The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-12-23
leacturing rublic Opinion

ings of meeting of Republicans, held at
Flynn's precinct, Campbell county, &c.
We do not doubt that the proceedings were
communicated to the Wing as published,
it believing them to be genuine, but we did
not so regard them. The wording and
spirit of the resolutions looked like they
were prepared for effect. and not to give
expression to Republican sentiment. There
was no call or occasion for a meeting 1t
seemed to be framed, conceived aud de-
si4ned to manufacture public opinion in IA
vor of the Re-adjusters out of Republican
material. The I'd resolution reads "That as
the Republicans OF this precinct. we recog-
nize the Re-adjusters as the best friends of
our race. and that they alone are calculated
to elevate us, extend our rights, protect our
'sThat we do not recognize Wckham as our
leader, knowing, as we do. that he has ever
acted In concert with the Funders, ignor-
ing US for selfish purposes" 4th. THAT
we cannot possibly elect a Republican as
Governor. and consequently it is inexpe-
dent to hold Convention for the purpose
of nominating candidate"
These are of spirit with the six or seven
other resolves of this published meeting. all
lauding the Re-adjusters and condemning
the Republicans. This.to us.looked strange.
as there is no proposition pending to call
State Convention to nominate Republi-
can candidate for Governor; there is no
proposition to make Gen. Wickham the
leader there is no manifestation of a pnr-
pose on the part of Gen wickhan to assume
leadership. All he has done has been sim
ply, In his official capacity, as Chairman of
the State Executive Committee, to advise
Republican organization, and for Republi-
cans to hold themselves in readiness to use
| their strength to better the condition of
the Republicans of the State and further
the interests of the Commonwealth.
These proceedings, as published. had the
name of Dabney Longwood, as Chairman,
signed to them, and that of Richard Frank
lin, as Secretary, with the eleventh resolu-
tion. respectfully requesting the Richmond
| Wing to publish.
| To show that our surmise as to the
motive and purpose of this publication was
correct, we publish the following "open let
teri from Mr.. Longwood, emphatically
pronouncing the whole affair bogus, his
signature forgery, and that no such sen.
timents as those expressed have been uttered
or endorsed by the Republicans of Flynn's
| District
AN OPEN LETTER TO GEN. wICKHAM.
SIR My attention has just been called
to a series OF Resolutions published in the
Richmond Wing of Dec. 9th inst, pur-
porting to have been passed at meeting
held in FIynn's precinct, Campbell county,
Virginia, denouncing you and the Repubi-
cans ia this State, to which my name is
| signed as Chairman,
| No such meeting has been held, no such
resolutions passed. and no such sentiments
as therein expressed have been uttered or
are endorsed by the Republicans of this
precinct.
As the Wing published and perpetrated
this SANDER, ask that it copy this letter in
its columns. DABNEY LONGWoOD
President of arfield and Arthur Club.
Flynn's Precinct Campbell Co., Va.
December IA, 1880.
The statements of Mr.. Longwood are en-
phatic. They admit of no two construc-
tions, and place the brand of fraud upon
the alleged proceedings of the Republicans
of the precinct in Campbell county, Of
which he is Chairman.
1t is only necessary to call attention to
this precipitate movement to disintegrate
the Republican party in the canvass of 1881.
for every true Republican to understand its
meaning. By reference to the outrage that
was attempted at the close of the Presiden-
transfer the Republican party of Virginia
from Garfield to Hancock. the anmus of
these bogus proceedings may be compre-
hended. The same game is to be attempted
in the State canvass, but the zeal of those
who are to be the prime movers has outrun
their judgment. This Flynn precinct
meeting, as published, exposes the motives
in time to place Republicans OH their guard
and to stimulate them to renewed activity
in perfecting and preser ing their organi-
zation. We hope and believe the warning
will be needed. and that every Republican
in Virginia will feel it to be his duty to
stand firm to his party identity and organi
cation. 1t is no time to indicate what will
be the policy of the party, except as to or
ganizafion. in the contest of next year We
can better determine that when the occasion
presents itself for action. Let it be known
that we intend to stand by Republican in
terests and Republican policy. and that
no coalition can be effected that does
not recognize as paramount the rights of
the people Of Virginia. irrespective of race
or previous condition. The odIous and brll-
tai whipping post law must be abolished
the unconstitutional tax-restriciion upon
the ballot must be repealed, and the debt
question must be honorablY settled.n accor
dance with justice and right-justice to the
creditors and justice to the State. These
things it will be in the power of the Repub-
licans to effect, il they will prove true TO
themselves, and thus not only vindicate
their fidelity to the laws and constitution of
the country, but to the best interest of Vir-
ginia. Let them present compact, UNI
broken front, and they will be in a condi-
ton and position to demand justice. and
gee that it is enforced, to all classes of citi-
zens as well as to the Interests of the Com
monwealth.
| 1t is given out occasionally, with imposing
emphasis, that this and that Democrat has de-
clared his purpose to give the administration
of General Garfield his support, if liberal pol
| icy is adopted towards the South The policy
General Garfield will adopt will be the same
in the South that it will be ip the North and
West and everywhere else. 1t will be the en-
forcement of the laws equally and uniformly