The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-09-25
THE VALLEY VIRGINIAN
sTAUNToN, VIRGINIA.
THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER rs. 1879
The Caucus.


The projectors and supporters OF the eau
Gus despotism 10 Virginia argue in its sup
port that it is and has been the policy OF all
parties, now and here tofore, to adopt this
methed to give organized form to sentiment.
We are aware that the caucus has been
part of the machinery Of parties ever since
we have had parties. It's justification, how
ever, has been upon the ground that it
brought together in compact arrangement
persons who thought alike as to principle
and governmental policy. 1t has been en-
ployed to give expression to honest convlc-
ton and emphasize the conclusions Of men
who, from rational processes, and indepen-
dent voition, were in sympathy upon un-
DERIVING ideas of government. AS prac-
t;ced in Virginia, at this day, it has nothing
OF this high character. 1t is simply to COM
pressprejudices into organized form, sup.
press the free thought and action OF the
people, and drive them from the exercise
OF their honest judgment. No one pretends
that the Conservative party Of Virginia is
composed Of men who think alike upon ma
tional policy and principle. The history Of
no people presents parallel case to the al
most entire white population differing in
political training, methods of thought and
misunderstanding together and acting
under an organization from convictions as
to ideas and policies affecting government.
The logical inference is that where such is
the case, 1t is the result of prejudice and
the despotism Of the caucus exercised under
its influence to compel all others to bow to
its command, or suffer the consequences OF
its vindictive and relentless persecution. 1t
is for this reason that we oppose the caucus
and its machinery in Virginia. 1t is de-
signed to make the less resolute do what
they do not want to do, and which they do
not think is right. We recognize the ex-
pedlency of organization and discipline
when they are used for giving expression
and force to a common sentiment honestly
entertained as to principle. But when the
machinery of party is the reflex and embed
iment of prejudice and passion, it becomes
an agent Of incalculable harm, prosttuting
the higher aims and aspirations OF citizen
ship and surpressing the emotions Of patriot
ism. Men may delude themselves into the
belief that they are doing the State good
service when they direct this relentless ma
chinery to the accomplishment of partizan
purposes and the preservation OF organiza-
tion for the attainment Of official control.
1t is, however, false and fatal delusion. 1t
erects Chinese wall around the territory
its iron hand rules. 1t drives away liberal
minded men of all parties, for they DO not
know at what time its ungeverned and I'M
governable fury may be directed against
them. There is no large liberty to invite
the intelligence and enterprise of the coun-
try. and no sufficient inducement for CAPT.
tai and industry to encounter its tickle,
frightful and reckless moods. The caucus
machinery of the Conservative party OF Vir-
ginia, organized and controlled by partizan,
race and sectional prejudces, is positive
calamity TO the State. 1t has cost the Com
monwealth millions of dollars in forcing the
migration of many of its own citizens, pre-
Guiding others who would have gladly
availed of our natural resources to better
their own and our fortunes, lowered the
standard OF public duty and service by foist-
ing into position tthe most inscriptions
Of partizans and placed an embargo, by its
methods, upon the higher virtue and intel
| ligence Of the State. which would disdain to
participate in its demoralzing and degrad-
ing tastes and tricks.
| The caucus machinery, as organized and
practiced in Virginia, is a crying shame and
disgrace to the State and to civilization. 1t is
the spirit of the inquisition and the rack, in
modified form. it may be in Virginia, but
| in its most fearful and brutal severity il.
other States of the South. We cannot af-
| ford to longer tolerate its despotism and
bow to its tyranny, if we would see the old
Commonwealth grow in material and polit
ical power commensurate with her vast un-
developed resources. Not until its power is
broken and perfect freedom of opinion, &C.
ton and association is tolerated, can we hope
| to advance ia all the elements that 90 to
make up great State.
| To the faults, incompetence and ineffici-
| ency of the Democratic leaders is justly
| attributed no little share in effecting the re-
cent defeats the Democratic party has sus-