The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-12-15
Liberalism in the South.

err Southern States, notably Georgia and
Texas. Congressman Speers. of the former
State. elected as an Independent, declares
his purpose to steer clear of Bourbon De-
mocracy for all time to come, and is Sc
rously thinking of leading an independent
movement next year, the object OF which
will be to combine the dissatisfied Demo-
Gratis and the Republicans in campaign TO
rescue that State from the control of the
Democratic party. congressman Jones. OF
Texas, elected in opposition to the regular
Democratic nominee. by the Greenback
Den0crats combining with the Republicans,
announces that the people of the Lone Star
State are ripe for revolt against the DEM
ocratic machine, and that with OrSaniza-
ton. the prospect would be good for sue
cessful contest. In Texas there is ample
material for the formation OF respectable
and formidable party to oppose the Democ-
racy There is a large Northern and
Western population which have gone there.
and an immense German immigration To-
of whom are preaisposed to the Republican
policy and party. 1t has been quiet and
non-demonstratve, for the reason that
there seemed to be no prospect OF a sue
cessful issue, with the Republicans alone
contending with the Democrats. But it is
now proposed to crystaliZe these forces-the
Republicans, Greenbackers and Indepen-
dents-and make determined effort to
overthrow the despotic Bourbon dynasty
We believe. if an organization of these ele-
ments can be secured. its success would be
certain. The whole country. from one end
to the other. is disguised with the selfish
and ruinous policy ofthe Democratic party,
and its outgrowth, the Solid South. There
seems to be growing determination to
break away from the despotism OF party
machinery, and if encouraged. we doubt
| not, the next twelve months will witness a
political upheaval in several of the South
ern States which will shatter the Bourbon
fabric.
| No. only in Georgia and Texas is this
kCclluS anu SPt III bCihS tIoHihNSpN''f p''o ~
North Carolina and Tennessee the same in
dications prevail. The elements exist to
make revolt successful, if they can only be
brought together in one organization. and
minor preiudices and partialities subordi-
mated to the one great object OF break
ing the political power which has pressed
the people of the South down for the past
ten years Resolute purpose and patient
organization will work out a revolution in
political methods. and bring to the front the
active energy and dash of the young men
who have been held back by the old ma
chine managers, ever since the close of the
war. We want new blood, fresh inspira-
| ton and enlightened sagacity in control OF
the Southern States, and this can only be
obtained by the destruction OF the political
dynasty that has ruled with rod of iron
for the past twelve years. under the name
of the Democratic party
If the movements above limited at shall
enlarge into systematized organ izations in
each of the States named, and be successful
in throwing off the old Bourbon yoke. insu'-
! ing new and more liberal polit ical dis
pensation. then the Virginia coalition may
| be congratulated upon the effect of Ifs eX-
| ample 1t will be ample recompense for
any damage that may have been inflicted
! upon the Republican organizat ion, or the
| disappointments experienced by pol teal
| aspirants There can be no liberal tenden-
cies in Southern politics unless they lean o
the Republican party, and whether the
name is adopted. for time, or not, the pol
| icy and purposes OF the party Will be
adorted and accepted in any success that
may attend the result. So there should be
| no contention or djssens ion as to the name
| that may be assumed. If the movement is
directed against the supremacy of the DEM
ocratic party that should be enough for all
patriotic citizens The South needs thor
ough political revolution DE that will
break the fossiIfxSA idols, tear down the
Bourbon affairs. aud Haunt the banner Of
Liberalism. as the prelude to material pro-
gress, political federation and the very
genius of enlightened: Republican govern
ment. Let those who may undertake the
movements in the States named be enconr-
aged by Republicans at the North and the
South, even if it obscures for the lime the
Republican name, and let the national ad-
ministration give to it such aid as it can le-
ultimately tender for the whole country is
interested. and would be benefited by its
success. 1t is the cause of nationalism. of
constitutionalism and of human rights and
human progress.