The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-02-24

command the encouragement and support
not only of the administration, as far as it
could do so consistently, but of the
moral sense of the country. Whatever 9TH.
ers may think, we are confidently OF the
opinion that declared policy on the part
of the Virginia Republicans in support OF
State credit and citizens rights, would
draw to them an aggregate strength that
the Re-adjusters could not command, were
there but the two Democratic factions to-
the controversy. A united Republican sup
port of such programme would be supple
mented by large following, which recog-
nizes the absolute necessity OF final and
creditable disposal of the debt issue, and
which bias become utterly Disguised with
the methods of the Democratic party In
dealing with the question "a following that
would not hesitate to restore the Constitu-
ton to its original provisions as they Affect
the rights of the citizen and cooperate in
effecting legislative reforms in consonance
with the spirit and intent OF the organic
and statute laws of the nation. Indeed,
we believe this is the only way in
which the ends the Republicans regard
as essentially important, can be accom-
plished. The abandonment OF their Or
ganization and the dispersion OF their
| forces would assure the success OF the most
| illiberal Of their political opponents, and
not only perpetuate the unfriendly constl-
! tutional provisions and statutory enact
ments which exist, but expose the State to
all the disadvantages and embarrassments
arising from the present disreputable COM
plications of the public debt.
1t is in no controversial spirit that we
have written this article. We are anxious
to witness harmony in Republican counsels
and actions, and will concede as much and
| 90 as far as any one else to secure it, con-
sistent with a sense of duty. We have
labored and waited long for the suspicious
surroundings which now exist for the Re
publicans of Virginia to vindicate their de-
votion to the avowed principles OF the party
and the best interests OF the Common
wealth. If, with solid front, they will
march up to the issues and face them as a
compact, unbroken organization, their
chances for success will be better than that
of either of the other factions. Even
should defeat follow on the State ticket, we
will have such representation in the Gen.
eral Assembly as to control, in great
measure, legislation-for asking for nothing
but what is right and just and what the
genuine manhood of the State ought to con-
cede, we believe more could be accom-
plished than by any other policy that could
be adopted. If this shall be the policy OF
the party the foundation for progressive
strength will be laid, and sustained by &
consciousness of right, our appeals can be
made with assurance of impartial hearing
and consideration not only at home bu,
abroad. Any other course, according te
our understanding, will prove grave mis-
take, and environ us with difficulties anC
complications that it will be difficult evel
hereafter to overcome.
We leave the whole subject for the deter
mination of the authorities of the party
invoking their deliberate and dispassionatt
consideration to the Importance of the in
terests invo lived, and the duty which as Re
publicans, we owe to our national identity
as well as our future as an organization il
Virginia.