The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-08-18
Next LEGISLATURE.

TIC lu1pOTlduCc VI ttit Ley isldtuTc W Uc
elected this fall canEot be too highly esti-
mated by the Republicans of Virginia. With
it will rest many important questions to
determine, as it affects them and the State
at large. Some of the more prominent du-
ties we indicate as follows:
The election of United States Senator.
The election of five Judges of the Su-
preme Court.
The re-dstrcting the State for members
Of Congress.
The repeal of the capitation tax restric-
ton on suffrage. While as to this the ac-
ton will not be final, it is essential that it
should be favorable.
The repeal of the whipping-post law.
The modification of the criminal law, SO
as to restrict the penalties to what they
were when the Constitution of Virginia was
adopted, and the pledge of the people given
never to alter it to effect disfranchisement
except as therein provided.
Independent of the debt question. these
are all matters of vital Importance, and
call for the most active and aggressive con-
sideration by Republicans. The present ar
rangement of the Congressional. districts,
made with reference to partizan advantage
alone, is simply outrageous, committed by
the Democratic party in 1901. OF the
nine districts. only two contain a majority
of Republicans. where there should be at
least four, if the purpose were to give fair
representation of public sentiment. The.
Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Districts run
from the mountains almost to the sea. in
order to throw in with the strong Demo-
cratic counties as many Republican coun-
ties. or counties that would be Republican
were there chance for the election of a
Republican Congressman, so as to absorb
Republican strength, yet give Democratic
preponderance.
The election of United States Senator
to succeed Senator Johnston will come be-
fore the next Legislature. There will be
three parties in that body Democrats, Re-
adjusters and Republicans. If the latter
are active and preserve their organ lzation,
they can hold the balance of power, and
really control the result not only in this
matter but in many others by electing true.
steadfast and ingrained Republicans, who
can neither be bribed, coaxed nor fright
ened.
Let it be remembered that r e-adjuster
Democrats are but little better than Bourbon
Democrats, and that the only way for the
Republicans to get justice and secure the
consideration their numbers entitle them to-
is to stand fast to the ir organization, sup
last and all the time. and preserve a dis
tinct organization in the campaign and in
the Legislature.
BY doing this they can exert conserva-
tive influence in the Legislature and upon
the State, by holding in check both of the
factions of the Democracy, and at the same
time so arrange and dispose of their forces
as to give to the Republicans of Virginia
something like their just consideration.
In every county in the State where the
Republicans hold a majority or the balance
OF power, Republican candidates for the
Legislature should be brought out and voted
for with the full strength of the party. No
entangling alliances with the Re- adjusters
or Bourbons should be made. Let these
act for themselves, and be responsible to
the country for their reputation and revo-
lutionary schemes. The Republicans may
have the power to hold them both within
conservative and proper restraints, and force
such Statutory legislation as will be of last
ing benefit to the State, and aid in building
up Republican party out of the best ele-
ments of the Commonwealth.