The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-12-25
what Shall we do to be Saved ~

Under This caption a writer in the last
Spectator. over the signature of s =, Z after
reviewing The political situation in Virginia,
and stating the possibility of the next Con-
gressional delegation being in sympathy
with the views of Gen. Malone, recently
elected United States Senator, concludes
The question now is What shall the honest
men of both parties do To thoughtful men,
there can be but ono answer Let the past be for
ever buried. Stand shoulder to shoulder, and
fight for put honesty as you would private
honor. In regard to National politics, await the
nominations, and select the most conservative
men, irrespective OF former party Affiliations
Consistency often requires that men shall change
their political names in order to maintain their
political creeds.
The South has already suffered much from big
oted adherence to the Democratic party. II now.
by the aid of the best element in the Republican
party. we can be saved from ruin and disgrace If
that party, by nominating man of conservative
views fol- President, shall tender us the olive
branch, we cannot consistently refuse to co OPP
crate with it. No unbiased man can deny That the
great mass of Northern Intelligence, and OF
Northern conservatism, is found in the Republ-
can r,nks. They have. as a party, invariably
maintained the invioiabillty OF State and Ma
tIonal obligations and the present ADMINISTERS
ton has made strenuous exea ton to aid the hon
est element i'll Virginia politics. II. as seems
probable, the attempt at reputation is to be car
lied into the National ARENA 1t is emlnently i'm
portant that the conservatism of all sections
Seymour are of the class in the Democratic ranks
who possess the essential qualities. In the event
that neither OF these. any other OF that class
is nominated, let us be constrained by no mar
row partizan feelings, but follow the dictates of
sound policy and good sense.
This looks like new departure, and is
in sympathy with the reasoning of the VIR-
GILMAN, addressed to the Southern people
on more than one occasion. The true inter-
| a III 40 sft nd
and material development assured, were
common cause made with the intelligence
and wealth of the North, as represented in
the Republican party, That party is the
only conservative political power in the
country, and to 1t the nati'n is indebted for
the restraining Influence which has kept la
check the financial heresies OF the Demo-
cratic party, preserved the integrity OF the
government, and guarded all business and
industrial enterprises. What response the
very sensible views of The writer from whom
we have quoted, will reetive from the pee
pie of Virginia is question for a brief time
% determine. The sentiments expressed
are of common utterarce by men of char
acter and Influence who have heretofore
acted with the Conservative party, and 1t
remains to be seen whether they will receive
organized form in the near future.
The reference to Messrs Bayard and
Seymour may be excuSable with those who
may not fully be prepared to surrender
their party identity. But to our mind. neither
could be elect ed, and if lected, would BIZ
of no practical benefit to the South. They
could not draw the syiGpathies of the class
of men to wi i;h the writer refers, for they
are not ready to repose confidence in the
party which would support them. 1t is
only through Republican President and
the Republican party thatthe South can re-
alize that practical aid her condition re-
quires. Especially is this view of the qnes-
ton applicable to Virginia, whose great re
sources are only awaiting the contact OF
capital and that national sympathy which
will insure both capital and enterprise
With these, the Old Commonwealth would
enter upon new life, the footprints OF
slavery be obliterated, and industrial activ
ity and development make the waste places
blossom as the rose.
| ->s>x> >