The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-03-31

had been struggling IN vain for the exercise
of their right to vote, and when he saw
body of men asserting that those black
men shall have right to cast their ballots,
it was not necessary for him to inquire
from the Senator from Tennessee where it
was his duty to stand"
These sentences briefly state the position
and the reasons for the position of the Re-
publicans in the controversy now going on
in the Senate. They as briefly, too, expose
the ingenious little game of Senator John
ston, in assuming to play the role of
'sdebt-payer," ito draw attention away from
the true issue, and the record of his fac
ton in Virginia in fragrant violation of the
Constitution of the country and the denial
OF the rights that Constitution guarantees
The Virginia Senator will find that he has
neither mislead nor deceived any one but
himself. The people OF Virginia and the
country at large will understand the ques-
ton, and find no difficulty in lifting it above
the mire and filth of Virginia politics as
conducted by the two Democratic factions.
1uC S4Cdt PAAlSiPAC Va uuIudu TIOHlS-OA
constitutional and legal sanctities-will
rise high above the arts and tricks OF the
small politicians as comprehending great
underlying truth of Republican govern
men, and inspire earnest, honest hearts,
which believe in American progress and
American civilization, in an aggressive
warfare upon the obstructive methods and
purposes of Bourbonism, whether in State
or National affairs.
The Republican party has shown, in the
act of nominating Capt. Riddleberger for a
responsible position, that 1t was not be-
cause of section or party identity, either in
war or in peace, that it is opposed to the
South, but is ready to recognize all who
stand by the Constitution and have. the
courage to maintain the rights the Consti-
tuition guarantees, whatever the party name
under which they range. 1t is the princi-
pie involved, the sentiment and conviction
indicated in the bold announcements which
recently were made in the United States
Senate by representative man of a class who
have never been identified with the Repub-
lican organization, but have determined. as
as they allege, for the future to throw
their influence in carrying into prac-
tice Republican ideas and doctrines, in
maintaining the right of free ballot and
fair count as preservative of all other po-
litical rights. 1t is this declared purpose to
honestly observe the plighted faith of the
State that is disturbing the Bourbon faction.
They see in it their doom, to avert which
will be the untiring. reckless and desperate
work of the next six months. Senator John
ston cannot obscure the real issue by any
Pecksnifffan platitudes about State honor,
which has been so merciessly bedraggled in
the political mire by the Conservative party
for the past ten years. 1t is to be strug
gle for free ballot. fair count and the
integrity of the free schools. whatever side
issues may be brought in to divert atten-
ton. 1t is to break the letters which have
bound down the people OF Virginia to do
the bidding of their political task masters
to open the way for liberal ideas, liberal
practices and liberal mnds to make their
home in Virginia, that our material strength
may be built up, our political power in
creased, and the Commonwealth be restored
to her former prestige and power. 1t is to
be crusade against Bourbonism in what
ever shape or under whatever guise it may
appear, and to assert the right of the peo-
pie to control their own government and
their own destinies, even if it should strike
down the idols Of the privileged few, who,
with Pharisaical pretense. proclaim their
own virtues whether from the street corners
or Senate Chamber.