The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-12-20
A Present DUTY.

more Cnan does Tile NEW DIX IHneS anu
the New York Tribune. The facts, and
relations of parties opposed to the Bour-
bons, are discussed from extreme stand
points, and neither of the papers appear
to appreciate the necessity Of uniting all
the influences that it is possible to combine
in support of the Republican electors in
1854. The New York journals assume
that the Readjusters are hostile to the po-
litical views of the Republican party, and
the Washington paper asserts that all
who have not co-operated with the Read
justers are ''desertersn from the Republic
can party. Without pointing ont the er-
rors of each, or discussing the relative
merits of the Readjusters and Straight
out Republicans, there is one prominent
fact that should not be overlooked That
is, that the electoral vote Of Virginia can
not be given to the nominees of the Re
publican party without the assistance OF
both the Readjusters and Straightout Re-
publicans without the united efforts of
all who are opposed to the Democratic
party as now constituted. TO accept,
therefore, the conclusion Of either the
New York journals or our Washington
contemporary would be to substantially
abandon all hope of making Il successful
canvass in Virginia against the Democrat
ic party in 1884.
We assume it to he true. that the Read
insters--and this term by no means in
cludes all who co-operated in the recent
election in this State against the Bourbons
would prefer to see the Republican
Presidential nominees succeed in Novem-
Der next than that the Democratic .candi-
dates should win, and we know it TO I've an
indisputable fact that the Straiglitout
Republicans will vote for no other candi-
dates than those presented by the Repub-
lican National Convention. 1t must be
further remembered that the Republicans
who have co-operated with the Readjusters
in past State contests, do not approve OF
sympathize with the denunciation OF the
Straightouts. because of differences us to
State policy and the methods of conduct
lily Dldle tltCblOlIO NlilCil navy bSSH Wv
served for the past few years. We do not
admit that they have compromised their
relations to the National Republican par
ty by the course they have pursued in
State matters, although we have differed
from them and labored for the success OF
the policy they did not endorse or APP
! prove. 1t is q further mistake to assume
that the Republicans who have acted with
the Readjuster organization in State af-
fairs are willing todispense with Repub-
lican organization in a national contest. So
far from this. it will be found, when the
test is made, that nine-tenths of the Re-
publicans in the State will be satisfied with
nothing less than an organization in posi-
tive alignment with the National Repub-
lican party, and will submit to no PROPOSE
ton that does not comprehend this fact.
They are not willing to compromise the
National Republican party by being par
ties to destroying its national symmetry
and countenancing any relation that does
not recognize the higher sentiment of the
party. There is nothing in the name or
the record of the Republican party that
they are willing to disown OF are ashamed
of. They have passed through too many
trials and been exposed to too much con-
tumely and ostracism for the Republican
cause, to think of abandoning the organi-
zation OF surrendering their convictions at
a time when the call is made for them to
H. bo Nat; or
The journal OF the politician who does
not see the necessity of uniting all the
elements opposed to the Democratic party
and forgetting past differences, in State
matters, does not properly appreciate the
situation in Virginia. and is not compe-
tent to advise as to the safest policy.
There is no occasion to inject personal
feeling into the consideration Of this vital
subject. What is absolutely wanted is for
an understanding to be reached through q
State Convention. by which Readjusters,
Coalitionsts and Straightonts may come
together and concentrate their efforts in
behalf Of Il common cause, to which all OF
them profess to be committed. If there
is sincere purpose to further this cause,
personal relations Will be regarded us see
ondary and non-e essential. and 4 higher mo-
tive prevail IN adjusting the differences
which exist, with a.vew to the crystaliza-
ton of the forces in one effective organi-
ZatiOn.
1t is eminently improper. therefore. for
Republican journals outside of the State,
to be assailing the Readjusters, on the one
side. and the StraightOut Republicans on
the other. The recent meeting of the
latter in Washington, demonstrated, in
the number present, that they are a power
that should not be despised OF treated with
contempt. Not less than 80 or 60 of the
staunchest of Virginia Republicans par
ticipated in the conference-men who
stood at the birth Of the party in the
State and have been true to its national
principles in sunshine and in storm. Not
only were the number and character of the
gentlemen present entitled torespect, but
they represented a sentiment that is
shared by thousands of Republicans
who have not been in sympathy with
them in recent State contests. The
paramount thought in that conference, as
we learn. was to fall upon some plan by
which all who are opposed to the Bourbon
Democracy might be united, and common
cause made in the campaign of 1884. They
do not propose to make unreasonable de-
mands, but by mutual concessions harmon
ize conflicting views ana invite to an active
cooperation all the influences which nat
urally should be arrayed i'll IN organization
to oppose the Democratic party.
We have no hesitation in asserting that
unless concessions are made--past differ
ences as to State matters ignored and a
spirit of Cancellation and harmony invoked.
the canvass for the Republican candidates
in 1884 will be fruitless. If Readjusters.
Coalitionists and Straightouts cannot unite
in a common organization, it would be
next to useless to have any at all. To
succeed, there must be mutual conces-
sions, the sacrifice Of personal prejudices
and the absence of personal politics. With
this assured. the way will be made clear to
rescue the Commonwealth from the
clutch of the Democratic party. not