The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-11-27
Gen. Grant and the Presidency


While we have no partiality for discuss
ing the claims Of men to public favor so
long in advance of the time when those
claims are to be directly considered, we
cannot be insensible to the recent manifes-
tations all overthe country, and especially
in the South, of a friendly sentiment to-
ward Gen. Grant, as the next President
1t is generally believed that two of the
gentlemen who have been prominently
mentioned in connection with the condida-
cy for that position, among Republicans,
have intimated a purpose not to allow the
use Of their names in the National Nomi-
mating Convention, il Gen. Grant will con-
sent to accept the position. 1t is publicly
stated that Mr.. Blaine will not, and we
learn that friend of Mr.. Sherman has
given the same assurance. We may rea-
sonably assume that so far as the Republi-
cans are concerned, his candidacy would
be hailed with a unanimity and enthusiasm
never before witnessed in America. III we
are to draw conclusion as to Southern
feeling on the subject, from the public ut
terances of representative men of the op-
posite party, and numerous others of less
pretension, but of strong local influence
in the same political organization and sec
ton, we may assume that the election Of
Gen. Grant would not have to be effected
in the face Of solid Democratic South.
Indeed it is becoming plain to the minds OF
the best thinkers of the South that the time
has come to loosen the partizan reins which
have so relentlessly guided the public ac-
ton Of the Southern States, of late years,
and take step forward in the great work
OF sectional Cancellation, as the first and
most important advance tomaterial develop
ment. BY incessant sectional strife, the
South has everything to lose and nothing
to gain. Even were it possible to elect a
Democratic President by solid South, and
few scattering electoral votes from the
North, through defective electoral sys-
tenn, and the methods by which such a con-
summation would be effected, it would
result in no practical good to the South
1t would only give prominence to the
necessity. on the part of the North and
West, to secure the control of the lesisla-
tive branch of the government, and that
will as certainly be done as the elections
next fall take place. With this check es-
tablished, few unimportant appointments
would be made, ,but the Northern and
Western people, through their representa-
tives, would demand very circumspect
consideration Of the more important and
controlling appointments, in view of the
means employed to secure solid South
1t is not worth while to mince terms in ex-
aiming. this question. If there is one
thing more certain than another it is that
the Northern people do not intend that a
solid Democratic South shall dominate this
country, and it is useless for lis to attempt
to direct our minds from this fact. We have
to consider it and consider it in a practical
light, and with reference to our own in
terests.
The apportionment under the census of
1880, will show a largely increased North
ern and Western representation in Con-
gress, and decreased representation in
the South, except from the State of Texas,
under the repressive methods prevailing in
regard to the exercise of the elective fran
ehise. Two, and probably three more
States will be admitted into the Union, with
in the next two years, representing and
rejecting Northern sentiment as it affects
questions growing out of the war; The
popular branch Of Congress will be en-
larged by the admission of at least fifty
more representatives from Republican
States, and the numerical power of the
Senate increased by four and probably six
new Senators, sympathizing with the same
political sentiment. An enforcement of
the Constitution will decrease the present
representation in Congress from those
States where practical Acknowledgement of
the colored vote is effected by constitution
al provision and statutory enactment, and
yet more palpably through partizan meth
DDS, such as have suppressed that vote in
some OF the Cotton States. These are
considerations which should address them
selves to the calm reflection of the South
ern people, as illustrative of the effects
Of the influences which have deter
mined election results and consummated
solid Democratic power in the South. A
solid South, decreasing in political power,
will be confronted by a solid North
increasing in political power, represent
ing radically antagonizing policies and
ideas, bitterly irreconcilable, and work
ing out mutual disadvantage, with this
difference The North Is wealthy, with
established industries, whose products
invade and control the markets of the
world, while the South is poor, with moth
Ing, comparatively, but the products of the
soil to depend upon.
With this rational and practical reference
to the attitude of the two sections and the
influences and forces which are keeping them
in constant state of irritation towards
each other, we are brought to the inquiry
what remedy is there for this suicidal and
harmful arrangement?
We find it in the closing sentence of
Gen. Grants Chicago speech-'I do not
Anow anything that can especially add to
achat hare said, except in the way of ad- |
pice, and that is, let us be true to ourselves,
oooid all bitterness and Ill. feeling, either |
on the part Of sections or parties, tomard
each other, and zoe need hare no fear in ,fu-
ture Of maintaining the standard sce hare
taken among the nations, so far as opposi-
tion from foreign nations goes
We venture the assertion that 1t is only |
upon such platform as this that Gen.
Grant would ever consent to be candidate
Tor the Presidency again-a laudable desire
to be instrumental in creating good feeling
between the sections, giving peace and
to the country and augmenting
The power and influence of this American
nation among the governments of the
world. In the ordinary sense of political
contests, we do not think he would consent
o the use of his name. In this restricted
imitation his ambition has been, doubtless,
atisfied. His country could confer upon
him no additional honOrS as the moro ron |