The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-05-09
The State Election.

1t is stated that the Democratic Con- |
yention to nominate State officers in Vir-
ginia, will be called to meet in Richmond |
bhe latter part of July or the lst of Au-
gust. 1t is also said that no member of
Congress need apply, as the Democratic
strength in that body will be needed to a
man. II this be so then O'Ferrall will be
oat of the race. Harris. from the Valley,
and Mckinney and Beirne, from Eastern
Virginia. are the most prominently spo~
ken OF in connection with the nomination.
The confident opinion is expressed by lead
ing Democrats that they are sure TO
carry the State, and eject the State officers
and majority of the Legislature. Wheth-
or this IS whistling to keep their courage
up, or hrm reliance Gu the efficacy of the
Anderson Mccormick electoral bill, we
cannot say. There is certainly nothing
in the situation to Justify the belief of
Democratic success in fair election.
The Republicans have made no moves
meut looking to Convention. 1t is time
enough, but heretofore names have been
prominently suggested and action taken
preparatory to the canvass. or those
mentioned in connection with the nomi
nation, Col. VIM. Lamb, of Norfolk, is
the most prominent, while Gen. James A.
Walker is classed as a possible indepens
dent candidate who might be supported by
the Republicans. on a platform which he
has formulated in recent interview pub
lished On the 4th page of to-day's VIR-
GINIAN. In 1t Gen. Walker declares for
the protective policy; the repeal of the in
teynal revenue laws; in favor of the Blair
Educational bill, and opposed to the cow
ardly device upon which the Democratic
party will depend, Of making the race
question the issue. He likewise favors an
honorable settlement of the State debt and
respect for the rights of the creditor
The views of General Walker, as eX.
pressed on these topics are sound, and
will meet the approval of all Republi-
cans. The question as to him is, .whetl-
or or not he would accept nomina-
ton from a Republican Convention, and
il not whether Republicans would support
him without such formal action. inasmuch
as he declares he is neither Democrat nor
Republican in partizan sense, but has
clearly defined opinions on the questions
and interests named.
So far as the VIRGINIAN is concerned
and platform that would be calculated
to stir up race and sectional strife. repel
the generous policy that is entertained in
the North for the South. and arrest tt {
material progress. of Virginia and The
Southern States, we would support any
Virginia gentlemen who would boldly FAT {
and aHtagOniZe such ruinOuS al d
wicked programme. whether he was ii {
nominee of the party or not, provided the
party MADE no other nomination. We car
conceive of nothing that would be mere
harmful to Virginia than to project into
the approaching canvass the race ques' ion
subordinating all the best interests of the
State to intiamed passion and baIbarous
prejudice, as means to perpetuate Dem
ocratic ascsndancy. A party that would
deliberately force such an issue upon the
State would deserve rebuke and over
wheiming defeat. The people know that
nothing but party desperation and rockies;
disregard of all the true interests of the
Commonwealth would be behind it. The
welfare OF the State and country would be
secondary. for no intelligent man in Vir'
ri Tia apprehends any danger from such
source. or that the affairs of the State vii
not be administered by those identified
with it's material interests and refiectine
its intelligence and worth. For the Dem
ocrats to depend upon race pIejudices fol
success. is confession that they are moi
sound on the practical questions of The
day and those interests which are most Sc
rioHsly and directly related to the prosper
ity of the Com monwealth. With such al
issue, the party making it.would be badly
defeated. aud would richly deserve it, fol
the people cannot be duped and deceived 10y
any such transparent and indefensible
device.