Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-06-25


fame, over which, redeemed and regsnerated
thousands would hang with delight long after
he shall have mingled his dust with "mother
earth"
We have but one doubt upon our mind and
that is, we do not understand because il is
not expressly stately whether Mr.. b. means
to urge the subject Of Constitutional Reform
one of the leading champions Of s'Reform" in
the State, whilst Editor of the "LExiscToE
1 GazErTE": we have heard the broadsides from
his guns until our soul thrilled with emotion.
We hope now that he has not spiked his guns.
| No, mol now is the tine--he is within the
walls Of he citadel, and though he may meet
champion worthy Of his stee. in the leading
Editor Of the "TmEs," yet we hope he may
carry on the war. We believe he is fully SEN
sible that not much can be accomplished for the
general improvement Of the State, the educa-
ton and elevation Of the people, as long as
1 power remains where il is. The Organic law
( Of the State must be remoddled--itis the main
step Extend to the People just and fair
representation give 10 them free suffrage,
and just as sure as the night follows the day,
education, improvement and prosperity will
spread over the State. Keep them fettered,
bound down, degraded and oppressed, as they
now are, by the oligarchical power Of the Viz
ginia Constitution, and you at once seal, ire
coyeraby seal. the fate Of Virginia. You may
every now and then perceive the struggling
pulse beating 6tfully and madly-but II will
amount to nothing power, minority power,
the idomitable love of he few for rule, will
gently whisper in the ear, 'peace be stlP'-
the time has not yet come. We contend that
the time has come; there is no time like the
present; justice demands her rights, and the
people viii ratify those demands at the polls
The People order "the battery Of the foe to be
taken y who will ''lead on 2" We shall see.
Here is Mr.. BALDwlN's Address read it, and
send your names 10 him as subscribers to his
paper
sALUTAToRY.
1t is already known TO the public, that the
Republican "has changed hands--the Messrs.
! GALLAHER and the undersigned having be-
|
| In assuming the chief editorial control Of the
"Republican, ~ shall briefly glance at the prin-
ciples by which its future course will be gov
erned The political character of the journal,
so happily indicated by its name, will Of course
remain unchanged. Fully subscribing to the
Justice and Repubheanism Of Wing principles,
and believing that they are essential to the
happiness, prosperity and independence of the
American people, the "Repubcan" will la
Dor in their support with zeal and devotion
which such conviction of their truth and I'M
portance is calculated to inspire. IN regard
to the Tariff the most prominent question now
at issue between the two parties, it will con-
tribute its humble efforts in support of policy
which, while ii seeks to supply the wants Of
an economically administered government,
makes Determinations for the protection Of
American industry. The Republican" will
also steadfastly resist the progress of Executive
enchroachment upon the other departments of
our political system which has of late threat
ened to destroy the equal balance of the Gov
eminent. 1t will speak out freely, plainly and
independently, It's opinions of public measures
and public men. Yet, fully, recognising the
perfect sincerity, the sterling virtues, the I'M
doubted patriotism of the great mass of our
political opponents, it will be the aim of the
Editors never TO lose sight of that courtesy
and respect which Of right belong to the res
pectable party from whom we differ, and
without which, no discussion can be produc-
tive of any practical good.
In efforts for the improvement of the Com
monwealth, there is happily common ground,
on which both parties may meet and combine
their energies for an object dear to every Vir-
ginia breast The depressed condition of our
State, while it contrasts so painfully with her
! former greatness, should only arouse the pride
and resolution of all her loyal sons, and call
forth from every heart and every hand the
most united and determined exertions to re-
,rieve her ancien, fame, and give her that
commanding attitude among the other MEM
bers of the con.ederacy to which she is entitled
! by her geographical position, and the unryal-
| led elements of greatness which are now
slumbering in her bosom.
To accomplish this glorious object, THERE
publican" will add its humble cooperation TO
that of the enlightened and patriotic press OF
the State. 1t viii labor for VIRGINIA,
knowing no sections, but looking only to the
prosperity, the honor and elevation of the
whole Commonwealth. II will seek to arouse
the enterprise OF her citizens, until their awak
ened spirit shall bs manifested in the efficient
and energetic action Of her Legislature: to
promote the development, not only of her
physical resources, but of those richer treas
ures of the mind, those pearls, which are now
hidden beneath a broad, black tide of ignor-
ance. The increase of the State in wealth
and power, to be secure and permanent, must
be accompanied by corresponding improve
ment in the education of the people. Idle and
valueiess will it be to rebuild the magnificent
ediGce of Virginia greatness, if we rear within
its walls benighted population, which may,
at any moment, rise like the blind Samson,
and seizing in its hands the pillars of the
temple, involve itself and us in common de-
Structon.
In commencing my editorial labors, beg to
return my warm acknowledgements TO my
brethren Of the press for their expressions of
friendship and good will.
o. p. BALDWIN.