The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-12-01
A Suggestion.

- wv "a thC CHO't ONiuS iud w tiCCl
United States Senator from Virgins
through the public prints, it would be well
| enough for the Republicans chosen to the
Legislature to meet In consultation at the
earliest practicable day, after the assembling
Of that body. We do not suggest caucus
for distinct action from that OF the Read
juster Democrats. but friendly conference
to compare opinions aud be prepared for
any precipitate movement that m light look
to ratification OF the newspaper pro-
gramme, and violation OF the understands
ing accepted during the canvass. We as
sumo that fair recognition of the claims
OF the two elements that brought about sue.
cess on the Sth inst, will be the policy that
will be adopted, and that the newspaper
arrangements will be passed by as indica-
tive OF no settled plan for the guidance of
the Legislature. 1t would be we'll enough
to have an understanding to this effect be-
fore or Immediately after the Legislature
meets. Certainly no harm could come out
of such course. 1t might contribute to
concert OF action and arrest any pre-ar-
ranged scheme that the newspaper cores
pondents have prepared.
ave regret that the necessity has arisen
for the suggestion of any precaution in the
premises. We had hoped and believed that
nothing would be said or done to cause dis
sension or inspire distrust. but that a set
Tied purpose to carry out the tacit under
standing Of the canvass would control in
all the deliberations Of the coalition forces.
Important questions, however. have been
thrust upon the attention of the public. by
the recent New York interviews, preceded
and followed by numerous newspaper state
ments corresponding Herewith, Expert
ence has taught US that it is always best to
meet an issue at the threshold. and there
fore we deem it wise policy to arrange by
consultation for all emergencies that NAV
arise. 1t will be imbeciliry itself, warned
as they have been by repeated intimations,
II the Republicans in the Legislature do not
meet to compare opinions and arrange for
the preservation Of their self-respeet and
respect for their political identity and con-
victions. affecting their relations to the Ma
tional Republican party. IN all things re-
lating to State policy, they can be one with
the Re-adausters where they have been
elected on that ticket, but it does not follow
that because they are willing to concede the
machinery Of State government to the Re-
adjusters that they must also give them eve
rything else. There should be no DISPOSE
ton to violate the purpose and object of
the State canvass. These were to defeat the
Bourbon element of the Democrats and inau-
gurate the Liberal element of that party in
the administration of State affairs. Let these
be carried QUO faithfully in the manner and
form that the Re-adjusters may suggest
The canvass meant this, and we would not,
II we could. throw straw in the way of
its consummation. In like manner let the
understanding OF the canvass, in the cleo
tion Of I'm tied States Senator, be strictly
and in good faith observed. With this
policy recognized and adopted there will
be nothing to interpose obstacles to har-
mony, efficiency and success in the action
OF the Legislature. aud a capitalization Of
the forces which united in the common aim
to rid the Commonwealth OF Bourbon rule,
We want to see perfect understanding
all around, and no element of dissension
encouraged. This can be accomplished by
the practice OF fairness and justice. 1t is
important that such state of feeling should
exist, for there is work yet to be done
which will require the full strength of the
coalition to accomplish. Let the movement
start right in Its first acts after success, and
neither of the parties be deluded into the be-
lief that the one can do without the other. |
And successful in Virginia in the details |
and working of the policy that may be in
auguEated. the effect will reach beyond the
limits of the State, encouraging similar
animated by like spirit of mu-
tual concessions and acknowledgements,
and will bring results as propitious as those
we hope to have to record in Virginia.
Any other course W i'll prove blpnder of |
the gravest character, and set in motion in
finences which may work out results
neither pleasant nor profitable to contem.
plate.