The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-05-26
Republican State Convention.

the Republican party, to determine upon
policy in the approaching State election
We have answered these enquiries to the eff
feet that we presumed Convention would
be held, as we had conversed with DO Re
publican whowas not decidedly in favor OF
such assemblage. There is some difference
OF opinion as to what its action should be,
but there is none with Repu6licdns-those
who reco !nize their identity with that par
ty as paramount to their sympathy with
Re-adjusters-as to the Importance of call
ing State Convention.
We respectfully suggest to the State Cen
trail Committee the propriety of at once
calling meeting, with view to consider
ing and determining the proper course to
pursue, and naming the time and place for
Convention to be held at as early day as
practicable. Both of the other parties have
taken action in this direction, and we think
it important that Republicans should at
once indicate the policy it may be their in
tention to adopt. The wide difference Of
opinion as to what should be the most eX-
pedient line of conduct in the fail contest
that exists among Republicans, is having
the effect to weaken the organization, and
to form conclusions from individual predi-
lections, instead of notifications of pre-
conceived notions so as to bring about har-
monious and united action. The Republ-
cans. as party, without organization eff
fected through a Convention. will scarcely
be a respectable factor in the approaching
election. Indifference will be manifested
by some, a positive hostility to the Read
iusters by others, and preference, as be-
tween evils, by others for the Funders, re-
snlting in utter decentralization. disinte-
grafton and final aDnibilation as an organi-
zation.
| The course of the leaders of the Re
adjusters for the past few months has
clearly demonstrated that it is their wish
and purpose to absorb the Republican
party of Virginia, blot out its distinc-
tive political identity, and create upon its
ruins a Re-adjuster Liberal Democratic par
ty, in the interests of few selfish leaders.
who care nothing for State or National III
terests except so far as they subserve their
personal ends. Very few Republicans will
subscribe to any such destructive policy
when they fully understand it. Whatever
others may do, or whatever policy others
may deem best, for ourselves we propose to
stand by the Republican organization, adj
here to and support Republican principles
aud policy and maintain distinct Republic
can recognition now, henceforth and for
eyer. There sno liberalism in politics that
is not the outgrowth OF the ideas which I'M
derlie and give vitality to the Republican
party, and we do not propose to surrender
our convictions in this respect for any spe-
cious promises or flashy theories and specu-
lations that may be proclaimed by those
who disown Republican identity and es-
chew Republ can association. There is moth
ing in the Republican name there is moth
ing in Republican principles there is moth
ing in Republican achievements, of which
any Republican, who has stood in the fire
and fury of persecution and prescription
because of his Republicanism, need be
ashamed. Republicans have endured all
kinds of contumely with so much patience
and fortitude-ha,e adhered to their pro-
fessed convictions amid the storm and hail
of social and personal SANDER and proscrip-
ton until even their enemies begin to re-
spect them. and for their very coulage
extracted praise even from their foes. The
popular mind, heretofore so bitterly in
censed against them, is becoming more ra-
tional and con siderate, and is looking to the
practical effects of Republican principles
and administration upon the interests of the
country. Intelligent business men and
well-wishers of their section and country
are seriously rejecting upon the relations of
parties to the Government and the interests
of the people, as they stand in connection
with governmental policy. They see the
marvellous prosperity of the nation, result
ing from the consummate wisdom and
craftsmanship which have assured financial
system unsurpassed, if not unequalled for
its perfection and its healthy and endur-
ing elements of permanent success, in the
| history of the world-they witness in the
wonderful progress and development in our
Industrial enterprises. aud the advancing
power of the country, as its wealth is in
creased, its Influence enlarged and its great
ness recognized. consummate statesman
manship that challenges universal admira-
ton and confidence. The silent. agrees
sive, rresistible influence which these i'm
portant facts exert upon the welfare of the
whole country and the interests of all the
people, are moulding pubic opinion. it
may be slowly, bat certainly surely.
and drawing TO the Republican party
the sympathies and approval of the
best judgments of the Southern States.
| This class of persons, from whom only can
an enduring, permanent. controlling politi-
cal power be formed, do not make loud pro-
fessions, or rush with greedy haste for pitt
full Federal offices as the reward for their
''liberalism'" They are identified with the
business of the country they recognize the
forces which are propelling and energizing
business interests, and it is in relation to
business development and progress, that
this conclusion is being reached. The time
is not distant, if the Republicans of the
South, and especially of Virginia, maintain
their integrity, stand resolutely to their
principles, remain steadfast to their national
identity and keep aloof from entanglements
looking only TO doubtful and passing expe-
dents. when they will be Reinforced by
strength that will command universal con-
fidence and lay the foundation broad and
deep for party that will control the policy
and destiny of Virginia in the interests OF
a federalism" as far removed from the
''liberalism'' we are now asked to accept as
distinct principle is from mercenary pol
icy. IG is an element that viii not rush
en- masse to Washington to gobble up a few
official crumbs. while the courage is absent
to declare identity with the power that
has the favors to confer; but is only ambi-
tious for good government and sympathizes
with the principles of the Republican patty
because they have secured and assured this
to the country.
For these and many other reasons we
might present. we hope the State Central
Committee will speedily meet and issue its