The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-05-03


State, but on account of MessrS. Craig
and Allen, who were the principal speak
ers and managers on what we believe was
the minority side, Col. Allen is a gentle
man for whom we baye the highest per-
sonal regard: is a man Of ability as pub
lie speaker and has a bright future before
him, if not hampered and handicapped by
influences which have crushed down al
most every Young man in the party VINO
has permitted them to control him. Ills
keen comprehension of cause anu eheoV'
of the springs of human action ought 10
instruct him, that this movement against
the present plan OF organization and the
arbitrary manner in which the Republican
marty of Virginia has been dominated and
controlled, is one that appeals to the man
hood of the party-tO its intelligence and
self.respect. and that it is as certain to
succeed as that the right will eventually
prevail over the wrong. The party and
the State have use for him in a higher
mission than to carry out the whims and
to crafty the revenges of one man whose
whole history has been warfare against
his fellow men, in whatever position he
has held, where independent thought was
INDUCED and individual action deemed
proper. He will tolerate nothing but SER
vile obedience. and with a free people
this cannot long be endured or submitted
to.
Mr.. Craig's action was utterly inexcu-
sable and indefensible. He knows this
himself. The most reprehensible part of
it was the manner in which he directed
the Convention under the organization that
was conceded, in Difference to the condl-
ton of the gentleman who presided, and
the confidence that was reposed in his
fairness of intention, had his health been
such as to leave his mird free to act and
decide. The change made in the list of
delegates that was originally read, and
never afterwards before the Convention,
and the statement that Mr.. j. Y ost was
not among the delegates at large named,
was such a gross contortion of the facts.
that we are surprised that such a state
ment should be authorized to go TO the
public. Certainly Mr.. Peyton will not ELL
dorse it, if he knows what was done, as
Col. S. B. Allen does not. Mr. Craig read
the list of proposed delegates himself, and
mentioned Mr.. Y ost and Prof. Roller by
name, as of those opposed to him, as an
evidence of his desire for harmony. But
| of course this deceived no one. 1t was
giving two and taking ten, and so far
from being suggestive as an act of har-
mony, was a trap, first to catch votes,
and then muzzle the two gentlemen
named But the list was not adopted
and Mr.. Y ost loses nothing by M. Craig 8
after thought and sharp practice.
AS to Mr. j. Yost, he did what he be-
lieyed to be right, and in our opinion was
right. For this he has no apology to make
or explanation to offer. His position is
that which will be sustained by the Re-
| publicans of the county, the district, the
State and n alton, for it was simply an
appeal for the observance of the highest
law of the party and the integrity OF the
Republican organization of the country.
1t is position that this paper earnestly
endorses. and will defend at all times and
under all circumstances and against all
opponents. We do not care snap Of our
fingers for the threats and falsehoodS of
those who are stultifying themselves by
mendacious Misrepresentation There is
no Office in the gift of the people and no
place under the State or Federal govern
ment that would induce either Mr.. j. Y ost
or the writer Of these lines to swerve a
hairs breadth from the course that was
laid down in the convention and in these
columns, or to compromise their conviction
Of the right of that position.
We are contending for the integrity OF
the Republican party-for the rights of
the people within the party organization
for a higher plane Of party duty and &C.
ton. The Republicans of Virginia have
been too long the slaves of one man, whose
selfish ambition is his only law and consid.
Grafton for those who do the voting and
the party work, the last thing that he
thinks Of. The party must throw Oft the
incubus-must strike the blow that will
emancipate it from the iron clutch that
| is pressing it to death, and show to the
world that the Republicans of Virginia
are freeman. who knowing their rights
dare maintain them. 1t is 2 broad and in
viting field for the young men in the party
to manifest their patriotism and their
sympathy with the people, and to it we
invite all WHO aspire TO serve the party.
the State and the country to share in the
honor and glory OF lifting the organization
cut of the slough of desPond Tito which
it has been plunged by the despotic rule of
one man.