Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1866-02-01

many fond reality must be relinquished. We
must recognize the fact that our happiness and
prosperity are indissolubly attached to the
Union and so in this Union we should en-
deavOr to plant our best hopes and affections.
If we would escape the fate of Ireland, we
must take timely warning by her miserable ex-
ample.
There is one thing which every Southern
man must know as his tyraut, oppressor, perse-
cutor and eternal foe. He, is not desired 10
forget or forgive this. On the contrary, his
vengeance is now appealed to against IT, and
he is implored to recall all the wrongs it has
heaped upon him and his country. This mon
ster is Universal Suffrage. Year by year, de-
cade after decade, this huge, sOulless, heart
less, viewless thing has grown in stature and
in strength. 1t is the terror and detestatiOn
of all good and true men. 1t is esteemed
chiefly by demagogues and crazy theorists.
Selling the omnipOtent ballot, it has reduced
all affairs, both public and private, State and
National, foreign and domestic, to its icen-
tious rule Morality and justice are banished
from legislation. Yenalty is fostered and pro
tected throughout the whole public service. The
courts are Initiated, and right is constantly
overborne of wrong. Not content with the or
binary Jurisdiction of politics, this boated sut-
frage affects to decide matters domestic and
social and, still uncOutent, it is rapidly bring
inc even the consciences of men into forced
servitude TO its dominion. Its Nandal steps
know no hallowed ground, and its blasphemy
resounds in the most sacred precincts.
Is it impossible to reduce the proportions of
this blind giant To drop fgure-is it imprac-
ticable to restrict, qualify, purify and exalt the
elective franchise? There has never been any
doubt in tie intelligent world about the evil of
unrestraiued suffrage. No sane Southern man
but is aware that it has been for two score
years, at least, the source Of all our woes. Ig
norance, vice and inaamed passion, through
this, have become the rulers Of our destinies.
Cannot we precipitate these elements by some
processl Alas, il is difficult. There is no i'm
mediate possible remedy. 1t is rather QuiXotic
10 attempt to dislranchiSc the ruling majority.
But in the South, if not throughout the nation,
there is a keen feeling and conviction that some
provision must be made and can, for the
gradual reduction of the potency of rag, tag
and bob-tail. The reign of rif-raf, instead of
being strengthened and heightened by the &C
cession of negro votes, must now be subjected
s,,.sn 4 ct,ff fu nrapthrOuT
Circumstances are prOpitiOus for a REFORM
The times are loudly calling for the recognition
of broad and Just principles that shall eschew
all narrow views and vulgar preiudices. 1t is
fortunate for us that the true doctrine of the
elective franchise, while it affords us ample pro-
lection, permits us to make a concession, a
sufficient concession, TO the exigencieS Of our
position and the demands of our friends. This
true doctrine is, that the privilege of voting re-
uuires, first, qualification, and, second, a
surety. Ii is not unreasonable that the quail
cation should extend so far as to know how to
read and write the English language nor will
the surety be too great if it be fixed at, say
thousand dollars worth Of taxable property.
If there be no exclusion for color, then the
negro gets all that can be justly asked torhim,
while there is put proper check upon the
foreign vote that Will effect all the good aims
that there were in native AmerieaniSm-
Under this principle, the vote Of freedmen viii
never be large, yet they will be fairly and not
invidiOusly dealt with
1t is not suggested that any present voter
should be DISTINGUISHED, unless through legal
torteitures. Let the principle rule in the adj,
mission of all new voters. In course of time
the fate of the nation will rest in the hands oil
those best qualified to direct it, and who are
under bonds to good management. Let Virginia
inaugurate a measure embodying this principle,
and there may be a detection in the Republican
ranks that will reinstate the Commonwealth as
an equal member Of the Union. If 1t should
not, we will have the consolation OF having done
our whole duty.