The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-02-15
The Difference.

Parties are not perfect No human organi-
cation ever was. Yet their faults and defects
are not so monstrous as their opponents
would represent them to be. When a party
has demonstrated its concern for the people
by tangible, practical reforms and improved
on the legislation and administration of the
political organization it succeeds, it may be
considered as at least entitled to popular con-
fidence. We illustrate this by reference to the
results of the administrations of the two par
ties in Virginia. The Bourbon faction held
control of all the departments of the State
government for eight years, and it cannot
point to single important interest, affecting
the public welfare, that was promoted and
conserved. The wrongs it inflicted were so
transparent and glarlng, that, notwithstand-
ing the popular prejudice which constituted
the source of its success, the people revolted
against it, and drove it from power. The
Liberal party succeeded it, and the contrast
presented in the results of the two admins
trations is 80 striking and pregnant that no
one can fail to see the difference. Order has
"SSAA SASuEho OQt vi SA1Oc. uC CIcQlb Oh Lue
State has been restored. The Treasury has
been enabled to meet promptly all just de-
mands upon it. The agitation of the debt
question has ceased, and the distrust growing
out of it abated. The taxes have been re-
duced. The public schools haye been fostered
and encouraged to such an extent as to estab-
lish them on a firm foundation. Capital,
which evaded, is now seeking our borders
The people are cheerful and content d and a
degree OF prosperity prevails, surpassed IN no
former period of the States history.
These are the facts which every honest
man must acl n6weldge and recognize, and
that appeal to the conscience, as well as the
self-interest, of, all. Should it not be- the
policy, as certainly it is the interest, of every
one to calmly and dispassionately consider
these things and give credit where it is due.
If the honest people of the State, who do not
seek office, and who only desire to haye good
government, would break away from their
prejudices, they could not but award their ap-
proval of what has been DONE
The Liberal party is not perfect 1t may
have, and doubtless has committed errors, but
is it right to magnify them, misrepresent
| facts and assail motives, when the tangible re-
suits are so palpably for the public good No
o who will give the two condit1ons-that
under Bourbon rule and that under Lib
eral auspices-impartial thought and sur.
render his prejudices to his judgment, can
fail to see the benefits which have been as.
sured to the people and the favorable effects
that are manifest in all the varied interests of
the State since the Liberals have had charge
of the government. When party has proved
its fidelity to public trusts, is it wise policy to
discard it for another which has demonstrated
its incapacity to meet the public wants !?
Nothing but the blindest partzanism can be
offered as an excuse for such a suicidal course
We believe the people understand. the situa-
tion-we know that many Of them are ready
to recognize it, and adjust their political re-
lations in accordance with the suggestions of
common sense and common patriotism. Bour-
bonism has been an actual, real curse to the
State, and every intelligent man knows it.
Liberalism has been tangible blessing to the
State and every intelligent man must &C.
knowledgeit. In the quiet of their homes, let
the people reflect over these matters-study
the facts as they exist, and give credit where
it is due, and censuIe where it belongs.