The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-07-28
An Issue of the Canvass.

Lnything else with the National Republican |
party which has given it its character, and |
is hold upon the confidence of the country.
That is, the brave aud uncomprising adhe-
renee to the honor and integrity of the
government. The success of its financial
policy was only secondary to the courage
Gus struggle for the defence and preserva-
ton of the Union. Indeed the defeat of
the armed legions of the Confederate
States, would have been a failure it
self, had not the Republicans come to the
rescue of the imperilled honor OF the coun-
try, and demanded all needed sacrifice to
the financial character that had made
that defeat possible. From the close OF
hostilities until the consnmmation OF specie
resumption and the redemption OF the
pledges of the government. the Democratic
party, in every organized contest, endeav-
ored to intiict as grievous and dangerous a
wrong upon the nation AS was attempted in
the assaults upon the Union by armed
force. 1t would have been a fruitless sac
rfice of treasure and human life to main
tain the unity of the States had the schemes
of the Democracy afterwards succeeded in
furnishing the honor and compromising the
integrity of the nation, through its viola
ton of the plghted faith Of the govern
ment. History will record it as the bravest
act of brave people-the victory Of peace
more renowned than the trophies Of war
that amid the destruction and carnage OF
the field--with the path of desolation mark
ing every corner of the country and the
sweep of armies devastating the accumula-
tions of half century, the courage OF the
people came forth equal to the de-
mands of the public obligations OF
the nation. At every step of this grand
struggle. in defence of the credit and in
tegrity of the government. the RePubli-
can party was met by the forces OF the
Democratic party, seeking to thwart and
defeat the purpose to redeem the pledges
and support the honor of the nation, as re-
Elected in its financial obligations. The
contest was long, tedious and trying, and
sometimes doubtful, but without falter or
compromise the Republican party steadily
pressed forward to its aim. until the reward
of its courage and fidelity was given in the
| redemption of every pledge the govern
ment had given, and as it was given.
The principle involved in this great
| achievement, as it affected the character OF
the nation. is just as sacred in its relation
| to the States. It is vital to the integrity
| of the party that the organization repre-
senting it in each State, should reflect the
spirit and intent of national faith, in its
dealings with State credit. The Republi-
cans of Virginia are now called upon to
| maintain the symmetry OF this principle
| and to show to the world that in Identifying
themselves with the National Republican
party, it was not solely for the spoils OF
office, but from a conviction of principle,
| that they have adhered to its fortunes,
| amid difficulties and embarrassments which
| tested the sincerity of their professions.
The question is brought directly before
| them whether the principle which has given
| the Republican party its character, is to be
| asserted and maintained in this State con-
| test, or whether they intend to abandon it.
| and thereby admit that they have been mere
| time-servers aud camp-followers. ready for
any treachery that promised plumber. 1t
| is just as vital to the Republicans of Vir-
ginia that they should stand by the honor
and integrity of Virginia in this State cleo
| ton as it has been to the national organi-
cation to stand by the faith of the national
government. The principle is the same.
nor does it's local application make it less
sacred.
| There is but one way to maintain this
principle, and that is by strict party or.
| ganization, distinct Republican platform,
and candidates for State offices pledged to
carry the principles into effect, if they
should be successful. To affiliate in any
this principle in State affairs, is to surren.
der the essential idea of the Republican
party and brand those who may do so as
traitors to that party. The Re-adjuster
faction proposes to repudiate 81 0OO,0O OF
honest debt. contracted for value received,
and to repudiate one-half of the interest on
an acknowledged debt of $19, 500, 0OO-or an
aggregate of 100000 of interest III for
ty years-summing up 100000 which
the present and succeeding generations
would be in honor bound to pay. While it
is not possible to accomplish the disgraceful
proposition, yet there would be as much
criminal wrong in the unsuccessful attempt
as if it VI ere successful. And the humilia-
ton would be even greater with failure
than with success, because the relief from
honest obligations might, to a degree, ap-
pease the reproofs of consc ience, while de-
feat would inflct the stigma, without
any benefits from the attempt 20 defraud
the creditors of their honest dues.
Republicans in Virginia could not escape
| the just charge of treason to the National
| Republican party in the surrender of one Of
its cardinal principles, upon the plea that it
| was State election and the contest Of only
local effect and significance. Such plea
would not hold good when great principle
alike applicable in every State as it is in ma
tional affairs, was involved. The principle is
the same the country and the world over.
that honest debts ought to be honestly
paid, when the ability exists to do so. Eva
sion or reputation of such obligations
would bring its revenge in some form or
another, and to State so pregnant Of
wealth, with future so promising from its
natural resources, the manner of the pun
ishment might be easily discovered. There
is. indeed, not an argument or considera-
ton that can be adduced to justify the peo-
pie of Virginia posing in the role of mendi-
| cants, or compromising their record for
courage and Integrity, in futile effort to
evade fortified obligations, representing re-
cognized equivalents. AS State we could
not afford to do so, no more than as individ-
uals. The disgrace would cling to us with
death-lIke tenacity, and constitute re-
proach at home and abroad that would work
out disasters Unreasonable in their magni-
tude.
The Lynchburg Convention, which as
| S0nDl6S On the 10Th I, 70 foo &c