The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-11-18
Public Opinion.

VARIOUS VIEWS ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION
IN yIReINIA-THE POLICY AND DUTY OF
THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.
We present below number ofleiters from
prominent Republicans in various portions Of
The State. They are selected from number
which have been received at this Office, in re-
Spouse to an invitation given edtorialy in the
V1RGINIAN of the 4th. 1t will be observed
that. with few exceptions, they heartily en-
dorse the views presented through these col
umns and approve the policy of making
straight out fight for the control of the State
by Republicans IN 1881 In addition to the
letters we here present. many others have
been received, but want of space forbds the
insertion of all. We have taken the liberty to
abridge some and omit Others.
THE LETTERS.
LYNWooD Nov. H. 1880.
Editors Of the Vlt5lsy Vayinian:-I have read
the editorial in your paper of the 4ti inst,
appealing to General Wickham and myself to
call the Executive and State Central Commit
tees together at an early day
| have never since there has been q l3epub-
power to aid and strengthen it. 1t would be
strange and explicabe if | faltered now, OF
was willing to make any entangling alliances
that would destroy it. But | wish to bring to
it's support a larger intelligence and more per-
feet organization.
The rights of Republicans have been ignored
by the Bourbon" Democracy. 1t is true they
have not in Virginia surrounded the polls by
rifle clubs" and murderous red shirts" TO
drive Republican voters from election pre-
cincts but they have accomplished the same
results by more humane bit not less e9set9ge
methods. They have used tissue ballots and
have refused to count Republican votes There
is no free election and fair count in some parts
of Virginia.
Now the question arises in the mind of every
rejecting Republican, how can these wrongs
be remedied? This is a practical question,
and demands more thoughtful consideration
than it would be likely to receive at the hands
of the two committees, called together hastily
Let us look this matter squarely in the face
and see whether we are likely to receive addi-
tional strength, sufficient to enable us to re-
move the restrictions upon suffrage, so that
every voter can cast free ballot.
The vote of Virginia at the last election was
in round numbers 100000.
Bourbon" Democrats. 10000
Republicans. 81, 900
Read uster. $4,000
Ipresume these figures are right, or nearly
So Then we must admit that the two wings
OF the Democratic party have q majority OF
$4,000 in the State. 1t is true that at least
10000 votes were lost to the Republicans by
non-payment Of the poll tax, but still We are
in a minority. How are we to better our con-
dltion as a party? / answer, by framing a
platform that will bring to us intelligent and
thoughtful persons, wh0are tired OF the here
sizes of State sovereignty and free trade, and
who have seen the folly of"a so5ad South
Let the platform embody plan for The set
Element OF the debt upon basis just and fair
to the creditors and the State. This VIII re-
quire time and mature reflection, and must be
approached with caution. From you knowl
edge Of the Executive and State Central Com
mittees, would you be willing to entrust the
reorganization of the Republican party to
them2
For the above reasons-and many others
l must be allowed TO differ with you as to the
expediency of calling the committees together
at this time. Very truly,
JOHN F. LEWIS.