Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-03-10

the negroes had shown discriminating IN
telligence, in voting already between Repub>
licans and rebels He showed that with
every appliance to allure their cupidity and
arouse their fears-by promises OF property
and promotion on the one hand, and by in
situations of their reinstatement by the
Whites on the other, the Republicans had
shown their faith in the intelligence and vir-
tue of the negroes, by requiring them to be
der to ensure obedience to their behests
Mr. NJ. then noticed the Radical talk about
the so called loyalty of the negroes and their
imported leaders, and the libels uttered
against the trustworthlness of the white men
OF Virginia, as to fidelity to their duties under
the Federal constitution. Such deliberate
libels demanded rebuke. The men who
uttered them were incapable of comprehend
ing the devotion to duty which nerved the
Southern heart in the fight, or its sincerity
in pledging its honor to abide the results of
the war. The record of Southern patriots
and heroes will be preserved in fragrant and
blessed memory, SO long as the love Of civil
liberty fingers on the earth; while the clamor
of their traducers will sink into merited de-
testation. Had decent magnanimity or an
enlightened patriotism moved the party which
ruled at Washington, they would have known
how to respect and confde in such foe, and
counsels of pacifcation, based on sentiments
of mutual selfrespect, would long since have
given peace and union to distracted country.
Mr. NJ. then adverted to the perverted
ideas instilled into the negroes, and put for
ward by their speakers in the Convention,
viz that the tolls and labors of the black
earned title to political privileges. This,
bo eh oDlu pI IN
benevolent regard, to be manifested in such
mode as was suited to their real capacities
and wants. The argument, if pushed to its
true conclusions, would enable the oxen and
the mules to lay claim to vote. 1t would
be as rational in q farther to admit child to
the rule ofthe household, because of special
merit in 1ilial service, as for the negro to as
sert claim to vote because he had been 4
faithful servant. He then denounced the
effort made to teach the negro that the white
man had robbed him in slavery, ana showed
the hatred thus inspired.
MIR. NJ. then proceeded to discuss at length
the peculiar obnoxiousness Of the measure,
because of the violent and sudden change in
the relations of the two races, aggravated, as
it would be, by the radical physical divcrsi-
ties between them,
lie argued that the party which was forc>
ing negro suffrage gave no evidence of their
desires for the public veal, else they would
proceed by making gradual Instead OF
sudden change in the relations OF the two ra-
ces. n patriotic or prudent statesman would
seek to make furious war on the deeply radi-
Gated convictions aud sentiments Of the peo-
pie, but rather lead them through gradual in
fucnces along the path of innovation. SO
now it might bo expected that this new boon
tLo dor
ditions prescribed for its enjoyment. The
few Yankee States who gave him suffrage pre-
scribed qualifications.
Mr.. Nj. then discussed the inevitable infu-
ences Of the measure in stimulating the ne
gro to seek social fusion with tho whites.
God had demarcated these two races by an
indelliblc physical line. The natural instincts
ofeach race obeyed this law. But politicians
and parties were seeking to be wiser than
God. Confusion and strife will issue out Of
such sin and folly. Radical speakers, feeling
this danger, are vehement in talking such
stuff as that social equality regulates atsey.
That is to say, you may give equal honor, sta
tion emolument and power to two races liv-
ing side by side, yet the inferior race will
not seek social recognition and intercourse
with the superior! He showed that the ex-
pertinent must end in strife and separation,
or in the hybridinizaton Of the two races.
Mr. NJ then exhibited what he deemed the
true policy for the good of both races. The
real needs Of the negro, suddenly let loose
from slavery, were to be taught and encOur
aged to provide for his urgent physical wants.
1t would require years of exactiug labor to
enable him to make even moderate advance
in caring for his physical necessities; GER
tainly. if in addition, partial education IS
also to be achieved. If let alone, the whites
of Virginia would extend an earnest and
helping hand in aiding the negro to procure
these pressing necessities. If God, in His
Providence, opens way by which the black
race may be assisted to advance in mental
and moral attainment, and to found and
maintain free and civilized commonwealth
for themselves, none would contribute to this
benevolent result more cheerfully than the
Southern whites. There was neither philan-
throphy nor sound reason in inducing the ne
gro to aspire to power and place for which he
is unfit, and to throw him into collision and
strife with those on whom alone he could rely
for physical and moral aid.
Mr. M. urged that the end of all this de-
plorable mischief could not be uncertain. If
the present Radical plans prevail the South
must temporarily pass into the dreary night
of sta2nant industry, impoverished produce
ton, social disorder and universal distress
But the imperative needs as well as the sharp
sagacity of the American race will discern
the cause and come to the rescue. Thirty
millions of whites will not suffer four millions
of blacks to rule and ruin the fairest portion
of the Republic Then will come the sad
sequel to the negro. Tempted in his ignorance
and credulity to try the vain attempt of con-
tending with the white race fer equality of
power, he must give way before their resistless
purpose to occupy, develope and enjoy this
entire continent. The negroes, berett of the
sympathy and efficient aid which rational
policv would now ensure them, would fall u
pitiless sacrifice to the cruel selfshness which
is now using them for party aggrandizement.