The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-08-04
Communicated.

EDITORS OF THE vIRGINIAN:-In your issue of the
14th inst. see communication over the signature
ga Republican,, purpOrttng to be sanction of your
article under the caption OF 'sBoSsism," in which
said "Republican" holds up Hon. John F. Lewis
the boss for years. and goes on to that he Lewls
sbefore the war denounced the Republican party,
bossed slaves, and perhaps would have been that
sort of boss until this day had not the Republican
party drove the institution out of existence" Evil
IDENTITY 'Republican" intended in this clause, to
prejudice the minds of the colored people of Va.
against Mr.. Lewis by holding out the idea that he
was slave driver. 1t is true that Mr. Lewis, in
common with Washington, Jefferson, Madison and
that great Of Hrgna pr9s nd states
sold tn his life In 1850 81, when the dark clouds
of war were lowering over this giant structure, and
about to rend 1t In twain upon the question of sla
very, Mr. Lewis as true to the stars and stripes Of
his country as his noble ancestry who poured out
their blood to erect them declared that rather than
see star erased from this bright galaxy stars
he would see the last slave In America 60 free.
We know that Mr.. Lewis was not a disciple Of the
Garrson1an school of abohtionism of as Anticipated
date as some very few Vtrgn1ans may claim to be,
but law abiding citizen and political follower of
such great statesmen as Clay and Webster. Neither
did he claim alliance to the Free-so party, which
opposed the extension of slavery, and elected Mr..
Lincoln. But after this much vexed question had
been left to the arb1trament Of the sword and deci
ded in the perpetuatton Of the Union, Nj. Lewis
Joined heart and hand with those who upheld Its
honor, II being his natural element, and among
the foremost IN building up Republican party in
Virginia.
At the reorganization of our State government he
was put upon the Republican ticket for Lieutenant
Governor, with Walker, and overwhelmingly elect
ed, from which position he was sent to the U. s.
Senate. What BECAME Of that band OF State officers
put in position at that time? will "Republican an
swer. Having been elected principally by the DEM
ocratc votes they went lock- stock and barrel the
Democratic party, not excepting the venerable
State treasurer, who in many instances coalesced,
and II we are correctly informed, to the
State of Virginia.
There was but one exception and that was John
F. Lewis, He stood firm to the principles of the
Republican party throughout the six years in the
Senate and so stands yet II Mr.. Lewis has seen fit
to allow his name to be used by another party for
the welfare OF Virginia, and thinks he can serve
his State better In this way 1t Is patriotic in him to
do 30, and not In keeping with the Republican party
to ostracize him for 1t. We know that there have
been great reforms wrought, and good done by the
cooperation OF the two parties, Though the Read
1usters claim all the credit and If the great liberal
principles OF the Republican party can beat he aal
ried out py further cooperation, why should any
lover OF his State object The battle should be FOR
the interest OF the State 81 large and not the promo
] agree with YOU, Mr.. Editor, that 'Bossism" won't
90, but II Goes seem to me that "Republican" has
out Heroded Herod himself. In his conclusion he
reads out OF the Republican party all who do not
LOOK through the same political spectacles he does
This, sir has been the battle ground Of our party
We claim that every man shall be q freeman to
think Tor himself, and speak, and act upon his own
| Judgment; This ostTacism and party lash Is tie
heir Of another party family prevalent all over the
South, which we Propose to assuage Therefore Let
us go into our convention with this object In view