The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1866-02-28

portions Of the State for that purpose.
When the people of Augusta adopted
these resolutions, they meant what they
declared, they comprehended the full I'M
port of the resolutions, and of the obliga-
tions which they imposed, and they intend
ed to announce their earnest and fixed
purpose to abide by and fulfil them, hon
cstly and in good faith.
From that day to the present, they have
steadily adhered to them, and have sought
diligently to discharge all the duties of
peaceful and loyal citizens. Acting in con-
cert with other portions of the State, they
have sanctioned the amendment of the
Constitution of the United States abolish
ing the institution of slavary, they have
recognized the invalidity of the ordinance
of secession, and of all the actions of the
State authorities under OF in pursuance of
that ordinance, they have repudiated all
debts whether Confederate, State OF Mu-
nicipal, contracted for the purpose of aid
ing in prosecuting the war against the
United States, they have reformed their
civil and criminal code so as. to grant to
freedmen every right and every remedy
necessary for the enjoyment of life, liberty
and property; and they have sought by
ready obedience to the law and a prompt
return to peaceful pursuits, to give the
best assurance of their desire to bury the
past and to restore relations of amity be-
tween the hitherto discordant sections of
our country.
When the people of Virginia had thus
exhibited by their declarations and con-
duct, their desire to resume their position
in. the Union, they felt that they had a
right to expect that their sincerity would
not be questioned whatever errors Vir-
ginia may have been led into, the world
knows that her honor remains unsullied-
no stain of duplicity or falsehood rests on
her escutcheon.
Nevertheless, individuals, claiming to
be Virginians have been found, who have
sought to impeach the sincerity of her pro-
fessions; to question her loyalty to the
Union; to ask that her present State
Government, may be substituted by mill
tary rule; and that she may be denied her
Just rights under the Constitution of the
United States.
We have no desire to canvass the mo-
tives or purposes of these unworthy sons
of Virginia. Weare willing to leave them
to the reproachcs Of their own consciences,
and to the odium, which in all ages and
countries is attached to ingrates and par
ricides That the rights Of Virginia we're
suspended during the war we will not deny.
But we claim that when the war ceased
and Virginia returned to her allegiance to
the United States and complied with the
terms prescribed by the President, she
was RENTED to, and re-instated with all
her original rights and obligations under
the Constitution.
The people of Virginia have witnessed
with satisfaction, the gradual and prudent
development of the just, benifcent and
statesmanlike policy Of President john
son. His whole conduct in the trying
circumstances in which he has been placed,
has been distinguished by wisdom, benig
nifty and comprehensive patriotism. Ris-
ing above all ignoble considerations of
sectional or party prejudice, he has shown.
himself to be the President of the nation,
and secured high place in the confidence
and affection of the people.
Impressed with these opinions, the peo-
pie Of Augusta county, have met together
to-day, to give expression, in the most
solemn and imposing form, to their de-
hberate convictions, on the several points
above referred to. Therefore.
Resolyea, 1. By the people of Augusta
county in mass meeting assembled, that
we solemnly re-afirm the opinions ex-
pressed in the resolutions adopted by the
people Of Augusta county on the Sth day
Of May, 1865, which are in perfect har-
mony with the policy announced by the
President in his late messages to Congress.
and we believe that those opinions meet
the approval Of the great body of the peo-
pie Of the State.
2. That Virginia, having returned to
her allegiance to the Federal Government,
annulled her ordinance of secession, abol-
ished the institution of slavery; repudiat-
ed all debts incurred in aid of the war
secured to freedmen all the rights and rene
dies necessary for the protection Of life,
liberty and property and in other respects
CONFIRMED her constitution and laws to the
organic law of the United States, in ac-
cordance with the advice of the President,
is fairly entitled to full restoration of her
rights as member of the Union, includ-
ing her right Of representation in the Con-
gress of the United States.
3. That all imputations, from whatever
source they may proceed, on the sincerity
and truthfulness of the people of Virginia,
in the professions which they have made,
of an earnest purpose on their part, to
abide by and faithfully perform every OBJ
legation and duty incumbent on them, as
loyal and true citizens Of the United States,
are false and calumnious, and justly ex-
pose their authors to the rebuke Of all
right thinking men.
4. That the system of policy pursued by
President johnson, having for its object
the speedy reconstruction of the Union,
and the restoration of friendly relations
and commercial intercourse, between the
hitherto discordant portions of our country,
is emincntly wise, just, conciliatory and
patriotic and if adherd to and sustained
by coordinate branches Of the Govern
ment, will, at an early day, restore har-
mony, prosperity, and happiness to the
whole ,,aonla.