New-York tribune., 1869-01-14
AMNESTY And SUFFRAGE.

The former ruling class of Virginia has stead
fastly opposed negro suffrage. On New 1ears
Day this class through representatives every
way qualified, by abilities, past services high
standing and hold upon the confidence OF the
community. to speak for it, decided to abandon
the opposition. 1t made no hypOcritical pre-
tense of changed opinions; but, frankly aVoW-
ing the continued belief that in their present
condition the negroes are not safe deposltarles
of political power bowed nevertheless to the
verdict of the recent elections, IN the nope
that harmony might be restored on the basis
of Impartial Suffrage and Universal Amnesty.
Since their defeat the attitude of these men
has seemed sullen and discontented, if not
dangerous. They come now bearing the olive
branch.
We arc in favor of meeting them in the
same spirit Where no danger is involved, we
hold that an adjustment in matter In which
we have been so overwhelmingly victorious
should be generous rather than higglng. We
have no wish to see these leading men OF their
State constantly forced to contemplate them
selves in the light of victims of national wrath
Even if no higher motives controlled the Gov
ernmeut, we should consider it shrewder
policy now to alleviate the soreness OF
defeat 1t is very true that we can reor-
ganize without the disfranchised class, and can
secure negro suffrage without it, But we doubt
if any true friend to the negroes Will longer
urge disfranchisement for their sake. We pro-
foundly dstrust the view that negro suffrage
secured by disfranchisement of a large part OF
the more intelligent population, will conduce
to permanent peace. Won in defiance of the
old ruling classes, it may, in the revolutions OF
politics, be some day lost in their triumph.
Won, by common consent, in a peaceful adj
justment wherein each party gains something,
it becomes pledge of peace, and rests hence
forth on the guaranty of the common faith
and the common interest.
We hail therefore the evidences, to be found
in many of the extracts by which other col
umns so completely mirror the present tone OF
the Virginia press, that the Committee now
urging on Congress on behalf of the old ruling
class of that State the plan of Impartial
Suffrage and Universal Amnesty, is supported
by the preponderance of intelligent public
sentiment at home. AS was to be expected,
the movement is severely criticised in many
and diverse quarters. The more bitter and
malignant of the old Rebel class denounce 1t
rs the surrender of vital principle. The new
comers who, with the negroes, give the main
support to the present State Government, de-
nounce il as n now device OF the old enemy,
whom they hold it test of loyalty to fight
forever and forever. But we believe 1t to be
supported in good faith by party capable OF
bringing to the polls a large majority OF the
Vrginians who, through four years of desola-
ting war, formed the main bulwark OF the
Rebel cause. We believe the return OF these
men to a hearty and active support OF the
State and National Governments great gam
to peace, to harmony. to the revival OF indus
try and the return of prosperity. We ask our
friends of Northern origin in Virginia to take
this wider view of the occasion and we ask
Congress to give the most attentive cOnsidera-
tion to the Virginia Committee and do what
ever may safely be done to further their
wishes