The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-07-17
Partizan Stand ers.

The opposition to Gov. Cleveland from
Democrats is because of his record as
Governor of New Y ork in the interest of
monopolies and against the workingmen.
1t is instigated by considerations affecting
public affairs, and not from mischievous
and offensive inquiry into his private life.
This ground of antagonism is legitimate
and proper, and if there is found in it as
much as is charged by those familiar with
his official acts, the effect must be damag-
ing indeed. Whether this be so or not,
we trust it will constitute the limit of the
criticism which may be INDUCED against
him. The disgust of the whole country
with the species of campaign against Mr..
Blaine inaugurated by the Democrats
ought to furnish ample reason why Repub-
licans should not follow their. example,
Men sufficiently eminent to receive the
nomination of either of the great parties
of the country for the exalted Office Of
President of the United States, should be
held above the slime and SANDER of petty
partizans, because not only is national
character involved but Republican insti-
buttons are in measure implicated. The
infamous cartoons which have been spread
broadcast over the country by the Demo-
cratic press. representing Mr.. Blaine as a
venal, corrupt and dangerous man, reflect
more discredit upon the Nation, in the
estimation of the outside world, than
they damage him with the American vo-
ter. Here we are familiar with the meth
DDS of reckless and vicious partizans, and
know to what extremes party exigencies
will drive the party managers and tools !;
but abroad the American character is
guaged by them. 1t is reasonable for for
eign nations to conclude that if a man SO
eminent as legislator and statesman-for'
twelve years holding the high office of
Speaker in the American Congress, a
trusted and honored member of the SEN
ate Of the United States, the most au-
gust legislative body in the world Secre-
tary of State under an administration that
inspired the respect and confidence of the
civilized world, and the nominee of one of
the great parties of the country for the
Presidency-were the proper subject for
such discreditable and disgraceful Carl
catures, then the American people them
selves must partake of his venality and
corruption. Whatever may be the private
life of Mr.. Cleveland and the dark spots
on his character. if any there be, it will be
the policy of this journal, at least, to pass
them by as unworthy of notice in the light
of the fact that he is, the nominee of
party that represents one-half OF the voting
strength of the country. His public record
is proper subject for criticism. His pri-
vate life is his private property, and there
we will leave it, sacred from the invasion
IF our pen.
George Washington, the elder and
younger Adams, Henry Clay. VIM. Henry
Harrison. James K. Polk, James Buchan-
IN, Franklin Pierce, James "A. Garfield
we're tattooed men in the eyes of the vi
'ious and corrupt of their party oppo-
rents but their characters, now that
hey are the heritage of the country, are |
leld above the shafts of SANDER and are
cherished as examplars Of the virtue and
PATRIOTISM of the American people. And
when detraction and defamation can no
onger serve the purpose of party, and the |
ruly American heartbeat and character
It James G. Blaine loom up above the |
urges of infamed passion and cnlhsttered |
late, he will stand out as the model states
men of bis time, inspired with earnest
owe for his country and her institutions,
nd will command the respect and homage
t all countries, where sagacious diplomacy,
minent public services and brilliant ge-
lius have admirers. ~