The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-03-30
Senator Wilcox's Position.

A)SAASSoOA ~AOO~> -
State Senator Wilcox. elected as a Re-
adjuster from the Petersburg District, an
nounced last week that hereafter he pro-
posed to be known as National Republic
can. The following day to this announce
ment he offered a resolution in the Senate
THAT the issues now pending, both State
and National, demand that there be pub
lie declaration of party faith and we, the,
Re-adjuster party If the State of Virginia,
hereby declare our intention by resolution
to vote with the National Republican party
of the United States on all party meas
ures." The resolution was ruled to be out
Of order, and after some little tender-foot
diminishing the matter was dropped with
out coming to vote.
1t was not important that such formal
declaration as Mr.. Wilcox proposed should
be made, but it was frank and manly that
he proposed to make it. In State policy
the Re adjusters are giving effect to what
the Republicans have contended for. for
years past. On national questions, the Re-
adjuster Senator and Members of Con-
gress are giving their support to the Re-
publican administration, and are recog-
niZed as its friends. by assigning to them
the control of public patronage. 1t is nat
ural that when Senator or member of
Congress gives his votes and influence to
sustain the measures and policy of an adj
ministration, by 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. If the Re-adjusters
in State and National matters support and
aid in enforcing Republican policy. it is a
matter of Indifference to US by W hat polti-
cal nomenclature they may wish to be known.
But we think it would be more manly and
courageous to do as 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 and prosperity. 1t would relieve
both the administration and the Re-adjus-
tiers of the slurs which are daily placed
upon them by the Democratic press and the
charge of dicker between Republican
administration and political influence
that does not recognize allegiance to that
| administration, for mercenary considera-
ton. 1t is rational and right that the Re-
adjusters should vote to sustain the admins
tration of President Arthur and it is natural
and right that he should recognize them as.
his political friends by reason of this; but
there is neither policy nor consistency
in adhering to name that is expressive of
significance, and having no bearing upon
national questions. If the coalition forces
in Virginia are to be crystalized into a per-
manent political power. the name Read
juster will have to be dropped, and some
other adopted broader in its significance
and more appropriate for national affilia--
ton. Whether Mr. Wilcox is in advance
of public sentiment in the posi- ion he has
announced.is for the Read listers to say. We
do not think he is He has simply given ex-
preston in formal terms, to what is prac-
tically the fact. and which it only requires
courage to acknowledge. We. however. do
| not propose to suggest the time or the man.
ner for more explicit enunciation of ma
tional identity and sympathy on the part of
the Re-adjusters. They can choose their
own methods and consult their own con-
yenience about such matters We will be
content with their practical support of
what we regard Republican policy, whether
they consider it so or not, and give them
our support in the enactment and enforce
ment of all measures. which NAV be
deemed calculated to advance the interest
of Virginia and the country. We cannot.
however, withhold our com mendation from
Senator Wilcox, in the straightforward.
manly course he has seen proper.to adopt.
and the distinct party enunciation he has
made