The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-09-19
Col. Pendleton's Reasons.

MARION, VA, September 10, 1889.
Editors VIRGINIAN: First, let me con-
graduate you upon the attitude you
have taken with reference to the Ma
hone ticket. Until recently was edi-
tor OF the Patriot Herald, published at
Wytheville, and intended to give to the
public what | considered potential rea-
sons for not supporting Malone for Gov
ernor; but the stockholders of the Pa
haot- Herald Publishing Company out
voted Inc. | Immediately retired from
the edltorship, being unwilling to sup
port a man for the honorable position of
Chlef-Executive of Virginia, who is not
only unworthy as a Republican, but as
man is morally untitled for the place.
In your first issue after Mahone's nom
nation, you gave number of good rea-
sons why you could not and would not
support him. They were such as should
commend themselves to all intelligent
and patriotic Republicans in Virginia.
That Mahoneism and Republicanism are
entirely distinct, there Gamble no ques-
ton. The one is corrupt. selfish, arbi-
trary, and degrading to those who en-
brace it, while the other is elevating,
progressive, patriotic, and honorable
1t is evident to my mind that the Re
publican party in the State cannot be
successful until Mahoneism is destroyed
leadership of Gen. Mahone and were
not in sympathy with his methods, for
years pastsexercised forbearing spirit,
hoping that relief would come in some
way. Each year they have waited the
yoke has become more CALLING, until
many have declared they will bear it no
longer. We have been told so often that
Malone was becoming more conserva-
tive and liberal only to find him more
vindictive and oppressive that even the
most trusting can no longer give conf
dence to a man who seems to grow in
meanness of spirit more rapidly than in
years.
10 the fair, unprecedented mind, Ma
hone cannot be considered in any other
light than that of a political freebooter.
He is always ready to trade with or sell
to any person for his own advancement.
Parties and principles are nothing in his
estimation. He places a price on him
SELF and thinks that every other man
has his price Being without political
integrity, he seeks to make a great party
his slave, and denounces as ''bushwhack-
ers'' all those who do not subscribe to his
disgusting methods. Not satisfied with
having disunited victorious party, he
seeks to degrade it by securing for him.
self absolute dictatorship of the party.
To accomplish this he is willing that
Republicanism in the Commonwealth
shall, for years to come, stand only as a
minority. If he had been what he pre-
tends to be, a true Republican, he
would long ago have relinquished the
leadership which has brought disaster
and disunion to the ranks. But with a
selfish, piratical spirit, which appears
to be the dominating characteristic of
the man, he seems resolved to command
the ship or to scuttle it and let it, with all
on board, go down.
1t has been claimed that Malone has
made the Republican party in Virginia.
No greater falsehood has ever been as
serted; Strange to say, the Republican
party has stood firm and grown in vigor
Notwithstanding the disgraceful leader
ship of Malone. The principles of the
National Republican party-of protec
ton and liberal tree education-have
taken such root in the minds and hearts
of our people that Republicanism has
not been crushed, though Malone has
been constantly throwing himself in it's
path and obstructing its triumphant
march. He selfishly makes himself the
issue, and between him and the Democ-
racy the people have to choose. All the
great economic questions that should
be discussed before the people, and be
passed upon by them, are cast aside; and
the rallying cry of the deluded followers
OF the petty boss is 'Mahone ~ Thus
do we see the interest and fortunes of
great party sacrificed upon the altar of
the petty tyrant.
1t has been predicted by you as well
as many others that Malone will be bad
ly beaten. In the interest of true Re
publicanism it is thing greatly to be
desired, for has success would be that of
a personal boss and not of a party.
Surely those Republicans who are for
the true principles of the party; who
look upon politics as something higher
than the advancement of one man to
the position of dictator; who do not wish
to be placed in the market and traded
off as so many cattle, as Malone has re
peatedly tried to barter them off, will
not give their votes for the man whose
success would mean the perpetuation of
such OutrageS.
There is widespread dissatisfaction
among the masses of the party They
are not satisfied with Malone as a can
didate. A great many of those who will
support him will do so under compul-
sion, where dislike for Bourbonism will
make them swallow the nauseating dose,
Mahoneism. If they could only realize
that by taking this dose, they are aiding
in the perpetuation of both Bourbonism
and Mahoneism, fewer would be found
giving their votes to Malone.
Messrs. Editors, y on are doing noble
service in exposing and antagonizing
Malone. Continue the good work. Urge
true Republicans not to vote for him
Show them, as you are now doing, that
the welfare of the Republican party de-
mands his defeat.
There may be a bright future for Re
publicanism in Virginia, but not with
Malone as the director of its fortunes.
Yours, &C., VIM. G. PENDLEToN.