The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-12-16
The South In the Cabinet.

The Washington correspondent OF the
New York Tribune, OF the 18th, says that
the Virginia Republicans are moving to
Gen. Garfield, and that the names OF Judge
r W. Hughes and Gen. W. C. Wickham,
will be brought to the attention Of the
President elect In that connection. Either
of them would make wise and efficient
Cabinet officer. They are gentlemen OF hi h
personal character, tried Republicans, and
both natives of Virginia.
Judge Hughes is now Judge of the Eastern
District Of Virginia, in which position
he has won an enviabie distinction
of study and thought SO congepial to his
tastes and suited to his talents. we cannot
say. Probably position more to be de-
sired by him would be seat on the Su-
preme bench of the United States, to fill
one of the several vacancies current state
ments inform us will sOon be made. In either
assignment, he would fully measure up to
the duties incident thereto, and reflect credit
upon himself and the government.
! Gen. W. g. Wickham is Second Vice
President OF the Chesapeake and Ohio Rail-
way, and its active manager. He is gen.
tleman of very pure character, fine execu-
tive abilities, and well qualified by his men,
tai training and large business experience
for any trust that might be confided to him.
Whether he would be willing TO surrender
his present business advantages and ag' ee-
able business connections Is question we
are not prepared to answer. Certainly
should the Partially of Gen. Garfield direct
him to such choice, it will be the selection
OF representative of the best type of yir-
ginia citizens and Southern Republicans.
While Gen. Garfield will doubtless exercise
his own judgment and partialites in the Sc
lection OF his constitutional advisers the
choice of bis confidential associates-yet there
would be an eminent proprtety in calling in
to his Cabinet, one or more Southern repre-
sentatives, who would reflect Southern Re-
publican sentiment and represent Southern
interests. With our conception of what
his administration will be and the broad
national sentiment and sympathy which
will control it, we capnot see how he could
well afford to entirely ignore the South.
And should he determine upon such recog-
nition Virginia, OF al! the Southern States,
would be the most appropriate from which
to make selection. Ifeyer the solid South,
as political power, is tobe broken up, the
work must first be commenced in this |
State. Her example and influence have al |
ways been consulted, and generally fol-
Owed, especially by what may be termed
he border Southern States. A liberal adj /
shaped In part by the sugges-
ions and counsel Of q citizen of Virginia,
Identified with her material interests, SYM
With the best thought, and labor
ny for the best interests OF this State and
he South. would have powerful effect in
moulding public sentiment and inculcating
rational sympathy and misunderstanding
10 the fossil methods and obstructive poll
les which have directed political associa-
ion and action. not only in Virginia. but
the South. The tendency OF
ne controlling and more conservative
Kinds Of Virginia is to the practical. as Is