The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-09-08
The Reason of the Case.


Tor our Democratic contemporaries that they |
scarcely ever attempt to argue PROPOSE
tion upon its merits, or tolerate difference
Of opinion unless they assign mercenary
motive for it. We shall not, however, further
refer 20 the closing allusion Of the hder, be-
lieving that it will see itself the unfairness,
not to say injustice of the imputation.
Its not difficult to convince any impartial
mind that it is the duty of Republicans to
oppose the Democratic ticket in this can
vass, and more especially to labor for its de-
feat in the control Of the Legislature, when
the interests involved are considered. While
we have not word to say against the per-
sonnet of the ticket of that party or OF the
past records of its candidates, which would
in the least excite an undue prejudice, we
find ample cause in the policy Of the party
they represent to determine our course in
opposing their election
The next Legislature will be an impor-
tant one, emitting any referene tothe debt
question, which we regard as practically
beyond its reach, if it is proposed to inter-
fere with the rights of the creditors, except
as to the holders of that portion of it that
does not bear tax-receivable coupons. Four
or five Judges Of the Court of Appeals have
to be elected. From its organization under
the present Constitution, to the present
time, it has been composed Of Democrats
exclusively. While we do not favor parti-
zan judic larry, we think public policy and
decent regard for public sentiment, should
accord at least minority representation
upon that bench 20 the Republicans
While we should be the last person to advO-
cate such representation as mere party
act, we believe the ends of justice would be
better subserved by the selection of law
yers of diverse political education and
methods of thought, so that comparison
of views from different standpoints might
inspire greater confidence in the Judgment
pronounced. 1t may not be the good for
tune of the State, in the recurring elections
of the members of this body, to secure the
services of such high characters as now con-
stitute it, and the further their choice is re-
moved from the direct influence of an un-
challenged party power, the better it might
be for the people in the future.
This modification cannot be effected, I'M
less the Republicans have such represen-
tation in the Legislature as to make their
votes potential as between the two factions
and constitute majority with one or the
other of the Democratic factions.
The apportionment of the Congressional
Districts by the Legislature of 1901 was
in the interest of the then dominant party.
1t was as purely partizan job as ever was
put up, and done in defiance of the rights
of the minority and for the practical disfran-
chisement of the Republicans of Virginia
in the halls of Congress. The shame of
the wrong is carried upon the face OF the
work performed. Look at the 9th, 18th and
Sth misunderstanding from the mountains
to the sea-absorbing Republican counties,
or counties which would be decidedly Re.
publican, were there chance for Repub-
lican Congressman to be elected, by large
Democratic counties, making it impossible
ever to have Republican representative
Indeed, the districts we're so arranged as to
disfranchise at least one-half OF the Repub
lican voters of the State, land give the Dem
ocrats certainly seven out of the nine mem.
bers, with lighting chance. by the peculiar
methods known to that party, for the Other
years, by means the hder will hardly de-
fend.
This wrong cannot be corrected so long
as the Democratic party or that wing o.
it with which our contemporary is identified
is in control of the Legislature.
The capitation-tax restriction on the vot
in privilege, is wrong in principle an(
grossly wrong in the motive of its adoption
the purpose for which it was adopted
and the violation of public faith it's adop
tion implied.
This wrong cannot be corrected unless
the Republicans have a fair representation
in the Legislature, and the Conservative
Democratic party is defeated in the contro
of that body.
The repeal of the whipping post law
that blot upon civiization-that crime
against humanity-establishe for partiza1
purposes, and its companion-piece, the petty
larceny act, designed for disfranchise
ment as much. if not more, than for pun
the Conservative Democratic party is de-
feated in the control Of the Legislature.
These wrongs were enacted in the inter
est of the Democratic party-in the inter
est of low race and party preiudices, ant
not to conserve any public good. The stat
ute books are not to be cleaned of them, un
til the party that placed them there is de-
prived of power to perpetuate them.
There would be no possible chance to cur,
any of these wrongs and to effect any O.
these reforms, by placing in power the par
ty that favors their retention. There is
chance of enforcing justice to Republicans
and having recognized the equal rights o
Republicans, by the defeat of this party
And as there is only one opposing ticket il
the field, and only one way to effect the re-
suits we desire, and that the success of thu
opposing ticket, it would not be strang,
if we should support that ticket, an(
advise Republicans to do so. We would
have some hope in its success-none with
out it.
By this policy we may succeed in elect
ing enough of the members OF the Legis
ture to hold the balance of power in that
body as between the representatives of the
Democratic factions, and with this power
so influence legislative action upon all the
matters mentioned, as well as in the cleo.
ton of a United States Senator. as to have
justice melted out to Republicans and theil
equal rights recognized.
Up to the time of the disruption of the
Conservative party, through the policy Of
the Republicans of the State in 1877, every
legislative and executive act had reference
solely to the advantage of the Democratic
party. So far as any recognition in either
department Of the government was con-
cerned, republicans mightas we'll never have
had an existence. They were not known
in State polity or legislative or executive
appointments. Stunned, prescribed. ostra-
eised, the very name became reproach.