The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-07-10
Parties and their Principles.

calm and thoughtful attention of the peo-
pie to the current of politics, and the rela-
tions which parties bear to questions of pub
lie utility and governmental administration.
We are so frequently reminded of the
'sgreat principles of the Democratic par
ty, and the high aims Of that organiza-
ton, that if we only listened to the cham
pions of that cause and only read the
rhapsodical flights of its organs, we might
reach the conclusion that American liberty
reposed in Democratic resolutions, and
was exemplified in Democratic practices.
The political literature of the country.
however, is not compressed into Democrat
ic papers, nor the great oratorical efforts
OF the representative men Of that organi-
cation, who claim the American eagle as
their peculiar property. We have a much
more practical and matter of-fact method of
getting at what modern Democracy means,
and the methods by which it seeks the con-
troll of power. For party asserting eX-
elusive title to great principles, and pro-
claiming especial devotion to conservative
ideas, the record now being made has rather
an anomalous significance. The recent CO.
alition and fusion in California, by which
this great party of great principles was
swallowed up by the Honorable Bilks,''
and made to play a subordinate part in
the campaign organization, must prove
humiliating subject for contemplation to
the old party leaders, for the Honorable
Bilks' constitute faction that is only Slight
modification OF Kearneyism and re flee
ton of the sand lot craftsmanship Of the Pa
cific slope. The NEW partly a broken de-
tachment of the Kearney following, nomi-
mated Mr.. Glenn for Governor, who is sai id
to be native of Augusta county, but that
gentleman, with the political shrewdness
which seems inherent with all Virginians
when in the political arena, would only ac-
cept the honor on condition that the great
Democratic party would also ratify the ac-
ton of the Honorable Bilks and constitute
him alike the representative of the two
parties. The suggestion was greedily seized
upon and carried into practical effect, and
Mr.. Glenn stands forth the standard-bear
er of modified Kearneyism and modern
Democracy, the pledge Of union between
the agrarianism 1.-THE one and the false pre-
tense OF the other. the Democracy, howev-
er, bearing the relation Of the tail to the
kite of the Honorable Bilks.'' In this fu-
| sion, we discern an entire surrender of any
claim to principle of any kind, and a tacit
declaration Of mercenary purpose to attain
power at the sacrifice Of all pretensions to
conservatism in government.
We pass from California to Ohio, and
| there we find this ''great party Of great
great principles giving in its adhesion to
the greenback craze, and selecting as its
champion, the head and front of the soft
! money element as its candidate for Gov
ernor-a humiliating surrender of one Of
the cardinal principles of the old Democrat
ic party, in the hope, by dishonest expe-
dent, of gaining political ascendancy..
In Massachusetts, all the indications point
to Democratic surrender to Butlerism,
and a fusion between the followers of the i'm
maculate Butler and the original simon-pure
Democracy, with the hero of Fort Fisher
and New Orleans as the central figure in the
coalition.
We point to these evidences as illustra-
lions of the moral altitude of this modem
Democracy, and its claims to the confidence |
OF the American people, as the representa-
tive OF ''great principles of government |
and the conserving influence which attend |
the healthful administration of public af-
fairs. Is it possible to discover more
perfect abncgation of principle than is pre-
sented in the coalitions which we have men
toned, or can the honest political senti-
ment OF the country find more to repel it
thanthis total abandonment of all pretension
to sincerity, and utter prostitution Of the
purposes of org anization?
1t ispossible that the conglomerate organi-
cation known as the Conservative party of
Virginia, wherein meet all shades of politi-
cal opinion and sympathy, with no defined
policy or purpose to govern except to grasp
power, may find some consolation in
these comminglings Of discordant and an
tipodal elements, but we are sure the inhe-
rent honesty Of the better class of people
must revolt against such alliances, and
eventually seek a final and irrevocable di-
vorcement.
We ask the rejecting portion of the peo-
pie OF Virginia to ponder over the position
the Democratic party has voluntarily as
sumed in the States of California. Ohio and
Massachusetts, practical surrender of
all pretense to the principles of the party
as once understood and proclaimed, and
determine for themselves whether it is con-
slstent with the conservative purposes of
government and the high aims which should
inspire political organizations for them to
tolerate identity with it. .
The vital and essential question of nation +
Al finance is badgered about as though it was =
II secondary Importance and did not con- t
'titute the central idea of good government
lround which all other questions revolve,
Ind from which all other interests of
administration receive their tone and char c
cter. 1t is simply, with this ''great party IL
Il great principles a reckless, unscrupu- n
GUS scramble and struggle for political tt
oWer for the pelf that follows, and no e
outrageous devotion to principle and the a.
ealthful influences which should operate o
the channels of business enterprise. The S
ontrast presented by the Republican par d
in its brave advocacy of and staunch adj g
erence to the financial integrity of the f.
overnment, and defined administrative tie
ollcy upon this and all other questions, sc
fectlng the true, lasting interests of the Iii Iii
'ople, is SO striking and prominent, that tr
nectlng men cannot but see it, and at ca
asst accord their approval, whether they Sc
we the courage to change their olitical II. u
entity or not. Upon the finance and tar AZ a.
issues the Republicans stand upon clearly ar
tined grounds, demanding honest money ::
q honest dealing with all interests, at o. 81
me and abroad, and upholding the prin- a
lies OF government which affect the sub co
Initial welfare Of the industrial classes of co
country. 1T is a. Marty of raoorn;1od vi