The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-04-05
The Right Principle.

eferred to the former personal and bust
less relations which existed between Hon.
John S. Wise and Gen. VIM. Malone, as
.eason why MI. Wise should not oppose the
present plan of organization for the Repub-
lean party of Virginia. They have charged
hat because of these personal relations
md the policy which Mr. Wise has recently
outlined, that he has manifested lngratl'
tude.
This is IA strange view for intelligent,
high. minded men to advance. We have no
doubt Mr. Wise has met every obligation
that these personal relations imposed as
an honorable man should have met them.
Whatever their nature, whether personal
and private, or professional, We venture the
belief that he has measured up TO every |
obligation they carry. and acquitted him |
self of every duty that his manhood re-
cognized.
The question involved in the two Doll
cies indicated in the present plan of or
ganization and that Mr.. Wise proposes, is
le of principle-a great principle, reach
ing to the fundamental idea of our gov
eminent, and which he could no more lg'
nore at a time like the present, when MS
attention is called to it, than he could dis
own his existence. To do so would DO TO
prove an migrate" not only to himself,
to the people. to the manhood of his race,
but to his Creator. He is only contendlng
for the sovereignty of the people-thelr
right to be heard in the formulation OF plans
and policies. and to be recognized in their
administration as distinguished from the
despotic and arbitrary party law now IN
existence, which absorbs the party into
one man and makes him the dictator and
autocrat of the organization.
We do not know that there has ever
come under our observation more cour-
ageous and patriotic attitude for man 10
assume than that which Mr.. Wise has
taken. Renouncing none OF his personal
friendships. and declaring that he does not
desire to do so. he yet compartments that
there is a question and interest far more
important and essential, involving far
reaching principle. than his personal rela-
tions. that it is his duty to assert, advo-
cate and appeal to the people to accept.
1t is principle, without the recognition
of which, parties must either degenerate
into mob or become crystalized power
to be used for selfish purposes or to effect
despotic ends.
No man in Virginia has ever taken a
Drawer, nober more patriotic position, or
advanced to the support OF grander prln'
ciple that than which Mr.. Wise has amour
ced. 1t is position he can afford to hold,
even if it should necessitate the surrender
of the closest personal friendship and defy
abuse, villification. detraction and false
hood. with the conscious assurance that
the principle will eventually triumph and
the reward that is inseparabe from cour-
ageous devotion to duty will follow. Never
in his career as brilliant orator. pro-
found lawyer. or bold, dashing leader
has he appeared to such advantage as ne
does to day. in declaring for the principle
of popular representation IN the plan OIL
organization, regardless OF private friend
ships, or personal obligations. II such ex-
ist. which have not been discharged. He
pleads for the Right. seeks the emanclpa-
ton of The Republican party of Virginia
from one man rule, and demands that the
sovereignty OF the people shall be recog-
nized in the policy and the administration
of the affairs of the party. 1t is prlncl-
pie that IS right under ali circumstances
and in all conditions, whether IN partles
or government, and he Is the true friend
of the people and of government VINO
dares to proclaim and defend 1t, lndlffer-
emit as to the costs and careless as to the
consequences. 1t is only by the recognl-
ton of this principle that che party can
or should deseryetO live; and Mr.. =" Use 10
entitled to the thanks Of all true hepuoli-
cans fer the manly and brave purpose ne
has announced to struggle for rs pfactleal
recognition in the policy and plans 81 the
marty And whatever may be the motive
OF those who oppose it, or the spirit ~
which their opposition is manifested, there
is no manly man in Virginia, Who desires
to see the Republican party grow into a
healthy and vigorous power, VINO DelleVes
in its principles and consider them more
important than the selfish plots and
schemes of the designing few. who does
not endorse the position of Mr.. Wise, and
approve the views he has expressed. His
appeal to the Republicans Of Virginia Is
Oppertune. 1t comes at time when
chicanery, intrigue and deception are be-
ing invoked TO prostitute party organlza-
ton to mercenary objects. and the ma
chinery of party is being engineered to
enslave the people to the arbitrary will of
one man. who cares nothing for the party
or its principles. except as they may serve
for self exaltation and to administer to a
greed for power that is inconsistent with
the rights and sovereignty OF tie people.
Mr.. Wise has taken brave, manly
stand for great principle. and will be
sustained, as his father before him was,
in championing popular rights and main
tanning the liberty Of the people against
the Vaccinations of secret conspirators
who plot to assassinate the Republican
party, that upon its ruins they may build
for self.