The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-05-05

would be very remote. 1t is not that we
would declare for Republican ticket under |
any and all circumstances, but for the pur-
pose of crystalizing Republican strength
and consolidating Republican forces, so that
the full vote of the party might be thrown
in the scales to determine the result. 1t is
assumed that all that is necessary for the
Republican vote to be cast for the nominees
of the Re-adjuster Convention, Is for an
edict to emanate from Washington city, as
the impression has been created there by
the loose and reckless utterances of the
National Republican that all the colored
citizens of the State are anxious to COOP
crate with Gen. Malone, and all that pre-
vents them from doing so is the selfshness
of Federal office holders This is mis-
take. The colored people of Virginia are
bv instinct, as we'll as reason, Republicans,
and one-half of them to-day are in IA
yor of a straight out Republican fight
The numerous office hunters who have visited
Washington to get endorsement for posi-
ton, do not represent the rank and file, or
indeed, any others than themselves. The
| influential coiored men in the localities
where they reside, are never seen about
Washington city and are not clamofous Tor
office-valuing their manhood rights and the
future of their children much higher than
office and look to the Republican par
ty as the political power which is to pro-
i iast and defend them in the rights they now
enjoy, as well as to secure for them the ne
cessary legislation for the advancement OF
the present and future generations OF their
race. We meet them every day, land receive
letters almost every mail from Intelligent
colored citizens who have never been
heard Of at Washington, urging the kepuD'
licans to stand together and impioring the
white Republicans to demand the ful. recog
milton of Republican authority in the State
canvass. These men cannot be turned from
their purpose by a Whit. They do not fol-
low 'soffice holders" except when they are
leading in fight for the Republican party
and Republican principles, and it is ar
) egregious misapprehension if it is assumed
thew can be turned over, body and breeches
by the saying, as following to those whom
they h we only known heretofore as theii
politica! enem les.
1t is fashionable to asperse Federal OF
flee holders in the Southern States, and at
; tribute to them sordid and mercenary mo-
tives in their political action. AS far as w
; know them, the Federal office holders" il
Virginia are gentlemen-they are citizens
: of reputable character, who have beef
Il chosen to fill the places they hold because o
their fidelity to the principles OF the party
u in the most trying ordeals, and because o
their qualifications for the discharge OF tn
u duties attached to the positions they hold
= We doubt not every one Of them woul
u cheerfully lend his influence to carrying on
e any policy the administration might IND
} cate it had decided upon for the promo
ton of the Republican cause in the eoun
, try. If the methods suggested to effee
e such an end. should be inconsistent wit
IL their own convictions of duty to themselve
VI and their State, we doubt not there
r. scarcely one of them that would not maj
III fully say so, and tender his resignation, tfs
! others of different views might be desls
70 mated to take the places thus vacated. In
D. s.office holders'' of the South are not mad
a. of putty. Their individuality has been Sill
IL ficientlv tested to demonstrate their mar
10 hood and stern convictions, and when it
VI announced that those who have supporte
J. Republican principles and the Republica
p cause in the fierce conflicts to which I'll
y Senators are strangers, are stumbling blocl
H. in the way of the policy of the administer
III ton. and that those who have ever ware
&c against the principles and cause OF TIL
~ party are better suited for existing eme
III gencies, let the demand be frankly mao
IL for their commissions and they will
frankly respond. Here in Virginia IL
+ Federal office holders" aided by Repul
u licans who have never held nor would a
x eept office, would have given the elector
d vote of the State to Garfield, and TIL
he broken the Solid South, but for tt
e. treschery OF the men who are now denoul
I'd cling them. If it is the policy Of the ICON
ne mittee of Safety to strike down tho
u who have fought the battles of the Repu
Is lican party, and take up with those vi
u have ever warred against it. and are no
US afraid to whisper that they have any syn
ne pathy with the Republican cause, let it
us so. But let them remember, at the san
u time, that it is an end to liberalism in tt
NC South, and a dangerous threat to, it not Il
e death knell of the supremacy OF the X
TIT publican party in the Union. The me
ii' who have exposed themselves to all the i
I" suits and contumely that the enginery
rs partizan hate could invent, because OF the
IN devotion to Republican principles, can a
oe ford to surrender the polit ical recognize
u they have received, but we very mu'
~ question whether the conscience of the n
u ton will be satisfied that they should
at practically disowned, in order that the pol
'ic cal refugees of the hour from the Dem
Vi cratic party should be embraced, and 1
al ceived into full fellowship, before they ha
:" even learned to pronounce the party shi
. boleth.
y, 1t is natural for Republicans, and especial
:" those in the South, to desire the success
w Gen. Garfelds administration, and to wi
~ that one of Fits browning achievements a
~ glories should be the emancipation OF t
NJ South from the intolerant political rule OF
ne Bourbon Democracy. 1t would be consul
e nation fraught with blessings innumerable
he the country. and especially to the Southe
Is States, to open up an era of liberal polite
en- thought and action, and break down the fo'
M ish and harmful prejudces which have do
ep so much to retard material progress and 4
le- tional sympathy Certainly no true Reput
ay can would interpose any mere selfish mott
wv or dyspeptic sniveling to such a result. B
n such work cannot be accomplished by "a si
at pie command. The methods and the agenc
"a must be maturely considered and well und
We stood, and wise counsel direct their use, to
it effective There should be no mistake ma
We or too much trust reposed in elastic politician
nd for false step or weak dependence, wor
ID bring with it fruits that would turn to bit
lg- ashes on the lips.
EST We say to the COMMITTEE of Safety"