The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-10-09
sTAUNTON. VIRGINIA. OCTOBER 9. 1879

There are thousands of the more lntelll-
gent men OF the South who are not now and
never have been Democrats, but VINO are
compelled by,s the iliberal> and sectional
course pursued by the Radicals to vote win
the Democratic party. There are thousands
more who though good Democrats hardly
recognize themselves in the gulse tney nave
now to appear, and other thousands equaiiy
sound in the faith who are so disguised with
the folly and ignorance OF their leaders that
their party bands are very loose. But where
are all these thousands to seek political
affinity? Surely not with the Radicals who
hate and revile them, ard for stronger rea-
sons with neither the greenbackers nor the
communists. Truly their political condition
is pitiable. and whoever will improve It Will
merit and receive their unbounded gratitude.
1t must be acknowledged, however, that the
present prospect for improvement IL by no
means promising.-Aler.G Gazette.
1t would be as well to allow our disconso-
late contemporary to remain out in the cod
for little while yet, before inviting him
into the Republican household. The bitter
partizan prejudices which have heretofore
blinded reason so effectually as to forbid
rational reflection, yet exercise an infu-
ence, but in modified form. The Gazette
has time and again exposed the short
comings and utter absence Of principle, OF
the party with which it co-operaJes. 1t has
advanced step further, until it can now
recognize no good in that organization, and
nothing to invite the fellowship Of men OF
sincere convictions of right, as to govern
ment policy. Its hatred to the nom,nalisua
OF Republicans still fingers. But for that it
would doubtless have declared for the name
before this, because its views of the para
mount questions affecting administrative
policy are in accord with those practically
enforced by the Republican party. A more
earnest contemplation of the faults Of the
Democracy may cause the scales to drop from
the eyes, and then, while IL will find that the
Republican party is not all that il ought to
be, it is in,measurably preferable to the
party OF negatives and reactions with which
the Gazette has been identified. IL is a party
OF assured conyictions-it has positive and
salutary administrative principles-it as
great achievements to testify in its favor,
and is truly American in all that affects the
interests Of the people. Just at this time,
movement is going on ia Alexandria, whose
success will depend upon the protective
policy sustained by the Republican party. II
the iron factories which it is proposed to es-
tablish in that city are to succeed, it will be
because the protection of American indus
tries will make their operation profitable.
The Gazette already knows and approves OF
the great financial success Of the govern
ment, which has inspired confidence
throughout the country, and stimulated
business interests into fresh and progressive
life. Can it point to anything in the policy
Of the Democratic party that commands its
respect, even?
1t is significant, that just at this time. the
Charlottesville Chronicle and the Gazette,
should both volunteer their testimony against
the Democratic party. They are competent
witnesses, entitled to full credence, and i'm
possible of impeachment. Let them follow
the convictions of their own wisdom and in
dependence, and demonstrate their genuine
courage by cutting loose from party that
has for its trophies nothing but failures and
disasters both in State and National affairs.
They will have blazed the way for new
polisical s:ispensation in Virginia, which will
bear the fruits of social quiet and political
and material advancement, such as the
Commonwealth has not experienced for the
mast twenty years.