The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-02-13

in favor OF it. A settlement ON this basis
will be great consummation for Virginia.
Since the above was in type, . special re-
ceived last night informs us that the cred
itors have amended their proposition so as
to take three per cent. for ten years, and
that the Finance committees of both houses
have determined to report the bill to their
respective bodies this morning.
At last, day dawns.
Aggressive Politics.
In an interview with reporter OF the
Cincinnati Enquirer, recently. Hon. A. G.
Thurman admitted that the Democratic party
had, for the past ten years, been simply an
opposition party. 1t had had no defined policy,
no fixed principle of its own, but rested its
claims upon the mere fact of opposition to
the Republican party, regardless OF the
measures and interests antagonlzed. This
was candid confession, and its truth will
be recognized by every one familiar with the
current political history of the country
Mr.. Thurman, however, assumes that this
policy must be changed, and that hence
forth there must be an aggressive movement
on the part OF the Democracy if success is
the object. What the nature of this will be
precisely what it is proposed to assail, and
with what kind of weapons The warfare is
to be conducted, is not stated. The Repub-
lican party, through its wise admin istraton
OF the financial affairs OF the nation, which
comprehends and dominates all other inter-
ests, is so entrenched in popular confidence,
that to enter upon crusade against it, is to
attack the conserving interests which con-
tribute to the maintenance of public faith
and regulate and stimulate the material
growth and development and the industrial
progress of the country. The line of ag-
erosion will be, most probably. that pro.
mulgated by Mr.. Thurman in his Mansfield
speech last fall, involving an assault upon
the national banks, and arrangement OF
the financial system OF the Government
which has consummated results that chal-
lenpe the admiration Of the world. The Re
publicans will cordially invite and earnestly
court such an antagonism, and confidently
appeal to the arbitrament Of the popular
judgment and conscience.
1t will be fortunate for the material in
terests of the South, if the Democratic party
shall rise to the dignity OF national organ
ization, with national views and objects de-
fined, and the popular mind shall be directed
to the consideration and discussion OF ques-
lions and policies as they affect national in
terests. Division of sentiment would thus
be encouraged, which would overshadow
the methods heretofore pursued to arouse
passion and feeling; and by legitimate argu
ment arrest attention and control conclusions
upon practical questions entering into the
policies of government. We might then rea-
sonably expect genuine craftsmanship te
come to the front, high aim Of state tt
command the consideration of those who
would address popular understanding. II
is true, this would be certain death te
the political fire-fiies which feed and flourish
in the miasma Of sectional politics, but al
other interests would be subserved and adj
vanced in the proportion that sensational
disturbances and disorders were abated.
It certainly would be more creditable tt
the leaders of parties and those who are re-
garded as opponents of party policies were
the best intellects Of the country engaged IL
the presentation of governmental princi
Piles and the practical adaptation Of theo-
ries to the wants of the people, instead Of
soliGifying the South upon sectional issues.
or in the wild hunt after imaginary frauds
through investigating com mittees. This
kind of work is not suited to craftsmanship
It may do for the professional demagogue
whose mind was never trained to grasp higt
purposes of state but that kind of states
manship which made the South respected
and admired at home and abroad can never
stoop to such expedients and devices te
catch the popular ear and excite popular
clamor.
Ii Senator Thurman's aggressive policy
means departure from the groveling ap-
peals of his party to the meanest passions
of our nature and the elevation OF American
politics to the plane Of genuine statesman
ship, he will find an active response from
all classes of citizens who are ambitious tt
consummate public good, and educate the
Intelligence of the people to proper app
probation of the duties and responsibilities
Of American citizenship. Whatever would
be the differences of opinion arising from
such healthy antagonism, mutual respect
would be inspired, more generous ane
manly rivalry stimulated, and the public
veal subserved.
It is time that the politics of the country
were 80 shaped and controlled as to retire
the political bummers and agitators, who
thrive upon strifes and can sustain them
selves only in the turmoil of passion anC
abnormal hatreds. The country has been
torn and tossed upon the waves of section
al animosities long enough. We want peace
and this can be consummated when rationa
and legitimate discussions OF practical ques-
tions of government shall engage the atten.
ton of the craftsmanship of the country.
It is estimated that the adoption OF the
Constitutional amendments, published in
the VIRGINIAN several weeks ago, viii
save to the State $647, 1915, exclusive Of
$125,0 that would be added to the revenue
by more rigid assessment of personal
property, effected in the appointment of the
commissioners by the courts. This is mere
estimate, and nothing more. We do not
like the amendments nor the mode by which
it is proposed to adopt them. We are
opposed to tinkering with the cardinal law
4sd the State. The people do not understand
what tkey are voting for, as has been
demonstrated in past cases of this kind, wbe r