The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-02-17
For the vIRGINIAN.
IO
Cui Bono.
BY ONE OLE THE &c

times peep forth from the ruins of his foolish
ness, and understand that others like he are
losing the attribute of Solom on. Folly is
more or less the portion of everybody but
when this is joined to recklessness and corrup-
ton it ceases to be resi- ect able. Some men are
born fools and some are IN ade fools by force OF
circumstances that it is impossible to resist
These are to be pitied and commiserated but
ii to these be added the principle of venality
and wilful imbeclity the feelings of passion
give place to those of contempt Looking
over the arena for the di play of political am
oltlon in this state we see three elements
struggling for the mastery. First the FREEDOM
lnant party-Bourbons of the most ultra per-
-uason whose political creed is decaptation
10 all daring 10 question their principles or be-
llets. They are the ms and they are the
simon pure Gebt payers. They have had contro
ot The state since the Governorship of Gilbert
y. Walker and he chief memento of their reign
: their ietrogfessive measures and lncapaci,y to
iule. the next party is the Malone element
This faction is composed of a few sore-headed
Democrats urged on by great erpectations. This
clan claims to be Democracy liberalized and
processes to adopt measures in accord with
republican principles but disclaims all al
liances with that party. They say, I'VE make
.Spo contracts with Republicans, no sir lfno bar
galns, but here are our promises here are
our principles, we invite you to come"
The next party in question is the Republi-
can. In contrast with the other two, it's re-
cord in the past has been progressive, going
forward while they, the Democrats, drew back
Il stands to-day in advance of the others both
in practice and principles and in future its ca
reer will be determined by its identity with
progress and reform. But in Virginia it is in
a minority of both the Others acting in unison !;
but with them divided it holds the balance of
power.
Now the question of the day comes up, How
had we best act? / find there is a movemant
among the Republicans to coaesce with the
Readjusters and defeat the Bourbons and thus
change the master that lords oyer U.S. The
principles of the Democratic party and those
of the Republican are Numerically opposed to
each other, are as distinct as night and day If
we rehabilitate ourselves in the uniform of Re-
adjusters, we must uproot all our previous
traditions and prejudices. and assume that we
have been wrong in the past and have just now
seen the error of our ways. The move has to
be made all in one direction, there is no mutual
coming together, it's we that must do the 60
ing, not they the coming, we must give up the
principles that have carried us to victory for
them defeat not six months ago.
And what is the price OF our conversion
What is the bride they OFFER and propose that
we must take in exchange for our principles.
Simply give us our rights ~ What are the
rights OF which we have been deprived?
They propose to abolish the prepayment OF
the poll tax asa prerequisite to the elective
franchise. am opposed TO any such measure
The Republican party has no need to go a
begging, and until we can repeal that law as
Republicans let it remain. Besides, that law
is accomplishing the results that naturally were
to be expected from its passage. All partizan
legislation works its worst effects on the party
responsible for its enactment. The Republi-
ask any favors from any body of defeated De-
nocracy When the Republicans enfran
chised the black they gave the same civil rights
and privileges before the law that the white
man enjoys, but they did not give him any
superior rights. They said set you free now
you are civily and legally my equal but you
are equally responsible for the support Of the
! government that protects you. for one an
in favor of equal rights before the law but az
Il consequent of that, equal obligations. The
/ republican party is no party of retrogression
its mission is forward and to this end SHOULD
MI its energies be directed But it is claimed
that as matter of ecpet7jency we should throw
our forces together and defeat the Bourbons
Let me say that when expectancy is rendered
/ paramount to principle, that principle is thu
1 loser Put two moneys in the field, a base an(
a good, the baser will drive the better out.
am Republican from principle and any meas
ure tending to deteriorate the foundations 0
the party certainly appear obnoxious in my
eyes. III venture to predict that before tel
years roll around the Republican party
will have control in Virginia. To do this il
must keep from being diverted from the mar
row path by every side show that comes
along. That is the well known policy OF The
Democracy-anything for power. But as TO
my part never power at the expense OF princl
pie. | shall resent all alliances of Republican
Ism to the utmost extent with anything IN tn
shape OF Democracy that my poor sense as
fool will permit ANOTHER OF THE FOOLS
There has been in Harrisonburg during tn
past few month an unprecedented mortailt
among the legal fraternity, not less than nv
members having died after short illness. In
death-roll embraces J. B. Armstrong, Wllliar
z Shandc Nl,.rIas Vancev Henry b Co