The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-11-22
Hon M. S. Quay.

Senator Quay. Chairman of the Repub-
lean National Committee. has proven hin
self TO be the Bismarck of American poi
itics. He combines the forces OF the ter
man diplomat with the organizing FAC
ulty of the German General Won Molike.
In no campaign since that OF 1876, when
Senator lack Chandler was the Republican
chairman, has more ability been displayed
than in the contest Of 1888. He quietly
took the bearings OF the political elements;
measured the iDStrumentaltleS upon when
the Democrats re led: acquainted himseit
with the workings of their plans, and then
went to work to counterfeit and defeat
them. There never has been more mas
terly campaign conducted in the Repub-
lie.
After the election of Harrison and Nor
ton was conceded and there was nothing
more to do to confirm it, he moved his
headquarters to Washington, where
Democratic plot had been formed by Cor
man to steal the House of Representa-
tiyes. Believing. that the Republicans
had fairly elected majority of that BODY
he determined that there should be nc
mistake in securing it. He had not been
at the Capitol more than three or four
DAYS before there Was cessation OF Dem
ocratic trickery ard ludicrons modihca-
tion of their clamor. The Democratic
leaders understood that no foolishness
would be allowed in so serious "a matter,
involving the control Of the legislative
depart ment of the Government. They
| learned that if the Southern CanvasSlng
| b yards and the Democratic clerk OF the
House of Representatives aten pied TO
| certify to and place on the rol candidates
who were not fairly elected. they would
not be permitted to organize the House
| The purpose was made known that ii any
such attempt were made there would be two
organic .tiunS aud that th4 liepubllcans
would proceed TO business just as though
there had never been a plot to defraUd the
American people out or their plainly ex
pressed will. He Informed the country
that the Republicans intended TO hold tt
the victory they had won with ''malleC
hand and to permit 10 tri1ihg with thell
rights. When these firm resolves wert
made known German and his co-conspira
tors began to wilt. followed by the an
nouncement that it would be better for tht
Republicans to have entire control OF tn;
legislative department. now that they haf
elected the President and had the Senate
than for the Democrats to commit rob
berry to secure the organization of tb
House. 1t would have been crime with
out even temporary benefit, and place.
that party before the country in an unen
viable light.
The result of it all is that the Repub
lcans will have clear majority OF en-
rolled members of the 5lst Congress 0
five, and possibly nine. They will hay
the organization of the House and th
Committees and a fair chance then vii
be given to right a good many wrongs per
petrated in the late canvass. by which GER
tificates of election will be given to Dem
ocratlc candidates for Congress who weI
not fairly and honestly elected. WheI
ever there has been illegal voting, or th
rejection of legal voters, OF any transac
tious designed to defeat the popular wi
either by the use of money, or partiza
5 devices intended TO interfere with an hon
est verdict at the ballot box, all the lie
cessary steps should be taken to invest
gate the matter, to the end that iustic
may be meted out, and fraud and cor
ruption exposed and rebuked.
In Virginia there is an election law
framed with fraudulent intent. 1t wa
conceived in sin and born in iniquitl
and since its adoption there never ha
been a fair election, where party feelln
; was fully aroused. 1t was partizan j
inception. is partizan in management an
: partiZan in execution, making the publ
welfare aud the public will secondar.
and unjust i'll the results it achieves.
is due to the Republicans of Virginia al
the country; it is due to all wel-meanin
people. whether Republicans or Dem
Gratis that q severe scrutiny be institute
into the results eontem p lated under tn
law. Unless an example is made and
practical, tangible rebuke administered
the wrongs Which it invites and FL
forces Will increase as each is perpetrate
with IMMUNITY, and continue to grow III
u til elections becopea farce. if not GRIN
y against Republican institutions.
1t is "reform' that demands par
u mount consideration. The 5lst Congre
should approach it with relentless pu
pose, an carry it forward until every oil
~ trict in the country is fairly and honest
represented on its floor, if it be possib
to effect such result.