The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1881-05-26
Hew to the Line

1t is plain to those who have noticed even
superb tally the political movements in this
State, and the policy affecting, party rela-
tons in Virginia, that there is to be a de-
termned effort to disband and DESTROY the
Republican party of Virginia. That is the
object OF Gen. Malone and that end has
been in view in his more recent expressive
actions. The question now confronts the
Republicans of the State whether it is their
purpose to aid in this scheme If they do,
they should at once pronounce against a
Republican State Convention. If not. then
they should urge the proper authorities to
take action at once to perfect organization,
and define a Republican policy for the az
preaching contest. There can be no half
way hating, hesitating policy in connection
with the emergency before u.s. We must
either maintain our party identity, or sur
render it. II we should falter now, it would
be the last of the Republican party in vir-
ginia. The proposition is very plain
one, and needs no elaboration. 1t is either
disintegration. surrender and political
death. or straight, determined adherence
to Republican organization. Republican
principles and Republican policy, with par
ty life. We must hew to the line, let
the chips fall where they may. OF de-
range. disfgnre and destroy the whole party
fabric.
While Republicans have had their atten-
tiOn drawn to Spaciouo prom;coc ona 1ol,,
sive blinds. the process of sapping and min
ing our foundations has been going on in
dustriously, persistently and Systematically
Every movement at Washington on the part
of Gen. Malone has had but one object in
vew-the destruction of the Republican
party of Virginia and the absorption of its
constituent elements into his Democratic
party. This is the meaning of the raid upon
the small post offices, which have neither
emolument nor honor in them. There is
political influence, however, in every change
made, for it creates the impression that the
Republican administration is giving him and
his Democratic Re-adjusters its material
and moral support, in breaking down the
Republican party of Virginia. This was
not, we suspect, the purpose of the adm in
istration. for it would hardly strike down
its real friends and supporters that its enc
mics might be built up. But such must be
the effect. A full knowledge of the facts
will change this policy. 1t is bat refiec-
ton of the liberal movement of 1869. 1t is
to gain control of the State, and when that
is accomplished all else will be added to
keep it. just as was done in 1869, and keep
it in the hands of the Democrats, as then.
Let all Republican workmen hew to the
line and keep their eyes steadily upon the
maintenance of Republican organization
a d Republican oneness. 1t is Glth them
to decide and not us, what is to be the ir flu
ture. and we leave it with them to deter
mine, without at this time doing more than
throw out the suggestions we have. 1t is
prolific theme for discussion, but we for
bear at this time, for we cannot bring our
selves to the belief that the Virginia Repub-
licans, after the record they have made for
fidelity to principle and courage in its MAIN
tenance. intend to make craven surren-
der.