The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-01-05
1909

BILE. Those among them who knew the
the man they were supporting recog-
nized in him one of the biggest brains and
biggest hearts which has commanded the
attention of this generation. In war and
in peace he had shown himself great in all
things which demanded greatness, and
up to every quire meEt OF the
brave soldier and patriotic citizen. 1t is
not strange that he should have drawn around
him devoted friends, who attested their at
tachment In one Of the most remarkable
political contests that the country has ever
country and its Institutions, he stood ont a
representative man of all the best inspira-
lions and highest ambitions Of the Ameri-
can citizen, with sympathies as broad as
our common domain, and in harmony with
the yearnings and aspirations Of the people
Democratic In his tastes, convictions and
principles. he believed and believes in the
right and capacity of the people to rule,
and that 1t is the duty of the most favored
citizen TO obey the command Of this power.
Many there were among the 306, who
neither understood the man or the motive
OF the contest. They simply followed lead
votes. than should be ascribed to any other
number OF followers OF a cause or a man.
1t is mostly this class. who, with no other
recommended ion to give them notice, pre-
hn catx ~ hn on1
claims upon the adm in istration because OF
this. The leaders believed the interest OF
the Republican party and the country
would he snhse rged by the nomination Of
neither cared Tor nor comprehended the
principles OF the party, nor the interests Of
the country, but fell in line in the hope
that success might IN AXE it possible for
them to procure recognit ion. 1t was
office with them, and nothing else. The
creatures of accident or trade In their APP
pointment, they would just as readily have
been the creatures OF circum stances, had
the indications pointed to the success of
some other OF the prominent candidates be-
fore that body. So far as the class to whom
we refer are concerned, it mattered not much
who might have been nominated II they could
only have foreseen he result and been one Of
the originals. When, therefore, claim is
preferred because Of being one of the 306,
1t may be safely assumed that there is not
much else to recommend, and that this
claim would not have been brought out,
but for the changed condition Of things.
Republicans who were inspired by devo-
ton to the principles Of the party and ia
vored the nomination Of Gen. Grant be-
cause Of that conviction, are rarely heard
to refer to their Identification with that
historical number. They bowed to the ac-
ton Of the Convention. and became Car
field and Arthur men when the authority
ofthe party had spoken-abating, however.
none of their admiration for and attach
ment to the great soldier and statesman
who failed of success on that occ ,sion.-
They recognized 10 the ticket put forth the
reflection OF the will Of the party. and that
the principles which drew to 1t the sympa-
thies and support of the intelligence and
character Of the nation. would be Just as
faithfully carried out as If their first choice
had been successful. During the brief
reign Of President Garfield they were dis
posed to stand by him because he stood as
the representative OF the party and now
that President Arthur has assumed the con-
troll of the Executive branch OF the govern
ment. with equal sincerity and earnestness
they will support him. 1t Is not because of
the man but of the living principles OF the
Republican party, that this obed fence to
authority is observed. Whatever might
have been their personal preference. they
are none the less sincere in their purpose
to uphold the principles Of their belief,
and the authority which repre- sents those
principles.
The impartial judgment will recognize
Ia the administration OF President Arthur
an earnest and consistent reflection of Re-
publican ism. 1t is only where selfish AM
bition and surface attachment exist that a
distinction is drawn between ''stalwarts'
and "half-breeds.'' The only question
which is worthy OF consideration. In con-
nection with official appointments wheth-
er the applicant is a Republican. believes
in the principles and policy of the Repub-
lican party and recognizes its authority in
the action of its del berative bodies. Good
and true men are found under both OF these
designations. and very bad men may range
with each following. 1t matters not wheth-
err nOminally ''stalwart" or half. breed,
so the favored man be among the honest
and faithful who have proven their devo-
ton to the principles which have done so
much for the country. This should be the
only test that should guage official recogni-
ton in the present administration.
IL President Arthur should make the
choice of his constitutional advisers from
either one wing or the other, it will not be
by reason OF their being known AS ''stal-
warts'' or "half-breeds," but because be
believes such selections will enable him the
better to practically institute the policy and
energize the principles which are held par
amount by all true Republicans. We have
no doubt it W i'll be his aim to so conduct
his admin istration as to remove the distinc-
ton which is implied by the two express
sions we have quoted, and to illustrate the
be neficent purpose and vindicate the great
principles of the party he represents. He
is not the President OF a stalwart or half.
breed wing OF the party. but of fifty mil
lions American people. and it will be his
highest ambition to promote their happiness
and prosperity. He will be held responsible
by the country for the results OF his reign,
and the commonest apprec iation OF the dif-
fculties and responsibilities attaching to
his high Office should silence carping criti-
cism and shame into retirement the mere
selfish agitators who follow the fortunes Of
men rather than obey the authority and
support the principles Of party.
Thus far the President has called from
the walks Of private life the purest and best
of the distinguished men of his party. FIRE.
lnghuysen. Folger. Brewster, and Howe
stand out in singular prominence for their
elevated craftsmanship, their spotless pri
vate characters and their shin ing patriotism.
They would honor any State or admins
no fIHan.sQ nf oil