The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1883-05-24

planted civilization in the midst of a will
derness, and changed the waste places of
West into the garden spot OF the Union
and the granary Of the world. 1t linked
this unknown land with The Central States
by great lines of railroad. thereby making
its development possible.
1t adopted and enforced Il protective
tariff by which the balance Of trade was
changed from tens of millions against us to
hundreds of millions in or favor. In
stead of importing every year and DRAM
ing The wealth OF the country, the United
States is now exporting and making all
civilization contribute to its treasury
From dependence it has risen to absolute
independence, being capable OF producing
whatever it needs. and sending the pro-
duets of its mechanical Skill as well us its
grain and cotton. into the very heart OF
the old world. Commerce has been slim
ulated, furnaces and factories started. and
prosperity has crowned the efforts and en-
terprise of the people.
1t supplemented its transcontinental lines
| Of railroad by broadening and deepening
the rivers and harbors, thereby atfordins
easy means of transportation to market,
and making profitable the crops of the
farm and outputs of manufactures.
| In short. the record it has made is the
record of progress and prosperity. The
nation has grown with unprecedented Ia
pidity. Population has increased indi-
vidua and corporate wealth has been ac-
cumulated lands have been brought I'M
der cultivation material resources have
been developed railroads have penetrated
obscure and hitherto unknown regions
and with the strides OF u giant the Union
has outstripped her sister nations, and
now stands forth the unchallenged mis-
tress of the world.
Every legislative measure that has con-
tributed to this magnificent result is the
work of the Republican party. 1t was ac.
complished, too, against every means that
the Democratic party could bring to bear
By every art known to the willy politician
Democratic representatives have sought
to thwart the progress OF the nation and
clog the wheels of government, but thanks
to the good sense of the people, they have
failed OF success. and will continue to fai
until better earnest of their competency
can be given than has ever yet been af
fOrded.
And whilst the Republican party has
4 /, ;al ho into
ests, what las been the condition OF
those States under Democratic control
Take Virginia as an Illustration, will
which most of us are familiar. Look al
the history Of this State from 1869 tt
1879, and Il fair idea may be formed of Jht
capacity of that party to manage public
affairs. Their record during that time
when every interest Of the State was par
alyzed, when Virginia sscredit was a by
word and her plighted faith a jest, was
but the counterpart of the record made b.
the same party during its control of nj
tional concerns.
We ask men of sense and judgment Il
take these facts into consideration. an(
then say whether OF not they would b.
willing to have Virginia republicanized
They have been terroriZed by II name Ions
enough. Let them investigate for them
selves and make up their conclusions upon
plain, practical, common-sense principles
Let them think and act like men do il
private transactions, and carry into theil
public actions the same rules that govern
there. Then the plainest will understand
that the crime of Republicanism consists
in brayely meeting every obligation an(
giving the greatest good to the greatest
number.