The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-09-23
Virginia Republicans.

Our esteemed friend, III. c." the highly
gifted correspondent of the New York Times.
communicates to that paper a letter from
Richmond, Va, of Sept Is. In it he falls into
some grievous blunders, doubtless inspired
by free intercourse with the versatile and
cratic editor of the Richmond I'atellSgencer. 1t
is assumed that under no circumstances can
the Republicans carry Virginia in the Novem-
Der election, and that the division in the Dem
ocratic party can work no advantage to the
Republicans in this contest. In this he is very
much mistaken.
The absence of organization in the Repub-
licans from 1876 until January last, was by de-
sign The files of the VALLEY VIRelNIAN will
show that the policy Of the party was marked
out as early as December of 1876, and that the
line of conduct then mapped has been in
stinctively-not by concerted pursued.
1t was to force the debt question upon the
Democratic party-compel them, if possible
to settle it, and save the State from utter ruin.
In the discussion of the question we foresaw
the division that now exists in what was the
Conservative party, and the opening for the
electoral vote of Virginia to be cast for the
Republican party in $780, An important
part of the programme was for the Republi-
cans to suspend active organization, and to
retire as a party from the contest for Govern
or in 1877. This they did land there had been no
necessity or occasion for a revival of the or
ganization, until the campaign of 1880 was
upon us. The Republican. party of to-day in
Virginia is stronger than it has ever been in Its
history. The colored people, instead of being
bewildered by the political commissions which
have visited the old Bourbons and shattered
their forces, know precisely what the situation
| is, and are ready and anxious to take advan-
tage of it. They know they can carry the
State, and will do SO in spite of treason to the
party in Richmond or elsewhere in the State,
not among the colored people, butt few white
men who are masquerading under Republi-
can colors in the interest of Hancock and
English.
| As to any fusion between the Funders and
Re-adjusters that is impossible. Gen. Malone
cannot afford to make terms with Maj Koiner,
and Maj. Koiner cannot afford to submit to
the dictation of Gen. Malone. This contest
is merely the skirmish engagement for 1881
and infinitely of less importance to the State
than the issues of next year. In that engage
ment the Republicans will be potential arbi-
ters and can determine the result of the con-
test for or against either of the factions as it
may desire. The party that offends them this
year will feel their power next year.
We have not the time or space this morning
to point out fully the mistaken views of n.
c." and refute the false assumptions and con-
illusions of which he is guilty. We state it as
our belief that the Republicans will poll at
least 81, 900 votes in the November election
that there will be no detection worth counting
in the colored vote, and that if an active and
vigorous, yet quiet canvass is conducted, not
only III. G." but the editor of the 1aaetllgencer
and the people outside of the State, who may
be mislead by the statements which have been
given to the public, will be astonished at the
result. The colored people of Virginia are true
to the Republican party-they are not ignorant
of the candidates it has presented and are more
active and determined in this contest than they
have ever been since 1869. The eleven
electoral votes of Virginia can be given to the
Chicago nominees if they are not ruthlessly
and designedy thrown away. Elsewhere to-
day, we have given the figures which are the
basis of our belief, and are sure every impartial
reader will agree with us, that it is in the
power of the Republicans to control the result
| in the State if dutv tn the marty ia the anima-
| ting motive. What we want is an earnest Re-
publican spirit to prevail, and where there is
| ignorance of the issues and candidates, to en-
| tighten, and not to surrender to the enemy in
advance of an engagement. If other portions
of the State are as true to the Chicago nomi-
nees as the Republicans of the Valley and the
Piedmont region, it will only require the for
mality of the ballot to assure the State to Gar
field and Arthur.