The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-06-16


ity to the cause of human rights, progressive
thought, and the financial honor of the State
and Nation.
> e--
Marshal Lewis Reply.
We have received copy of the official
publication containing the reply of Hon.
IF. Lewis, United States Marshal for the
Western District of Virginia, to the charges
preferred against him and his deputies by
Special Agent G. G.. Lancaster. We have
referred to this subject before and in doing
so stated that it was quite likely some irreg-
ularities had been discovered in the opera
tons and accounts of some of the deputies,
for where there are so many of them, it
would be rather phenomenal were not some
discrepancies to occur in the numerous ex-
penditures necessary to the successful con-
duct OF the business of their respective
positions. This conclusion was reached as
natural in the nature of the case. But the
paper before as relieves the Marshal's Office
OF even this implication of rregularity.-
Not only does it completely vindcate the
Marshal himself, but every officer under
him, and gives such satisfactory explana-
ton of every item of the various accounts
as to acquit each and every one of the dep
ties, of not only any suspicion Of Grim
inal intent, but OF extravagaht or careless
administration.
So far as this report relieves the Marshal
and his principal deputies, no one who
knows them entertained any other belief
than that it would be as it is-a complete
vindication of the integrity Of their action.
A long life Of active business relations.
public and private, has never discovered a
single act that could in the least reflect up
on the honesty and severe integrity of Mr..
Lewis character. and this very fact prepared
those best acquainted with him for the am
pie and exhaustive REPUTATION of the charges
preferred which is contained in this official
paper. All who could separate themselves
from partizan hate expected this. and even
those whose political prejudices subordinate
their better nature. could hardly find excuse
for the indulgence of unkind retiections.-
Some there are, however, now that M.
Lewis is before the public in connection
with an exciting party contest, who were
too impatient to await this official expo
sure to avail of the Lancaster report to as
sail his character and reflect upon his in
tegrity. Harsh sentences have been culled
from the report of Lancaster to justify ma
lignant insinuations, not that it is really be-
IL,
fetal wrong doing, but because he is now
identified with all opposing political Or
ganization and presented for the suffrages
of the people.
1t is we'll known that we are not in SYM
pathy with some of Mr.. Lewis views OF
State policy. However wide that difference
might be, and however irreconciliable the
policy we favor shoald be with that VIII ich
he maintains, we can conceive OF no antag-
onism that would lead lis to do him or any
one else personal injustice, or not cheer
fully vindicate him from the false and ma
licious insinuations and denunciations which
have been made by the press representing
an opposing political organ ization to that
with which he is connected. And the pub
lie will view 1t in the same spirit and light
that we do. Instead of driving from Mr.
Lewis and the ticket he in part represents
the support of friends, it will draw them
closer to it, and induce others to favor it as
the most effective method of vindcating
the character of a heightened gentleman
from such unjust and malignant assaults
If fairness and truth are the aims of the
conservative papers of Virginia, and the ed
ucation of the popular mind up to their full
appreciation be the object, as it should be,
the official reply of MIR Lewis to the charges
of Lancaster will be given the same cur
rency that the allegations have received
Nothing short of this will meet with the
approval of the honest people of the State,
for there is a responsive sentiment in every
mans bosom to what is just and right il
political as well as social relations, wheth-
er it be always manifested to public recog-
milton or not.
Lancaster's report received widespread
circulation through the Democratic press of
Virginia, for what purpose we pretty well
understand. 1t was thrust before the pub
lie before Mr.. Lewis had even seen it, much
less had an opportunity to meet its accusa-
tions, to impregnate the public mind with
suspicion and prejudice before any counter
acting statement could be FORMULATED. The
very haste and eagerness with which the
whole batch of ISLANDERS was flood d before
the country implied sinister and wicked
purpose; aud the fresh repetition of them
since Mr.. Lewis has been placed upon party
ticket for high State position, reveals the |
motives which first instigated the unusual
publication. Now that full and complete
reply and vindication has been made and |
it is accessible to every one who desires to |
do the fair thing to a public officer, we shall |
await with some curiosity to see what course |
will be pursued by those who have so ca
gerly seized upon statements which were
designed to severely jire gentlemen who |
has passed through life without blemish |
upon his personal character
---> ~----------
The comparatively well-to-do farmers of |
Scotland are preparing to emigrate to the |
United States in unusual numbers. A desire |
to own lands in fee simple and growing
spirit OF independence is the moving cause
An agent has Travelled extensively through
this country recently looking out for the most
favorable localities and sailed on his return
last week.
Gen. Grant and family recently arrived in
Chicago from Mexico. He said he accomplish
ed all that he went TO Mexico to effect, and
spoke encouragingly ofthe future ofthat coun-
try under the stimulus of the railroad
now projected and being construct
ed there. He also gave his opinion pretty free
ly about affairs at Albany and stoutly endorsed
Mr.. Conkling. aa4