The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-08-21
MIR. belong S Letter.

Mr.. belongs Letter.
Several months ago Mr.. II. W. belong.
of Dansyille, Pa, visited the Valley Of
Virginia, ard in the course Of his travels
reached Staunton.', Here he was met by
several of our prominent citizens TO whom
he brought letters of introduction, and nv
whom he was treated with that, kindness
and courtesy characteristic Of Virginia
gentlemen. After rusticating in the noun
tains and engaging in the sport Of fishing
and hunting, he returned to bis home much
pleased with visit and his greeting. Accps-
toma to write for the press, he deemed il
proper to communicate lis impressions to
the public through the Dansville Aavesfsey.
and 10 express the delight he experienced
not only from the scenery and rustic usaces
with which he became acquainted, but from
the GENEROUS hospitality that was extended
him. He went so far as to say that his DO
litical naturalization was never INQUIRED in
to, and that the feeling which prevailed in
this part of Virginia towards Northern
men, was OF universe! kindness, whether
they were of Democratic Or Republican
persuasion. We had the pleasure of meet
ing Mr.. belong, and can say that the
truth of his impressions were fully sustained
in our brief acquaintance with him. 1t did
not enter our mind to inquire his political
faith, and while he knew he was 10 Repub-
lican newspaper office, the subject of politics
was not introduced whilst he was here.
Mr.. Belongs friendly communication
seems to have fallen under the eye OF a
sNative Virginian,'' residing at Salem, in
this State, and fir; m some cause OR other, in
eNplicable to us, this "Natise Virginian"
proceeds to take Mr.. belong to task.for as
crbing the liberal sentiments he does to.the
Virginia people. VIZ DO not propose to en-
ter into laborcd defence of Mr.. belong.
We mean only to say that he has fairly rep
resented the people whose hospitality he en-
joyed, ''Native Virginian" to the contrary
Notwithstanding. In Virginia, like in every
other State, when party lines are drawn and
said by beth parties, but that Northern men
are prescribed in the Valley of Virginia be-
cause of their Republican proclivties is not
true. 1t is possible for Northern and South
ern men to make themselves Obnoxious to
a community when they become political
agitators, but perfect freedom exists TO
either make themselves distasteful or congo
NAL as their bent may incline, and the
same result follows here elsewhere, One
fault we have had to find with some OF the
Northern people who have located in Vir-
ginia was that they did not speak out their
sentiments plain enough. Virsinians like
frankness and candor, and if a man is Re-
publican from conviction they like to hear
him speak out, but of course respect
fully.
The VALLEY VIRGINIAN is an out spoken
Republican paper. 1t is published in
community and a section OF the State where
its political opponents are largely in the as
cendant. When politics are to be dis
cussed it takes liberal hand, an gives its
1CdSOuS lUE IT'S HILL. LII LLiC StillG Lltlc
shows its identity with the people, by en-.
deavoring to promote their material inter-
ests, and discussing all questions which have
a direct or remote bearing upon local or
State prosperity. Its patronage is second
to no weekly journal in Virginia, notwith-
standing its Republican identity, and its
views are as much respected, if not more,
because of their frankness, as the papers of
the opposite political persuasion. We men,
ton this fact as a practical, conclusive ar
gument against the criticisms of ''Native
Virginian," and in viGlication OF the peo
pie Of Virginia.
We are pleased to assure Mr.. belong that
there will be nothing for him to take back
of what he has said. Ee has been truthful
and just in his statements and impressions,
and not only he. but all OF like friendly
disposition, will receive cordial welcome
in the Valley of Virginia, whether they come
as passing visitors or permanent residents,
and whether Republicans or Democrats.