The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-01-10
"Re-Organization.n

Wepublish several communications relat-
| ing to the proposition to ''Reorganize' the
political forces naturally opposed to the
Bourbon party, but now nominally divided
into three factions, represented by three
State Central Committees. One of the let
| ters, the name of the writer of which we have
not felt authorized to publish, is from tai
ented and influential Readjuster. Anoth-
/ er, signed IA Republican since 1865, was
written by an esteemed friend, whose
name would give it weight and exert in
| f1uence throughout the State, but he pre-
fers not to make it public. The sugges-
tions of this writer do not convey an accu-
rate understand ding OF the situation, ac-
cording to our opinion. In, assuming that
| the most liberal allowance to the Straight
out Republicans would be about 1,500 he
| falls very far short of the mark. We are
well satisfied that there were not less than
10000 Republicans who voted the Demo-
cratic ticket in the November election,
and that there was an equal number who
did not vote at all. Dissatisfaction with
the meth DDS of the Coalition caused this,
and not any abatement of their attachment
to the principles and organization of the
National Republican party. Some who
had voted with the Coalition in every pre-
vious State election-who were not ex-
pecting or asking for office-but who had
adhered to the Republican party through
good and evil report, either openly voted
the Democratic ticket, as means of re-
buking what they condemned in Coalition
| management, or quietly remained at home,
refusing to take any part in the contest
This force cannot be driven or enticed into
the Coalition organization this fall. Some
of the staunchest Republicans in this por-
tion Of the State, who voted with the
Coalition organization last fall. have de-
clared that they will support no other than
a distinct Republican organization next
fall. And without this force acting in
concert with the Readjusters and Coalition
Republicans, we are well satisfied the Bour-
| bons will carry the State in the Presiden-
tial contest of 1884.
1t was in view of these known facts,
that we were induced to write the articles
which have appeared in the editorial col
umns of this journal, suggesting the me-
cessity of the re- organization of the Lib
eral forces in Virginia, to the end that
Central Committee might be formed that
would be acceptable to all classes, and that
delegation might be appointed to Chica-
go representing all interests, and an cleo
toral ticket placed in the fell that would
command the full strength of the oppo
nents of the Bourbon party.
We believe that if this can be effected
Virginia will give 10000 majority to the
electors thus appointed, and instead of
127, 900, as stated by our correspondent, as
the strength of the Coalition, not less than
15O, 900 votes would be polled against the
Bourbon ticket,
1t is unwlse to ignore the fact that there
is much dissatisfaction in the Liberal
forces in Virginia. We know that it ex-
its, and we would not be doing our duty
did we not attempt to point out the diff
culties to be overcome and the dissensions
to be adjusted. Personally we have no
interest to subserve in the suggestions we
have made. There is no position that we
want or would accept. But there are con-
siderations of higher public import that
influence us in urging the policy we have
heretofore advocated. Thousands of Re-
publicans who have co-operated with the
Coalition in State matters, do not recog-
nize that organization as the proper one
under which to engage in national con-
test. 1t implies dissatisfaction with the
National Republican organization-timid
ity in adhering to the name, and distrust
of the record, the aims and methods of the
party. 1t was framed for State purposes
not National, and it cannot inspire that
confidence at home necessary to success
and respect abroad to place us in full and
complete alignment with the Republican
party of the country.
We want to see the Bourbon party de-
,feated not only in the Nation, but in Vir-
ginia, in November next, and unless there
is harmony in the liberal forces and their
full strength can be commanded, this lat
ter cannot be effected. We have no dispo-
sition to magnify the difficulties to be
overcome, or exaggerate the actual facts of
the situation. But what we have written
above is due to this journal, as well as to
those who believe with us, and deem it of
essential Importance that more effective
organization shall be instituted.
There are other suggestions in this COM
munication which we might to discuss, but |
at this time we consider it impolitic to do |
SO, as our purpose is to say nothing that |
would cause irritation OF give occasion for
further estrangementS than now exist.