The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-10-20
Their Fears.

f-~--~~
part OF the Democrats to delude the people
into the belief that the present is contest
between Democrats and Republicans and the
white and black races, only reveal the
weakness OF the cause of those who seek to
create such an impression. 1t is a contest
between the people and the politicians, and
foi the overthrow OF a political faction that
has almost ruined every public interest 1t
has ever touched. A glance over the legis-
lation of the State for the past twelve
people against the proscriptive. incompe-
tent and reckless faction that is struggling
for existence. Power, attained by arousing
the hates of race and stgmatizing every
one who questioned its methods and prac-
tees, has been used for selfish purpo ses,
and these alone. The interests of the peo-
pie and the welfare Of the State have never
been considered. Fossilized politicians and
party hacks have been pensioned upon the
Taxpayers, without regard to fitness or eff
tcency. The public welfare has been con-
sidered secondary to the necessities of party
favorites; and in this way the peoples in
terest have been neglected and shameful1y
abused. 1t is contest to correct such
abuses. and place the State in the hands OF
those who have shown their concern for
the rights of those who support the gov
ernment--whose toll and sweat are the
source of the life of the Commonwealth
RapuhIiconc ubathsr xuh;to or hlooE have
good reasons for supporting such move
ment. AS citizens Of Virginia. identified
with her destiny and anxious to witness
her growth and prosperity, they support it.
As Republicans, prescribed and prosecuted
solely because they are connected with
party that has exemplified its patriotism by
the most brilliant achievements in the in
terests oft TIE people that have ever marked
the career Of any political organization,
they support it, because they believe it will
be means of relief from such wrongs, and
of liberalizing public thought and political
| actions. In a partizan sense they expect
to gain nothing. 1t is movement engi-
neered by Democrats, emancipated, howev-
|
and aiming to deal out equal justice to ali
citizens, whether of one political faith or
another. And why should they not support
it? What crime do they commit against
the State, in sustaining the policy that has
contributed so much to the relief Of the peo-
pie and to the welfare ofthe State The re-
cords of the two factions furnish their justifi-
cation and attest the purity oftheir motives.
Il is in no party or partizan sense they act
but as citizens Of Virginia, entitled to every
right of every other citizen, and as deeply
| interested in just and equal laws and good
good government as any others.
II is not the fear that Republicans will
be installed in power that moves to such
known that such will not be the fact 1t
| is the fear that the Independent. revolving
Democratic people will assume the control
of the State which has been run almost to
ruin by the trading politicians who are now
trembling with apprehension at the threat
enened loss of all power. That is The Sc
cret Of the fears so nervously manifested
and not because the Republicans expect to
or will receive anything except the benefit
of beneficent laws, COMFORTING with the
constitution of the country and demanded
by the public pledges of the people of vir-
ginia. Nor is it the feaI of negro rule,''
because they know there is no cause OF
alarm from this source, for the reason that
the negro does not want to rule and if he
did, there is no possible way 1or him to do
so. His vote. it is true, may materially af-
feet results. but in the interest of economy,
efficiency and honesty in government, and
the elevation to position of capable men
who will favor the enactment Of wise laws
and the institution of liberal policy look
ing to the welfare of all classes without
regard to race or color. 1t is none of these
causes which inspire alarm; but the preg
nant fact that power and place may be
wrested from the politicians who have so
fiagrantly abused them, and placed under
control where they will be administered
in the interest of the toiers and taxpayers
of the State.