Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-04-04
keadJasters good enough Republicans
to SUIT their Party.

1t seems that the Readjusters are good
enough Republicans to suit the Valley
Vsrgimidm, from the last issue of which
we copy the following editorial under
the caption "Senator Wilcox's posi-
tion," to which we would direct the at.
tention of all Democratic Readjusters
that they may see whittier their leaders
are carrying them -
Estate Senator Wilcox elected as Re.
adjuster from the Petersburg District,
anhou coed last week that hereafter he
proposed to be known rs q National
Republican. The following day to this
announcement he offered = resolution
in the Senate that the issues now pend
ing, both State and National, demand
that there be public declaration Of
party faith and we. the Readjuster par.
ty of the State of Virginia hereby de.
clare our intention by resolution to vote
with the National Republican party of
the United States on all party meas
uTes" The resolution was ruled to be
out OF order. and after some little tender
foot sklrMishiDg. the matter was drop
ped without coming to q vote
IL was not important that such formal
declaration rs Mr.. Wilcox proposed
should be made, but 1t was frank and
mauIy that he proposed to make it, In
State policy the Rradjusters are giving
effect 70 what the Republicans have con-
tended for, for years past. On national
questions, the Readjuster Senator and
Members C"ngress are giving their
support to the Republican administra.
ton, and are recognized AZ its friends,
by assigning to them the control of pub.
lie patronage 1t Is natural that when
SenatOr or Member of Congress gives
bis votes and influence to sustain the
measures and policy of an administra.
ton, hy whatever party name he is
known, that he should be considered
friend and given that consideration
which any other friend, by whatever
party designation known. would have
lfthe Readjusters In State and National
matters support and aid in enforcing
Republican policy. it is matter of in.
differ. nee to US by what political no
inencia'ure they may wish to be known.
But Q think it would be more manly
and c"urag eous to do rs Mr.. Wilcox
suggests boldly declare for the party
which is the patron and source of the
IDEAS and policies they deem essential to
State and National progress aud pros
perity. 1t would relieve both the ad
minjstration and the ReadJusters Of the |
siurs which are daily placed upon them |
by the Democratic press and the charge |
of dicker between Republican adj
ministratiOn and political Influence
that does not recognize allegiance to |
that administration, tor a mercenary
consideration. 1t is rational aud light |
that the Readjusters should vote to sus-
tain the administration OF President Ar
thur, aud it is natural and right that |
ne should recognize them rs his pOliti. |
cal frieuds by reason of this but there |
Is nett her policy nor consistency in ad |
herring to a name that is expressive only |
of an accomplished fact of purely local
significance, and having no bearing |
upon national questions. If the coali.
ton forces in Virginia are to be crystal.
ized into permanent political power,
the name Readjuster will have to be |
dropped, aud some other adopted broad
ei in its Significance and more apprO-
pirate for national utilization. Whether
Mr.. Wilcox is in advance of public sen.
timent in the position he has annOun.
ced. is for the Readjusters to say. We
do not think he is He has simpH
given expression in formal terms,
what is practically the fact and which
it only required courage to acknowl-
edge. We, howev er, do not propose to
suggest the time or the manner for q
more explicit enunciatiOn of national
identity and sympathy on the part of
the Readjusters. They can choose their
owD methods and consult their own
about such matters. We
will be content with their practical cup
port of what we regard Republican poll
icy, whether they consider it SO or not,
aud give them our support in the enact
ment and enforcement of all measures
" hich may be deemed calculated to adj
vance the interest of Virginia and the
country. We canbot. however. with-
hold cur cOmmeDdatioa from Senator
in the straightforward, manly
course he has seen proper to adopt, and
The distinct party enunciation he has
made"