The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-09-19
STAUNTON, VIRGINIA, THU RsDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 1885,
Capt. ]. II. Rives Speaks.

OdDU. IL. Il. fGlVOS 0p0GkS.
Capt. J. Henry Rives. formerly Collec-
tor of Internal Revenue for the Lynch
burg District, was interviewed on the
political situation last week by repre-
sentative Of the Lynchburg Virgipaan
In that paper of the 18th is published
what he says From it we extract the
following
What asked the reporter, lis your
position, Capt. Rives, in the present can
vass? Have you seen the letter of Hon
j. f. Lewis %
II have seen that letter. replied Cap
tain Rives, land Mr.. Lewis has antici-
pated the views which entertain in re-
spect to the present canvass"
You will not then, support Malone p
mo, sir, | most emphatically will not ;
and if you will without further questions
permit me, will give you my reasons
for the course which have, upon mature
reflection determined to adopt. There
is no Republican party in Virginia to -day
whose purpose is to propagate Republic
can principles. 1t is simply a Malone Or
ganization whose sole purpose is to pro-
mote his ambitious and selfish views. and
is successful, the power thus acquired,
will not be used for any good purpose to
bcneftEthe State or her people, but on
the contrary will be employed to pun
ish his enemies He accounts as his en-
emies all who do not bow the obsequious
knee in subservience to his arbitrary be-
hests. His life furnishes no instance of
exalted views or patriotic purposes. His
sole al II has been personal aggrandiZe-
ment by doubtful methods. Examine
his record as President of the Atlantic,
Mississippi and Ohio Railroad Company,
which he wrecked. Inspect his record as
United States Senator and see if there is
anything of which he can be rightfully
proud He was elected as a Democrat
to the United States Senate, and in the
Senate declared that he was "a better
Democrat than Ben Hill . and yet, in a
short time he proclaimed himself a Re
publican, and in vindication of his course
said, 1--WE are for Arthur because Arthur
is fer u.s." And again, nothing succeeds
like success" Was there ever a more
shameful and corrupt avowal?
Just before Harrison's nomination in
his ''secret circular he said, what is it
to us if Blaine is elected, if Blaine is
against us?'' The same selfishness and
venality is openly avowed, and yet it
brought him a temporary, but, as | be-
lieve, an evanescent success in the dis
tribution of Federal patronage in Vir-
ginia.
Parties are formed for the furtherance
of popular views and the public good;
but when they are directed to promote
the political fortunes of one man they
deteriorate into instruments of popular
oppression and tyranny, and all good cit
liens, without regard to past party ties,
should unite in burying this would-be
political king, under an overwhelming
majority.
Apply the test of Mahoneism: Gen.
Malone will be candidate for the
United States Senate. He is now a can
didate for Governor. No Republican
candidate for Congress, white or black,
can be elected in any district in this
State unless he is named by Mahome.
Proof both Yost and Langston We're
defeated in the last election. No Repub-
lican can be elected to the State Legis-
lature unless endorsed by Mehone, who
requires him to sign a pledge to submit
to the rule of the caucus which he MA
hone) controle. Hence all legislation
would eminate directly from Malone if
his party should be successful and not
from the people. No one can hold a
federal office unless endorsed by Malone,
and no one can go to any State conven-
ton under the rules of his organization
unless acceptable to him. Was there
ever a greater pervision OF our popular
system?
What good citizens are willing to com
nit the fortunes and destinieS of our
people to the unrestrained rule of Ma
honeism? If he had exalted purity of
character, elevated and patriotic views,
it would be a dangerous experiment and
a bad precedent to commit so much
power to one man. But, known as Ma
hone is, and estimated as he is by the
public, can conceive of no pure motive
that could induce any honest and intel
igent citizen to vote for him.
A Colored Republican Speaks.
We regret that our space precludes the
publication in full of a communication
from Mr. r. H. Merchant, an intelligent
colored citizen OF Lynchburg. We give
the closing part of it, as indicating the
spirit and purpose of the whole, and the
tendency of the thought and action of
the more intelligent portion of the col
ored voters. His example is worthy OF
thoughtful consideration and practical
adoption. There never has been time
in the history of politics i'll this State for
the past quarter Of century when the
colored voters could show his manhood
and independence better than in this
contest or manifest his interest in the
welfare of the Commonwealth in a more
conspicuous manner, than by refusing
to support Malone,
Mr.. Merchant closes his communica-
ton in the following forceful sentences ::
II will say here as have said before,
| that had rather be a wild wolf howl
ing among the Businesses OF the mountain,
and be free, than to be a pet hound lick
ing up the crumbs at a masters feet
Now the issue is squarely before us, and
! those who are opposed to Malone and
his plans have an opportunity to prove
whether or not they are sincere in their
opposition. Let them prove their man
hood Can the Virginia negro SO soon
forget the stab which Malone gave them
in the Fourth District? Can he forget
it while the blood yet gushing from the
gaping wound.
The flesh will culver where the pincers tear
The blood will follow where the knife is driven.
Is he to go to the polls manacled and
bleeding, to cast the ballot which is to
fetter posterity. If he does posterity will
spit upon his grave and defame his mem
DRY. What do the colored people expect
from Malone, should he be successful ?
What, but tyranny and oppression Let
each of us, like the ancient Cato, con-
template the solemnity of death before
we send the steel to our own bosom. Let
us, as American citizens, rise in the power
of our elective franchise and in the dig
nifty of our citizenship, and
Beard the lion in his den,
The Douglas in his hail.
Let us show our friends North and
South that there are yet seven hundred
of us that have not bowed unto Baal
r. HOLBROACH MERCHANT
Never Say Die!