The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1869-05-13
.io0ad by Republican measures of pro-


lowed the weight Of straw IN tne us
eussion. If men are to be disfrancnlSeO
in this country simply because tneli
votes might eudanger the success oil tn's
or that party, Republican institutions
are humbug and the lmper'a''St Tue
saeest of oracles. The true gronnd' We
think, is that public good and private
RIGHT ought alone to control conclu'
sion, in a case like this let the right
of the citizen be protected and the Sood
af tn. State promoted whatever may
become Of the parties.
J But we would much rather be econgratu'
latory than eaptious. Let the l"tel"'
0saeer and the moderate Republicans
reason in favor of enfranchisement as
they NAV, the fact that they approve a
liberal policy in this regard is credita-
ble 10 themselves and auspicious for the
State. If they are prepared to back
their enlarged and liberal views by res
olute action, the way is open and the
goal can readily be reached. But the
Republican party, under its present con-
troll, will not be disposed to adopt the
policy of Bfranchisement. Its machin-
cry is managed by the proscriptionists.
They depend upon disfranchisement for
their prominence and for the means
through which they may ignore and os-
tracize the original and more liberal Re-
publicans of the State. Their consent is
essential to making enfranchisement a
success as u strictly Republican meas
urc, and it cannot be had. The way
to win is to unite all the elements that
favor the removal Of political disabili-
ties, upon that single issue. At this
time, when the harmony and good feel
ing of our people is matter of univer'
sal remark, and when questions of
purely partisan character have los
their interest, there is no reason why
popular movement for the repeal of all
proscriptive measures might not sue
coed.
Let US enumerate its sources OF
strength. First we have the Demo.
cratic party solid, and able to cast its
full vote, under the rallying inspi-
ration of cause like this. The figures
of late elections show that this is by no
means an insignificant power. Then
there are the advanced Republicans for
whom the IRtelligencer speaks. Making
full allowance for lingering preiudices
and the influence which the prOscrip-
tionists could bring to bear, we believe
that nearly, if not quite, One-half of the
Republican party would cooperate.
Under proper auspices and with judi
cious management, the movement would
sweep the State by the finest majorities
cast since its formation. All disabili-
ties would be removed. A new and
useful element would be admitted to po-
litical power. The parties would be left
free to divide upon subsequent issues.
The new voters would exercise an un
trammelled Judgment in selecting their
party banners, and the party which
could best commend itself to public
approval by the wisdom Of its policy
would receive the support of n majority
of these, rs of all other classes of intel
ligent citizens. The effect upon the
State of the removal of disabilities
would be in the highest degree sal
utary. No community can prosper
when it has in its midst a large
class of disfranchised people, who have
once partaken of political privileges
They become disheartened, hopeless,
maddcned. Their discomfort destroys
all harmony and co. operation; it renders
progress impossible On the other hand,
if their burdens be lifted and them.
selves made to feel that they share the
privileges of the Government whose
responsibilities they help to bear, they
become contented, active and useful
citizens, uniting with their neighbors
in consulting the public veal and pro-
noting the public prosperity.
A few months ago the condition of our
city affairs was held to require the ig
noring ofpOlitics in the local election
then peuding, to the end that peace Snd
order might be secured to the commu-
nifty. The Democrats responded to the
calls made upon them, and the reform
movement triumphed. As we under
stand the situation, the MttUigeRcU and
the Republicans whom it represents
propose in q similar spirit to abandon
prescription as party idea, and TO cou-
suit the good of the State by aiding in
extending the ballot to the many
thousands of our white citizens who are
now disfranchisod. If their object can.
not be attained tand we are satisfied il
caBnot) through their own party or.
gauization, it would be unjust t.
them to suppose that they would aban,
don their views of right for the sake o
temporary party expediency. And wher
the proScriptiouists shall have refused
to make universal amnesty q plank o
the party platform, those of the Repub
licans who favor the doctrine hav,
only to adhere to their own course
There are plenty of people travelling tn,
same path to relieve the journey o
anything like lonesomeuess or discour
aging influences.
But whether this movement shall TAX
formidable shape or not, the removal
the disabilities imposed upon the rebel
of West Virginia is bound to come. !
measure so salutary as this ought not +
be supported by one party alone, bu
unless the Republicans aid it now, tn
Democrats will carry it through in
time so reasonably shsrt that the dis