The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-04-14

t is so the enlightened conscience of the
American people will sternly demand their
practical recognition. And in the degree
that political parties may be utilized in the
accomplishment of this important work,
will they commend themselves to the intel
igent judgment of the country and gain
in popular confidence; and in the degree
that they recognize the necessity of this
line of labor, will they receive our support,
may be the name under which
they range, and however much they may be
by partizan malignants who are
incapable of rising above traditional preju-
dices or grasping truth either in morals or
politics.
Party Policy.
1t is well enough, atsthis time, when the
excitement growing out of the passionate
conflicts which have recently taken place in
the United States Senate Chamber to ad-
dress few words of caution to the Repnb.
licans of Virginia. The sympathy of all
who recognize in the views presented by
Gen. Malone of State and National duty
and policy, in his replies to Senators Hill,
Johnston and others, the ideas which have
been maintained by the Republican party,
haye been naturally drawn towards him.
The expression of this sympathy shouldibe,
by no means, taken as surrender of party
identity or organization, but simply an ap-
propriate and opportune encouragement to
one who has had the courage ard the man.
illness to declare from his high place inethe'
Senate, sentiments which so directly antag-
onize the prejudices, notions and policies
of Bourbon Democracy. Liberal minded
men not only in Virginia, but throughout
the South, have joined in hearty common
dation of the Senator for thus challenging
the fidelity of the Democratic party to its
and political action which will have a
marked effect upon the material interests
and social and political quiet of the South
ern States. All impartial minds must con-
and just, and that if the policy they point
to should be adopted and practically en-
forced, a new, more catholic and progress
sive dispensation would dawn upon our Sec
ton.
These conclusions cannot, in reason, be
denied. 1t does not follow, however, that
because of them the Republicans of Vir-
ginia should abandon their organization,
disintegrate their forces and destroy their
influence in the approaching election in this
State. Indeed, they will commit fatal
blunder if a thorough organization is not
effected, and all the usages and forms of
the party are not even more strictly OBJ
served than in past political contests. They
can exert very little influence and eonsum-
mate no end without concerted action and
the employment of their organized power
in the determination of the controversy be-
tween the contending Democratic factions,
should there be but two formal tickets in
the field. Any other course would excite
the derision of the country and place upon
them stigma from which they could never
escape, fer it would be the death and the
disgrace of the Republican party of the
State.
We therefore conceive it to be the duty of
the State Central Committee to fix upon
an early day for it's meeting, to take into
consideration the time and place for the as
sembling of the State Convention to deter
mine party policy in the coming election.
Whatever that policy may be-whatever the
course that is to be adopted, it should be de-
termined on as a compact organization, so
that the entire strength of the party may
be directed in the achievement of decisive
results. Any other course would operate
disastrously to the organization, and leave
it a disorganized mass, with it's constituent
parts scattered, demoralized and poWerless
-eXerting no influence and entitled to no
consideration, whatever might be the result
of the contest. If the deliberate judgment
of the Convention should be not to nomi-
nate ticket, then with equal elaboration
it should assert the principles of the party,
declare policy and concentrate the full
strength of the party in carrying it out
Whatever action is taken it should be as an
organization, with Republican identity
maintained, and party discipline observed.
Should these or similar suggestions not con-
troll with Republicans, then we could expect
nothing else than an utter and final aban-
donment of our organization, with little
hope OF ever again reforming or appearing
in political contest as party. Numbers
would unite with the Re-adjusters, others
with the Funders, and much larger pro-
portion retire from the contest, refusing to
participate in an election where the ballot
could not be made to speak and reflect con-
victions.
We ale perfectly satisfied that little re-
Election will impress upon the mind of eve
ry member of the Central Committee the
Importance of meeting at as early day as
practicable and fixing upon the time and
place for holding convention not earlier
than the 1st of July. By that time the
popular mind will be prepared to calmly
consider the situation and act with refer
ence to the best interests of the party, and
with view to making our power felt in the
-'o'N'oSA SiSStAoli' LII liz OtuOl way COulu
Republicans be known in the contest
Whatever effect their votes might have in
determining the result, it would not be re-
cognized except through organization. 1t
would either be a Funder or Re-adjuster
victory, with the Republicans exciting, and
justly SO, universal contempt for the want
of spirit and party fidelity while with or
ganization they would hold the key to the
situation and have potential voice in not
only determining the result, but in properly
presenting their principles to the country and
explaining whatever policy they might deem
proper to adopt,
We throw out these suggestions at this
time, in view of the oft repeated express
sions we have heard assigning the Repub-
lcan strength to the Re-adiuster force, and
thus assuming an utter abandonment of
organization in the approach
ing contest. Such expressions have been
freely made by our political opponents, of
both the Democratic factions, and have
been concurred in by Republicans. The fact
should be made known that the Republi-
cans do not propose to make an uncondi-
tional surrender, and that it is their pur-