The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-06-30

support its command, however reluctantly,
and however much distrust OF its success
we might entertain or want Of confidence
in its ultimate sincerity. 1t would be
choice between two evils and we should
aim to choose the least. We trust we may
not be driven to this necessity, but that
the Republican party in convention assem-
bled, will avail itself of this suspicious OPP
portanity to assert Republican principles.
maintain Republican policy and vindcate
Republican integrity,
The Election of Delegates.
The action of the State Central Commit
tee, on the 21st, in calling the State
Convention of the Republican par
ty and defining the qualification OF
delegates thereto has been serious
ly criticized by number OF Republic
cans. We do not think that q liberal con-
struction Of the terms Of the resolution
will justify the inference that anybody has
been ruled out Of the party. The action
was evidently designed to accept the rela-
tions assumed by Republicans in appearing
as delegates in the Re-adjusters' COnven-
ton as defining theif own position and fu-
ture party identity. The fact of appearing
in Convention of an opposite party, in
an official capacity, and participating In its
proceedings, was declaration of choice
of party utilization, committing themselves
to the action of that body, and In honor
binding them to abide by the determination
reached. This view OF the case cannot be
reasonably gainsaid. Hence 1t would be a
palpable inconsistency and an Exhibition
of bad faith both to the Re-adjusters and
the Republicans for any delegate to the I'd
of June Convention or any person who par
ticpated in the election Of such del
egate, to seek or accept the positi ion
of delegate to any Republican Convention
called to consider the policy OF the party
in the pending canvass. Whatever may
have been the mental reservations or
the concealed intentions Of such delegates.
in certain contingencies, there can be no
shadow of reason xhy they should partici-
pate in Republican Convention, to shape
its policy. or determine its action. Indeed.
we would be loath to believe that any del
egate to the June Convention would ask to
represent Republican constituency in a
Republican Convention, for it would imply
| a double dealing by no means compliment
tary to that sense of propriety which should
govern men In their political action. No
npn a inhf Of ma hot no
Republican or Democrat to change his par
ty relations and identify himself with any
other political organization, at such time
and in such manner as his Judgment may
suggest. His choice Is his own work, and
for it he is presumed to be responsible
But when that choice Is made and Its obi
cations recognized it would be manifestly
improper for him to seek official identity
| with another party, while still adhering to
his former predictions. 1t Is further very
who has made up his mind to support the
Re-adjuster ticket, and not to submit to the
action of the Republican party in Conven-
ton assembled, should it be adverse to his
choice, should not participate in the DELHI
Grafton of a body whose policy he will not
support, unless it should be confrmative OF
| the new relations he has chosen. There are
very few Republicans, we are inclined to
believe, who propose to surrender the party
relations and identify themselves with the
Re-adjusters, as choice OF parties !; and it
is only to those who do 80 that the resolu-
| lions of the Committee are applicable
They were not designed to discriminate
against those who holding to their own
organization, believe it to be the proper
policy to support the Re adjuster ticket, but
are willing to abide by decision of Con-
vention of their own party, whatever that
| might be. Conventions are intended to re-
concile conflicting opinions and require
compromise. in order, by mutual cOnces-
sions as to policy, to unite forces to accom-
plish ends desired by all. To make choice
of policy that leads to Identification with
another party, in advance OF the action Of
the party to which allegiance is due, is q
palpaple abandonment of the one and sub
mission to the other. No man of ordinary
| self-respect or right conceptions of party
obligations, could ask for the application OF
any other rule for his political associations
than something similar to that we have at
tempted to state. 1t would exclude no
Re-adjuster Republican from the delibera-
| tions of a Republican Convention, il he
was not more of Re-adjuster than Re-
publican, and intended. whatever the ac-
ton of his party, to support the Read
juster organization. If he should believe
it was the true policy Of the Republican
party not to place a ticket of its own In
the field, and in good faith would seek and
be chosen delegate to the Republican
Convention, and there employ all legiti-
mate means to carry out his views, deter
| mined, however. to abide by the decision Of
the body. no one in fairness could object to
his position or action. 1t is the''rule or ruin"
policy to which we object, and which che
resolution was designed to condemn, as we
understand it..
In the case of Hon. John F. Lewis we
think it very clear that he vacated his place
as Chairman of the Republican organiza-
ton when he accepted the position on the
ticket rendered him by the Re-adjuster
Convention. This WAS done by standing
resolution of the Committee passed last
year, and it was done by the reason Of the
case. He was appointed by Republican
Convention Chairman of the Republican
state Central Committee, for the purpose OF
effecting and preserving Republican organ
ization, and conserving the interests Of the
Republican party through that organiza-
ton. He was not empowered by the Con-
vention to forestall the action OF lis party
through its organization. or to tumble the
Republican party into the Re-adjuster or
any other party, without any personal con-
sultation or action Of the authorities OF the
party. He had perfect right as an indi-
vidual to do as he has done accept the
nomination of an opposing and distinct
party from his own, for high public posi-
ton. That act officially identified him
with the Re-adiuster organization. and we
are sure his own sense OF propriety will
su ggest to him the palpable Inconsistency
of holding to the position of Chairman If