The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-03-17
The True Policy.

1t is we'll enough at this juncture in the
political movements in Virginia to call the
attention of Republicans to the narrow es-
cape they made from destruction, as party
organization, in April of last year, at the
Stanton Convention. Had not straight
out policy prevailed there, we would have
had no organization in the Presidential
canvass, and be utterly powerless now to
claim identity with the principles and pol
lev of the National Republican party. 1t
is not amiss, and it may be instructive. also.
to refer to the attempt made at the close OF
the Presidential contest, to transfer the Re-
publican strength from Garfield to Hancock
and instead of voting for the Republican
electors, to support the Re-adjuster Demo-
cratic Hancock electors. Had the aid to
which the Republicans were entitled been
given them, instead of the Re-adjuster
Hancock ticket, and the full strength of the
Republican party voted in supper. of the
Republican ticket, Garfield and Arthur
would have carried Virginia. Republicans
may ponder these simple statements, and
determine for themselves what they may
expect from surrendering their party name
and organization and principles for the ex-
press purpose Of being absorbed by the Re-
adjusters. 1t is rather an anomalous prop
ostion for $4,000 Republican votes to sur
render to $4,000 Democratic votes, and
in doing so forever give up their political
Identification.
We place the prediction on record now,
that if the colored people of Virginia, called
to meet in Petersburg on the 18th, shall de-
clare against Republican ticket, and thus,
that they mean to support Re-adjuster
ticket, and the colored people of the State
should accept such action and determination
of their course, the Bourbons will sweep the
State in the November elections-and sweep
it on a distinct and exclusive campaign
against the colored man. Some Republi-
cans and Re-adjusters are aiding in shap-
ing such canvass and such an issue, which
cannot but prove disastrous to the Republi-
cans as party, and inf1ame race preiudices
to the lasting injury of the colored people,
without single compromising good. There
is no safety, in the present or future, for the
Republicans of Virginia, except in stub
born adherence to distinct Republican OF
ganization, and proclaiming Republican
principles. We have gained strength every
time we have made such canvass, and
will continue to gain in public confidence
so long as we champion Republican princi-
pies and Republican men. Political de-
hatchery like individual debauchery, will
bring its reward in depravity and the loss
of respect and confidence where respect and
confidence are desirable. Honesty in poll
tics, like honesty in business, is the best
policy. We are now entering upon new
Republican administration. For four years
at least the country is to remain under Re-
publican rule. The best sentiment in the
to give the Republican party its support, in
its enlightened progressiveness, than to ad-
here to the obstructive policy Of the Demo-
cratic party, and continue fight against
the inevitable. We can only win over this
element by strictly adhering to our princi-
Piles and proving ourselves worthy of their
support. To coalesce with any party
or faction that practically repudiates GEN.
trail feature in the Republican creed, would
be to practically abandon that which is
commanding respect and drawing the sym
pathy of conservatism everywhere. Il
would be political suicide, and the death
knell Of Republicanism in Virginia.