The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1891-09-17
a Political Revolution.

be taken as evidence, then Virginia is
more thoroughly Tilmanized than ever
was South Carolina. The primary meet
ings held last Saturday to appoint dele
gates to a county Democratic conven-
ton held on Monday, demonstrated that
the old party machine was entirely bro
ken and that the farmers who heretofore
have followed the dictation and orders
of the party leaders, have taken things
in their own hands. AT Waynesboro,
or Little Tammany, where we happened
to be on business, on Saturday, and were
present at the primary. the party bosses
were effectualiy trodden under and rid
den over by the Alliance men, and the old
machine as effectually broken as 1t is
possible to conceive. There was large
attendance-somethin like $50 voters,
two-thirds of whom were with the ALI
ance, and the other third followers OF
the old party leaders. From the first 1T
was plain that the Alliance men were
determined, and that they intended to as
sert their power. When it was found
that they purposed to have things their
own way the quondam Democratic lead
ers bolted and filed out to another local
ity where they performed their part &C
cording to the rules of the machine and in
Difference to the plan of their party. But
the Alliance men did not seem to care
snap of a finger for party rules or party
plans Their purpose was to send dele
gates of their own way OF thinking to
the county convention, and to do it be-
cause they had the numerical strength
to do it, 1t was an open revolt against
the bosses, a remuneration of old methods
and old rules and assertion of the major
ity principle, despite party regulations.
1t was more to enter a protest against
the bosses, it seemed, than any thing
else that the Alliance men desired. Sew
eral of them so intimated, and that they
had gotten tired of obeying the mans
dates of the sO>called leaders and did not
mean to do so any longer. That seemed
to be the controlling motive, and it was
enforced with primitive directness
and decision, that was simply startling
to the old time managers.
In Beverly Manor the result was even
more disastrous to the machine. The
Alliance men outnumbered the simon
pures ten to one, and walked right over
all opnosition,- or semblance of it. They
had things their own way, and didn't
seem to care straw for the old Demo
cratic leaders, or respect their wishes.
While the victorious Alliance men
proclaimed themselves Democrats, and
would submit to the action of the con-
vention and support its NOMINEES, at the
same time they felt confident that they
would not only control the convention
but dictate the nominations. They pro-
ceeded as though there was no such
thing as a Democrat or Republican or
eanization They were Indifferent to
both, and treated both with contempt.
They simply swallowed the Democratic
machine and spit it out, without so
much as making a wry face. They did
the same with Republicans. They pick
ed up the Democratic organization,
kicked all the old leaders off it. and
planted it square ON the Alliance plat>
form We do not believe, however, they
thought of the platform or the declara-
ton of their principles. They intended
to take charge of things and run them,
in spite of the old party bosses, in the
interest of the Alliance. They were
there for a purpose, like Flanagan of
Texas, and were not afraid to make it
known. They want the offices and
intend to have them, and they will like
ly get them.
1t is a political revolution, and intro
duces new element into party manage
lnent in Virginia, as well as complexities
old party relations. If the Democrats,
who have heretofore managed party
matters, want to have say in political
matters they will have to take back
seats and obey instead of give orders
serve instead of rule. What this
may result in cannot now be forecast.
1t is certainly breaking up the old order
of things, and launching out upon sea
of uncertainty. Whether the new lead
ers will be able to hold the advantage
they have remains to be seen.
1t was amusing to hear some of the
Republican and Democratic bosses talks
ing after the Alliance men had swept
the platter. The Democrats more es-
pecially, affected to believe it was ais
right-that the majority should rule,
but it was making virtue of necessity.
ton that it inflicted, yet tried to put on
a satisfied air with the conditions by
which they weresurrounded. There may
yet be more surprises for them, especial
ly when the Legislature meets and the
offices and honors are to be divided out
None but Alliance men will be recog>
nized, that is certain, and the old leaders
might as well make up their minds to
this. Nor will it matter much with the
Alliance, in the bestowal of offices,
past, Republican or Democrat. That
will not be the touch stone. 1t will be
whether he is full>fledged Alliance
man now. That will be the passport.
He must be an Alliance man, too, first
and a Democrat or Republican after
wards.
We must confess that we were taken
somewhat by surprise at the earnestness,
the precision and the determination
with which the Alliance men went at
their work. They were neither bolster
GUS nor timid, but selfpoised, confident
and aggressive. If this spirit and pur-
pose should direct their future, new
order of things political will prevail in
Virginia-the old leaders will be COM
pletely shelved and new set come to
the front, backed by following that
cannot now be estimated by the unin-
itiated, but large enough to control
every interest of the State, and especial
ly appropriate all the offices.
While it will be proclaimed that it was an AL
rance victory we believe the two gentlemen
were nominated because they were Democrats
and nOt bacauSe they were members of the ALL