Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1883-10-19
To the Republicans Of Augusta.

Editor Stanton indicator
INDUCING in the belief Mr.. Editor that
your fairminded journal is ever ready to
opinions II those who politically differ
from as we'll as those who agree With
it, IA old fashioned Republican asks for
lit le space to present his views from an
opposite stand point. to either of the two
opposing parties now contending for su-
premacy in this state.
we are on the eve of another exciting
State election. The Republican party of
Virginia as a distinct organization no
longer practically exists. Taking it for
granted that every man ought to exercise
the right of suffrage, the question is, how
are Repub leans to vote. 1t seems to me
that every true Republican can easily
answer this question. For, if our Demo-
cratic, with handful of Republican, Re-
adjrste1s, can longer unblusainoly hold
every office OF honor and of profit in the
State, and if the republican voters can
tamely put up with it, then of course they
will support the Coalition ticket.
But as an alliance entered into strictly
offensive and defensive, l doubt If the
world ever saw more hagrant outrage
dRdlu6U oVbly S6uSC vi IOAUl duu JuotlSO.
And suppose that Malone still further
succeeds in disrupting and finally over
throwing the Democratic party, will we,
as Republicans be any better off. 1t he
has thus treated US now while he is weak
and can do nothing without our assistance,
what may we expect of him when he shall
be stronger and in no need of our aid =
Do rulers became more lenient as they be-
come more powerful?
But you ask: Suppose we defeat the Goa
lition, what can Republicans hope for from
the Democrats, when again under their
rule? | answer simply, nothing at all
Socially. they are our friends; politically,
they are, and will be, our enemies. Still
at the worst, if we can never as party
restore our former organization, we may
at least, as individuals, preserve our self
respect. Have we any more to fear
from the Democrats now than formerly
brave men do their duty, consequences be-
long to higher Power. [ have, for opin-
ions sake, felt what it is to- be politically
prescribed and oStracised, but am none
the worse off for that. 1t is some consola-
tion to know. that greater and better men
have met with far sadder fate.
We may be dazzled by selfish ambition,
or lured by the demagogism of plausible
politicians; but what honorable man. or
WHdo SOou OiplAOA- Chh OFdt w W Vic ouPo
of a faithless, INSCRIPTIONS ally. 1t often
happens that man is called upon to
choose between an ungrateful friend and
an undisguised enemy. But between a
false friend and a faithful foe, there can
be no choice. 1 shall therefore give my
vote, and what influence | have, to the
Democratic ticket.
In doing this, am no less a Republican
now than [ always have been. There is no
tolerably informed man who does not
know that the wealth and intelligence of
this country belong to the Republican
party. 1t disdains encomium or panygfric
Its achievement is. whether in peace or war,
will stand out in all time to come amapg
the brightest on the page of history.
That flag hOnored above all, which
proudly floats over the mightiest and last
of earth's peoples, which streams out on
every sea under heaven and which is the
beacon banner of safety and hope to the
oppressed of all earth's heritage, owes its
perpetuated existence to the Republican
| party-With one stroke of the pen and
[ four years of bloody strife it set at liberty
four millions of colored slaves. which as a
, race and nation must be foreuer distinct and
| separate from every other. The solution OF
| the future of this vast problem, must be
alone the work of the Republican party.
In conclusion l warn Republicans
against what conceive to be the most
mischlevous of consequences to ourselves
I have grave apprehensions as to the re-
suit of the pending conflict; Malone is a
| leader of consumm ate ability. AS po-
! litical organizer he has no superior.
Under the speoious pretence of serving
the people, the cry of that magic word Re-
form, Reform is heard from one end of the
State to the other. The nauseating rehash
of what was done for the settlement of the
debt, in aid of the public schools, for the
removal of tn, whipping pos enactment,
and the prepayment of the suffrage tax, it
seems is to be our Bill of Fare ad mini
tunl.
In answer to all this ask was there
ever party in power which failed to cor
rect some abuses and irregularities? And
again. admitting these to be reformatiohs,
are the Republicans entitled to no credit,
no place. no emolument. no honor, save
the demolition of their very party itstlf?
Will any Republican continue to be the
suppliant tool of coalition which denies
him even decent recognition? and which
scorns to affiliate with him save only to
get his votep Still again, and finally, if
we are ready to bow to the basast serVi-
tude. are we ready to stoop to the vilest
insinceritv? j M. STEFFY.
augusta county. Oct. 18th.