The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-01-22
Parties and their Policies.

presented within their organization and the
divergence OF views on all public questions,
would be discouraging. There is scarcely
measure or administrative policy that does
not find within the ranks of the Democrats
in Congress friends and opponents. Not
withstanding resumption is an accomplished
fact, and the country has moved forward
under its healthy influence to unpreee
dented prosperity, there are Democratic
Congressman who would defeat its further
operation, If they had the power while
several OF the leading Democratic Senators
are active In their efforts to fortify the re-
sumption policy By additional legislation,
which would lead the country back more
surely to the principles Of finance recog
nized in the Constitution. One wing clam.
ors for unlimited greenbacks, representing
nothing but promises to pay, while the other
contends for currency substantially that
which the Republicans are rapidly bringing
about. A majority Of the Democrats In
Congress are for free trade, while the recent
vote on the tariff on salt, developed that the
Democratic representatives from Pennsyl-
vania ard West Virginia, and some from
other States, are for the protective policy.
Some OF them are opposed to standing
army, even for the protection OF our from
tiers. while the Western members who know
how utterly insufficient is our military
force, and whose lives and property are con-
stantly in jeopardy from Indian depreda-
tions, stand firm for not only literally sup
porting our present soldiery, but increasing
the strength Of this arm of the government.
The same antagonism exists as to the cleo
ton laws Some OF the more moderate OF
the party recognize the necessity OF invest
ing the government with authority to pro-
tect the elective franchise, while others
would deny the right Of the government
to interpose its power to save the coun-
try from mob rule. Similar diversity
Of opinion exists as to internal improves
ments, some contending for unlimited APP
propriations to dig out the creeks and
rivuets in every mem ber's district, while
others are SO strat-laced on the subject as to
deny the constitutional right Of the govern
ment to use dollar Of the public funds to
any improvement whatever.
There Is, in fact, no princ;ple or policy
affecting national interest upon which the
Democracy are united. Only one thing
draws them into solid column, and that is
opposition to the Republican party. And
this, too, in face of the fact that the princi-
pies of the Republicans are those which
have brought the country to its present mar
velous prosperity-given to the people
safe, reliable currency regulating values by
an unchanging rule; advanced the credit Of
the nation to degree above that OF any
country on the globe; and protected Amer
can labor and encouraged American skill, so
that we are successfullyinvadiug the markets
of the world with our fabrics.
The industrial progress and agricultural
development of the United States its finan-
cial system and safe and secure currency; the
high standard our securities have reached
the re cognition of the rights Of man, and
the enforcement of the laws of the country,
are but the reflection of the principles and
policy of the Republican party. And it is
these beneficent results the Democratic par
ty Is antagonizing and would defeat if IL
had the power. That the American people
will record verdict against the measures
and the party which have brought about this
great national prosperity, no sane man
ought to think for MON The election
in Novem Der is as certain to result in Re-
publican triumph as it takes place, Every in
terest of the country demands and conspires
to 1t. II that party succeeded in 1876, when
three. fourths of the labor of the country
was idle, and every branch of trade was
Frustrated, how unreasonable it would APP
pear for it to encounter defeat in 1880, when
through is brave policy it has lifted the
country out OF distress and threatened ruin,
and placed it where it now stands, with eve
~ avenue of trade crowded by busy workers
and every department of enterprise pushed
to its highest tension
And what does the defeat Of the Democ-
racy next November mean? 1t means
perpetual doom. 1t is the last time 1t can
ever make decent show in Presidential
contest. The census of 1890 will exhibit
the developing power OF the Republican
West, and forever settle the policy OF
solid Democratic South. 1t will show such
vast increase OF representative power IN
the North and West, that a solid South will be
no rallying point thereafter for the Democ.
racy. As a result the solid South will disin-
tegrate, for it would be suicidal for it longer
to array Its passions and prejudlces against
the progressive, enlightened and liberal
ideas of the robust manhood which is peo-
ping the domain OF the frontiers and aug
menting natl onal power and demonstrating
American prowess.
The young men of the country should
read lesson in the thoughts here sug-
gested and identify themselves with that
political organization which is so truly rep.
resentative of American progress and pros
perity, and reflects the highest type Of Amer
lean civilization.
Conf n n RiSdleherper