The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-01-04
Timely Warning.

11M0AJ w "a AAhS'
rs, Bourbon press of Virginia is just now
manifesting much concern about the reorgan-
ization of their broken columns. Various ed
itorial and communicated articles have ap-
peared urging prompt and vigorous action,
looking to q crystalized force for the cam
paign of next fall. We are not surprised at
this. We look for a stubborn contest next
fall for the Legislature, and we do not miscal-
culate on the desperate efforts which are to be
put forth by the Bourbon faction to regain
ascendancy in the State. 1t is true the re-
peal of the restriction on the ballot liberates
many liberal voters, white and colored but in
the degree that the popular strength Of that
party should be increased thereby will the en-
deavors of the Bourbons be multiplied to
counteract it, Their reliance will be money.
to be placed where it will accomplish the
most, or where they may think ii will do the
most good for their cause. 1t will be CON
tributed literally and raised unscrupulously,
more especially in what is known as the
black belt, land especially in closely contested
counties. The first step is the reorganization
they propose. When this is effected, then their
plans will be matured and by the time the
active canvass commences, their treasury will
be supplied, their agents selected and the
work of drilling and scheming inaugurated.
We will be much mistaken if the election
next fall does not prove to be the most holly
contested, ifnot the bilterest, through which we
have ever passed. And in view OF these prob
abilities, it behooves the Liberals to be look
ing after their lnterests-to BIZ arranging their
own pans-to perfecting their organization.
There will be no legitimate issues presented
or discussed by the Bourbons. There is none
on which they dare go before the people,
They have sntsgonized every measure and
every policy that looked 10 the public well
fare. The record of their administration il
utterly indefensible, and where the results of
are brought in contrast with those which
have followed the control of the State gov.
eminent by the Liberals, they have nothing to
justify an appeal to public confidence. With
cause SO desperate, SO far as the real inter
ests OF the people are concerned, they will BIT
forced back upon the old methods of attempt
ing to revive race issues, defamIng all who are
opposed to them, and the power OF money tt
control votes.
We refer to these matters now TO remint
the people what Bourbon reorganization
means, and TO warn them in time of wha
they will have to contend against. The pub
| lie schools, the public debt, the charitable in
situations, and numerous important Teform
not yet acted on, will be relegated to the past
if Bourbon ingenuity and audacity can do it
These are interests they will not discuss o.
consider. Their record condemns them ON al
of them and the effort will be made to ignol'
them, because of the favorable condition il
which they are found under change of Stat'
administration. But they must be kept be
fore the public-pressed upon the popular
mind, and the danger to them of Bourbon
supremacy exposed, SO that the people may b.
ready for the struggle, and fully equipped tt
meet the issues, whatever they may be, and il
whatever manner presented.