Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-03-29
MahOne's Somersault.


AS the Warrenton I,adec says, "Gen.
Mahone's democracy and conservatism
were not questioned until he COM
menced to dicker with Republicans
Four years ago he was candidate for
Governor in Conservative Convention.
Two years ago he masqueraded in Con-
servative uniform. The negro dele
gates in the Legislature stripped him OF
this when they explained the votes they
cast in that body in an address to their
race. Since then he attempted the diff
ficuit role of holding antagonizing ele-
ments together by an Independent cleo
toral ticket. He was beaten at that
game in Republican Convention, and
subsequently forced, in obedience to
Democratic Readiuster sentiment-the
very same that had combined with ne
gro delegates TO eiect him to the U. s.
Senate to support Hancock and Eng
fish. That is the sentiment he has out
ragged this week by obstructing resolu-
ton to organize the U. s. Senate on a
Democratic basis. The somersault he
has made has been from Conservative
Readjuster to Republican Readjuster.
1t is reported he has done this to obtain
control of the patronage of Virginia to
be used in the campaign next fall
Certain it is that he is in high feather
at court, the recipient of Republican
congratulations and of floral gifts from
the "White House," and that his house
is beset by those who expect that thrift
will follow fawning." Whether the re.
port of bargain and sale be true or false
the effect will be the same. Those who
trade upon negro votes believe it,
the negroes themselves believing it are
petitioning him to take charge of their
interests; and the probabilities are the
Democratic Conservative party will
have to oppose Malone in the next can.
vass backed by the Federal Administra
ton. The Administration may not oust
Republican Office holders and give theil
places to Democratic Readjusters; but
it may force them, whether Readjusters
or not, to CO operate with Malone Of
give place to some one who will. Oul
Judgment is, all will give in their adhe.
sion, and the Democratic Conservative
party will have to take position to NEE
a combination the most formidable per
haps that has presented itself since thu
days of reconstruction. 1t not only
threatens to compromise the credit O
the State, but its civilization"
|
The Washington Post says that "th'
Virginia Democrats can make short
work of the trader Malone if they hav'
the requisite courage and energy.
All that is needed is to make it plair
that Mr.. Malone proposes, with few
Federal offices, to corrupt enough whit
Virginians to enable him, with thu
solid vote of the negroes, to turn tn
State over to the tender mercies O
Conkling, Cameron and Hoar.
Virginia is not rich State. She suf
fered greatly from the war, and has no
yet recuperated. Her people are poor
but they are not mercenary. They hav
oolne avvc.siiiis;latiug ;n!sfortunes will
fortitude. steadily endeavoring to worl
out an honorable redemption.
Mr. Mahone-accidental Senator-can
not sell them and their honor for pei
or power. Neither can he transfer then
as so many voting cattle by indirec
means, if they are but warned of hi
purpose. They should be reused from
their sluggishness and confronted witt
the danger that threatens them"