The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-04-11
New Movement.

Now MOVemcnC.
We publish elsewhere correspondence
between Col. II. G. Parsons. of Virginia,
and Mr., Thos. Sedden, Of Alabama. and
also an interview of the former with the
Richmond correspondent of the New
Y ork Herald, relative to a new political !
in the South. The decu- |
ments mentioned make paramount the
tariff question and propose to inject that |
issue into future congressional campaigns |
in districts whose interests are identified |
with the protective policy.
AS a general proposition we are not ia
vorably inclined to political movements
outside of the regular party organizations.
There are distinct lines drawn between the
two great polltica parties OF the country,
on the tariff issue, and positive policies
outlined by the National Conventions of
each antsgonizing one another. With one
or the other of these organizations men of
conviction upon cardinal ideas ought to be
identified. Where normal conditions eXs
ist this il the case. The Intelligence TO
the courage to declare it and to cooperate
with the party that maintains that belief
as best calculated to promote the general
welfare. 1t is not q safe or a wise policy
to decker or negotiate for party adherents.
Tho doctrine Of political free agency
ought to find its exempliiication in par
ty organization, composed of those who
believe IN creed because of the princi-
pies IL represents.
These thoughts will present themselves
to the candid and impartial mind as
sound where the surroundings and the
influences are the Outgrowth of rel .tionS
such as exist where general Intelligence
is the rule, and social economies are
balanced.
The suggestions advanced, however, in
the correspondence and interview under
consideration. are the result of abnormal
conditions. where the mental powers are
warped by prejudices and convictions are
suppressed in the presence of relations
which involve other interests than polit-
ical. And whether we are prepared 10
endorse the tim.dity or absence Of moral
courage thus implied, or not. the facts as
they txisr have to be recognized and dealt
with. That the convictions of the people
of tie South on economic national queS
tions do not find expression at the ballot
box will not be questioned. Industrial
interests are considered secondary in
many portions OF the South, and slav-
ish obedience to the passion of the hour
allowed to. rule where reason should have
supreme command. The discipline and
tyranny of party machinery are permitted
to usurp the province of deliberate thought
and honest conclusion, and the in
terests of country subordinated to the
emergencies of party. 1t is to escape
from this ENHANCEMENT, where duty to
the State is compromised by pandering to
prejudice, that this new movement is
suggested, 1t is not the way We would
adopt to meet the case, but it may be the
only safe and feasible avenue to reach the
end in view. The desire is to get an ex-
preston of public sentiment in districts
where free ballot may be secured, upon
aquestion vital TO American prosperity
It is not within the reckoning whether
either of the old parties shall triumph.
but whether the material interest OF the
people shall be consulted and considered
paramount to partiZan belle5ts and parti-
zan necessities. 1t may be that that is the
only way to accomplish the purpose cons
fan, plato5 {iarfajn if q that mart i9S
are now related in the South and the i'll
fiuence5 now controlling. there is not
much probability of a noticeable chang
in the representation in Congress Oh the
tariff question, which is the vital issue as
it affects the growth and prosperity of the
Southern States. Almost any readjust-
ment of party lines, or modification OF
party methods. would be just itiable, if it
would result in liberaliZing public thought.
subduing unworthy and barbarous pfeJn-
dice, and inviting to higher plane Of po-
litical action. The South Is entering upon
an era of development and progress which
is commanding universal attention and EN-.
ergiZing the agencies which 60 to build up
aState. Her resources are just beginning
to be known and appreciated. Her valleys
and her hills are responding TO the touch
of skilled enterprise and capital. Her
marvellous natural wealth is bursting
from its entOmtment under the vitalz
ing force of the miner and the artizan.-
Whatever political methods or party pol
icy may be able to assist in this great
work ought to be encouraged, even if both
of the old organizations should have TO be
stranded upon the highway of progress and
the political idols shattered in the pres
enee of an advancing civil cation.
Hon. Geo. g. SturgisS has been ap-