Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-02-18
Stauntotl Speftator.
W gDNEsDAY, FEBRUARY IS, 1885.
HON. JOHN R. TUCKER.

HON. JOHN R. TUCKER.
During the ten years which Mr.. Tucker
has been Virginia Representative at the
National Capitol, he has always occupied
position in the front rank of duty, and
has boldly espoused the interests Of his
people and ably defended their character
and honor, and maintained their plighted
faith with an ability which has received
the highest recognition. There seems,
however, to be a disposition among some
persons to strike him down in the house OF
his friends Aud for what? Because his
views on the Blair Educational bill differ
from those entertained by some other Dem
ocrats. We would not destroy the Demo-
cratic party to secure that bill as law,
nor can it be expected, in the event of it's
passage by the House of Representatives,
to clear the future of every obstacle which
may be thrown across the pathway of the
new administration.
we would accept the appropriation, be-
cause of many good reasons for doing so,
but at the same time we would not allow a
difference of views with Mr.. Tucker on
that question to grow into what seems to
be purpose with some to make issues out
side of party organization, which are ca
gerly seized upon by the opposition for a
well-known purpose.
Mr.. Tucker is not the only Democratic
Representative, or Republican either, who
has objections to the bill, but yet he seems
to have excited an ire and criticism that
calls for his immolation, when it is known
that the Democratic party, neither in Vir-
ginia nor any other State, is sufficiently
strong to lop off its members right an6
left, and that, too, by self-constituted
authority. The Blair bill has not beer
made test-question of membership, mol
should advocacy or opposition to it de
termine their fealty to the Democratic par
ty. And yet Mr.. Tucker is arraigned out
side of the organization of his party, and
his abode with the old family made de-
pendent on his support of the bill. Arc
there not many more and vitality important
matters for consideration? The people
have not disowned Mr.. Tucker, nor die
they condemn him for his views. Why
now this wal OIL him?
1t is time to call halt in this course
We want unity and strength, not discorG
weakness.
The Democratic party holds in its men,
bership men of different views on the de-
tails of tariff, but it has not said to the
one or the other there is no use for youl
support, nor should your influence and
ability for service be made of no avail
The good of the whole country requires,
and the proper course for the Democratic
party to pursue when the time comes fol
action, is to set: lie on a revenue policy
which will promote the public welfare and
not advance one interest over another
Nor should the Blair bill be the rock upor
which friends should drive one against the
other to fatal results-rosults potent only
for evil and to aid the Republican party il
its future efforts to regain power.
This is not state of things which should
exist on the eve of another and most i'm
portant general State election. In tlu,,
contest, every man in the -faa 10 non,v NJ
h:,..:,, =, .o4i panoply u
apl.ii1l1tisi .oded, and it is poor policy
- planting thorns in the pathway o.
any who will have his share of work tt
perform.
One of the hardest lessons we have IL
learn in this world is, that those who diffel
from us in principle and opinions are JUS
as honest in their convictions as we are
Let us wait awhile and put our house in or
der for the great work of reform. Mr.. Cleve
land is a strong man, but he cannot stand
If discord in any locality marks the actor
of the party sustaining him. Discovered
strength becomes futile. Concession, unity
and harmony must exist, if we would util
ize the victory they won.