The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-10-03
A ScOrching Letter.

A meeting of over four hundred Republican
skickers,' most of them colored, met in Alex
andria on the 9Th. The following letter from
Maj. 0. E. Hine, one of the most influential Re
publicans in that section, was read. We publish
It as sound literature for all Republicans to con
ider upon. 1t will repay perusal;
VIENNA, FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA.,l
September 18th, 1889.
Um. p. Graues, Esq, Alexandria, Va
My Dear SRA severe cold and sore throat
make it impossible to be with you tonight. This
regret, for feel that the Republicans of Alex
andria are making gallant fight for the right
OF honest representation, and deserve the aid
ana sympathy or all sincere Republicans. The
party was organized as protest against tyran-
ny and oppression and mas ever been the eX-
pOnent of the will of the people. In the few in
stances when some ambitious boss has attempt
ed to use the party machinery to subvert the
will of the people and promote his selfish ends,
the rank and lille haye risen in their might and
buried bosses and bOSSSm beyond resurrection,
and the party coming back to the principles
upon which it was founded has been stronger
with It's friends and more formidable to its
enemies. But it has been left to the Republicans
OF Virginia to see and feel the most shameless
effortS TO crush out all sense of manlineSs and
fair play i'll the party, and place the will of one
man above the will of the entire party. The
real question at issue in this campaign is not
who snail be Governor of Virginia, but whether
the Republicans in the State are worthy and
capable of self government.
A cabinet officer recently said to me: TN my
State we would not submit to such plan of or
ganization you have for twenty-four hours,
but he was not certain but what it was best for
the party i'll Virginia.
/ My first feeling was one of Indignation, but re
Election convinced me that we deserved it all.
We have submitted to one encrOachment after
another until it is not surprising that capac-
ity to govern ourselves is questioned.
Candidates for the General Assembly have
been required to sign pledges to support the
measures of the boss before they could be elect
ed Officers charged with the most important
functions of government have been driven from
their Offices unless they permitted the boss to
appoint their subordinates. Private ends have
been promoted by legislative enactment in the
interest OF this same boss. Contracts have been
violated, sacred obligations ignored, and the
faint of reputation fastened upon our party.
Republican candidates selected by the people
have been antagon1zed and defeated at the in
StigatiOn OF this Dictator Charnen OF commit
tees chosen by the people and commanding
their respect have been removed and some
obscure but willing tool appointed for the
press purpose of sending delegates to conven-
lions who in no sense represented the party.
These tools have been rewarded with the honors
and emoluments of the party as the price of
their tIeachery. Secret circulars have been
used to stab the reputation of national states
men opposed to such treacherouS tyranny.
Whenever individuals have publicly opposed
this one man power their sincerity has been
attacked and their personal characters assault
ed.
70 all OF this we have patiently submitted.
We have voted for candidates thrust upon us.
We have worked for party success, but to see
each victory used by this unscrupulous tyrant to
punish those who made it possible, unless they
kissed the rod that smote them. We have sub
mitted until forbearance ceases to be a virtue.
who would be free himself must first strike
the blow
Now is the time to strike. If we make the blow
effectual we shall redeem the Republican party
from the depths into which Mahoneism has sunk
it. We shall prove to our enemies that we are
entitled to their respect. We shall show to our
friends that we are worthy of self government,
and that the party must be governed and treat
ed in Virginia as it is in other republican States.
Let us say to every candidate who asks our
votes, Are you for republicanism or Malone
ism?" Ii for the latter let us relegate him into
sinnoeuous desuetude.,' Only one lesson is neces-
sary, but let us make that an object lesson so
forcible that it will not be forgotten. Let our
watchword be 'sRepublicaniSm to the front,
Mahoneism to the rear
Again regretting that cannot be with you, /
remain Yours truly,
O e. HINE.