The New era. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1865-1871, 1865-10-12
1.-THE radicals of West Virginia succeed

1.-THE radicals of West Virginia succeed
in their purposes of Acknowledgement
and prescription, how long is it proposed
that this policy, SO at war with the spirit
of the age and so adverse to the prin-
ciples of free government, shall continue
a blot upon the fair fame of the young
State, and an obstacle to its progress and
advancement?
of the right of suffrage to pass through
a long novitiate, during which, by some
mysterious process of publication, they
will become fit associates for those Phari
sees who thank God daily, that they are
not as other men are 4; and offer up special
praise for the strange miracle which has
made them the sole partakers of the
loaves and fishes Of office:
Is the policy of prescription based upon
some apprehension that the affairs of
freedom may be contaminated by the
publicans of disloyalty, who bow down
before them in humility or repentance;
or, does it spring from the apprehension
that as society settles down from the wild
storm of the past four years-some of
those elements which have been shaken
from the bottom, will sink far below the
surface, and forever?
We have heard of one gentleman,
frank as he was imprudent, who urged
upon the Legislature the enactment of
the test-oath law, upon the sole ground
that if some such disabling act were not
passed, but few of those who graced the
halls Of legislation would be returned to
their seats. And other instances are not
wanting where the evidence has shone
forth, plain as the monday sun, that
were there no stake Of official position
and its emoluments involved, voices
which now cry loudest for prescription
and Acknowledgement, would be raised
in eloquent advocacy of peace, recon-
citation, and the restoration of good
will among all classes of citizens.
How many of the thoughtful, I'M
ambitious, industrious and quiet people
of West Virginia fear evil from the par
ticipation Of those who were "Southern
sympathizers' ~ our elections? How
many of the real manly population of
the State, hesitate. to break bread with
their erring brethren, or where they
clasp their hands in friendly meeting
care to remember that recently river of
fire divided them: On the contrary all
! who are true and christian hearted, thank
| God reverently that the storm has pass
ed, and that the silver lining CLEANS
from behind the vanishing cloud.
Whence then comes the cry of de-
nunciation and prescription? from what
fountains flow the waters of bitterness {?
From those who have fought under
the banner of the Union, and proved
upon many a red field Of carnage the
truth and strength of their loyalty?
No!
From the wise, and calm and good,
who have learned in the teachings of the
sacred volume, the omprehensive lesson:
GAS We would that men should do unto
you, do We also unto them, likewise"
No!
From those patriots, who, with faith
in the grand principles of free govern
ment, have watched with anxious and
fearful interest, the progress of the fierce
trial through which the republic has
passed; and greeted the triumph which
concluded the mighty struggle, with
thankfulness and praise: No!
From none of these come uncharitable
ness, and bitterness. and prescription.
The soldier who has fought, has thai