The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1869-09-02
From the Parkersburg Daily Times.
WEST VIRGINIA DISFRANCHISING
LAWS.

as in which the Republican ascendenoy
has been imperriled by the same Con
setvalive tactics which our friends have
found SO fatally mischievous in Virgin,
ia and Tennessee. But Missouri and
West Virginia were also in danger, We
may rejoice that the Conservative tricl;
has at last been eiIeCtually exploded, so
that it can do US no more harm. Our
friends in the two latter States fore
warned ara forearmed, They will ac-
copt the wise policy which looks to toe
abrogOiion of existing restrictions upon
exrebel suffrage, bot they will take
good care to administer that policy
themselves. They do not propose 10
commit it to such politicians as Garlic
in the one State, or Henderson In the
olher. Il onIy needs that our friends
there shall broj the consequence which
have followed au unhappy sehism,
+ Take good care to unite upon
the most discreet aud effective measures,
10 support of the true policy ofa Iiber-
al and proYidepl Statesman, - PdtsbHyh
Glzette.
We copy the above from the Pitts
burgh Gazette, an extreme radical paper
it serves as a sample OF the editorials
from the leading Republican papers Of
the country. It is evident to the best
minds of our party that the continuance
nj proscriptive laws in tho Southern and
Border States must lead TO the overthrow
Of the Republican pO'ty, or indeed; any
party advocating longer such proscfipt-
i've policy. alter the necessity for such
law has plainly consed to exist
We have for some time seen what we
deemed the true policy of the Republi
can party in this State; and because We
have lately given expression to our con-
vciions of what was rot only right 10
itself, bat clearly the policy to be pur'
sued by wise lead rs Of 0 powerful ma
tionai aipas'y, unw in control OF the couo.
try, our motives have been impdsn'h
and sIGrs cast at our sincerity and po-
litical consistency.
We were in favor Of many Of these
laws when they were passed. because
we believed the condition Of the State,
at that lime, required such safeguards
We were in favor of their Continuance
for reasonable time as matter Of pre-
.cauGo0, t.at desc lawG haying had their
day, and answered theit purpose, Ond
as there is no justification for coninu-
-ins ,lksm bUger;; ge are ,pAW 10 favor Of
an immediate repeal Of the tcsl o6ths,
end such modification OF the registra
ton lLws, as will admit and secure a
fair registration of the qualified voters
Of The State, and OF Hucb an amendment
to the Constitution, as soon as ii can be
legally passed. as will admit all cilz ms
without any distinction of race, color or
past aud present political sentiments, to
the right of franchise, Tie last it will
take nearly two years time to uccomp
lish.
We have taken this position, not be-
cause we sympatbise with rebels or with
the Democratic party but because il is
the true doctriNe Of the Republican par.
ty as laid down By the Chicago Platform
endorsed BY Gen. Grant aud odvoceted
by the ablest leaders OF our party every
where. aud we believe the safety Of the
Republican party in this State depends
upon prom mprIy and scuarely taking
position in fovCr Of the removal Of these
restrictions to the right Of suffrage; for
if the Republican pavly docs not do IT,,
the moderate and conservative men Of
all parties-composod of man that love
right; the men Of liberal views and gen.
erous impulses; and the men that hate
narrow minded Intolerance and bigoiry,
let it come from any quarter it may,
will unite to abolish these laws and res
store the ballot 10 many good men from
whom il is now witN-held, and the Re-
publican party not only loose the credit
Of doing it, whenAboy might, but will
also unite all these elements opainst her,
uuu luIuN 'NCm lulp uSt'ub lh SubNo'b
with the Democratic party as being more
in sympathy with their views on this
one subject.
We should by generous and prompt act
ion deprive the Democratic party Of this
issue against us; for live let them make
It, and acceptit, we have only to look OF
tie results elsewhere to predict tho re-.
suits here, as magnauimity and justice
are the characteristics Of the American
PEI opIo.
This is plain political tnlk, but we
have been miGreprcsenlOd aud misunder,
stood We want the continued success
Of the Republican party md meGn 10
work for il; but we intend TO work in
the direction Of success, and not like the
Bourbons, nol learn even arIor We ore
oVerthrovn.
We hail with pleasure the firm stOud