The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-05-01
The Convention.

body. Between 700 and 800 delegates were
present, representing every county in the
State except four, and there were deter
mination, an enthusiasm and an earnest
ness manifested such as we have rarely
seen in a political body. About one-third
of the delegates were colored, and any one
who had before attended the State Conven-
lions either Of the Republicans or Coali-
tionists, must have been impressed with
the marked improvement in the appear
ance, the decorum, and the intelligence
of this class Of our citizens. Those who
spoke generally addressed themselves
to the point under consideration. Their
language was appropriate, their manner
respectful and their arguments, i'll some
instances. forceful and meth0dical. Take
it all in all, it was a remarkable conven-
tion, not only because of it's representative
character, but the unanimity of senti-
ment that prevailed, and the results of
the proceedings. so.55f lf.',
The platform adopted is distinct and
positive declaration of principle and pol
icy. 1t announces for protection to Amer
lean labor and the products of American
labor, without any uncertain sound. In
this it presents striking contrast to the
non-committal and indefinite position, or
want of position. of the Democratic par
ty, and demonstrates its identity with and
advocacy of a governmental policy, in
which is involved the future development
and progress of Virginia. There are very
few Intelligent men in this State who are
acquainted with the influences which are
moulding national destiny and crystalizing
national policy, that are not in sympathy
with the economic views on the subject of
the tariff the effect Of the operation of
which must be to contribute to American
independence. in the fullest and most
practical sense. Many who are aligned
with the Democratic party. from local and
personal influences, would deeply regret to
see that party, with it's record on this
question, come into possession of the gov
eminent, for they know that the threat
it would convey to the industries OF the
country would paralyze business, brighten
capital and arrest enterprise inficting
untold loss to the country. The simple
discussion of the tariff issue in the pres
ent Congress, and the proposition OF the
Democrats, as embraced in the Morrison
bill, it is estimated, has cost the people of
the United States not less than eight hun
bred millions of dollars When we take
into consideration the vast extent of the
industrial establishments of the country
their ratification into every avenue and
channel of business and relation Of So
ciety-the immense amount of capital in
vested in manufacturing interssts-it is
not unreasonable to conclude that the fig
ures named fall short of the actual harm
done, in the agitation Of question which
lies at the very base of our industrial pro-
gress and prosperity. And if this be the
effect of the mere discussion of the tariff
| questionable result of the suspense and
uncertainty which take possession Of those
directly interested with their capital, when
the Senate and Executive Departments of
the government stand as conservative
guards against the approaches of the ruin
GUS policy of the Democratic party, what
would be the effect if the entire govern
ment should pass into the control of the
Democrats Yet it is possible that Vir-
ginia may be called upon Ito decide this
very question in the vote she will cast in
the Electoral College to determine the
Presidential choice. 1t was appropriate
and opportune, therefore, for the Republi-
cans of Virginia to make proclamation in
favor of a tariff policy that looks to the
advancement of the interests of the Com
monwealth, as well as those Of every State
in the Union, and to declare their identity
with that national party which has for one
of its cardinal tenets the encouragement
and protection of American labor.
1t was german and logical that the Con.
yention Of the 23d should announce its
oneness with the Republican party and
declare itself part of the National Re
publican party in future contests. The
Coalitionists Of Virginia are committed to
every proposition the Republicans have
supported in State and National affairs. 1t
was simply the name that divided them
and now that general national election is
before us, it became necessary to announce
alignment with one or the other of the two
national organizations. With the record
| made in State affairs it would have been
qualification itself for them to have left
a suspicion remaining of purpose to aid
the Bourbons in this crusade for the con-
troll of the government. On distinct
measures and policy, in spirit andpurpose,
in sympathy and inclination, there is moth
ing common between the Bourbons and
Liberals of Virginia. They are as wide
apart as the poles in their aims and aspl-
rations-the one cowardly, non-committal
deceptive and treacherous, with no defined
position upon any controverted policy or
question, only ambitious for power by
whatever means atLained-the other open,
frank. pronounced, brave and determined !,
seeking no concealment and tolerating no
doubt as to any interest affecting State or
Nation. The one masquerading under
! false colors, and seeking to conceal its de-
sign-the other fighting with visor down,
aggressive and positive on every question,
and asking no other favor than a fair, free
and open discussion, that the people may
understand and judge. 1t was the courage
of conviction that stood behind the decla-
ration of Republican identity-a courage
that dared do right for the sake of the
right and to proclaim from the house tops
that there were no concealments or subter-
fuges or doubts to be tolerated or thought
| of. 1t was tribute to the public con-
science and the manhood of the people !;
an appeal to their bravery and indepen-
dence, and met with a response that de-
mOnstrated that the representative men.
| who assembled in the Richmond Theatre
on the 23d of April, 1884, knew what they
were doing and were intrepid enough to
announce to the world what their purpose
was.
Never in the history of parties in this
country was such sight witnessed before.
There were representatives from anearly
every county in the State. many of whom
had never cast Republican vote in a par