from county to county,
with no one to follow after and counteract
ne enect OF their work, it will make itself
manifest in the triumph.of their cause next
all. 1t is time now that steps were being
AIKEN to meet them wherever they apnear.
{ Is useless and nonsensical to maintain that j
hey are not dangerous. They must be en-
ountered and vanquished, and there will he
10 security until it is done. :