New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-07-26
THE VIRGINIA ELECTION.

To the Edttor Of The Tribune.
SIN A there exists on the part of portion OF the
Northern people and press q misrepresentation as 10
the true issues involved in the late Virginia election
and as many appear to be at Toss to account IoF 'ne
action of the great body of the Virginia people,
beg the privilege of presenting through your paper
statement of facts which will vindicate us from all
the charges made against us. and Will show that we
arc entitled to the confidence of tho American peo'
nile and worthy to be trusted by the Government.
Having borne an active part in the canvass myself,
and been elected To the State Senate Of Virginia
can speak from my OWL personal knowledge. Al
most daily from the time the election was or
dered TO the 9th Of July was upon tho stump, dis
cussing before the people the issues OF che canvass
Although an Old Line Wing myself (of the Henry
CLAY SCHOOL, did not alude.to old party issues, or
party Names OF Federal politics in n solitary IN
stance; nor was such an alIusion made by any one
else in my presence except on one OCCASION and that
was an appeal by Douglas Democrat to some OF
the leaders of the Democratic party to ignore for
once their preiudices and party organization ana
unite with the great body Of the people IN
reconstructing Virginia upon the basis oil the Con
gressonai plan, and in accordance with the
Presidents policy as indicated by his proclamation
The great issue made upon which the election turned
was the modification Of what is known as the IN
derwood Constitution by the reJeGton Oh tns ais
and equal rights, aud equal public privileges, IN
opposition to restricted suffrage and limited rights
and privileges TO the whites, constituted the watch
word of our party The rights Of the eolored popua-
ton Will be az well secured and az fully protected as
If Wells and his radical party had succeeded. we
tried TO show 10 the coloTed people during the can
yass that the interest of the two races was the same
that Constitution recognizing an equality OF rights
and Legislature composed OF honest, faithful ana
capable men who would appreciate the high Obliga-
ton of dischargng their whole duty under such
Constitution TO the whole people, was the only nope
for the two in the future. They were appealed
to 10 stand by us upon this common ground, and no
intimidation or threat was used 20 lnnnence tneir
yotea so far as have been able learn; but the
contrary many who desired TO vote with
prevented from doing through fear OF the leaders
in the Union Leagues. The great body OF the whlte
people of Virginia having become tired Of tho state
Of uncertainty and political chaos by which they
have been surrounded since the surrender of the
otSnSees and ignored and forgot hsr past party
names and party ORGANIZATION ana as honest ana
truo men, by q united vote at the polls, declared
their Endorsement ana hearty approval Of President
Grants administration, in far IL relates thereto
They sustained State ticket Of recognised Republic
cans who are warm supporters OF the Administra-
ton and elected 10 the Legislature men not obnoX-
ious 10 the Fourteenth Amendment OF the COnstitu-
ton and who gave assurance of such legislation as
will be acceptable to all men OF all classes; whose
legislation will protect the rights of person, property
and liberty OF All men and who Will as soon as per
stitution Having thus acted IN behalf of peace,
shall their efforts be in vain Is the election to DO
set aside Wells and his crew TO be kept in power;
the military sword still 10 be suspended over our
heads, or the test oath required OF tho members
elected to the legislature II so. why and for what
purpose What more is required Of us. OF can we
do as honorable and honest menf What law is
in force in Virginia, which requires the test
oath. that was rot equally applicable To North and
South Carolina. Georgia and Alabama What neces-
sty exists for requiring the test oath of us that did
not exist in those Statesf large majority OF the
people Of Virginia have declared against 1.-THE lib
oral action of the President enabled them 10 do So
and no consideration should induce the Administra-
ton to abandon those who support its policy II the
Union is 10 be reconstructed II again 10 be
q united and prosperous people, il only be done
upon fair just, and honorable basis. in spirit of
concession and Cancellation. The President having
recommended this course, and Virginia with great
unanimty, having adopted it, let the people Of the
whole nation sustain it, and we toill hare peace.
Respectfully, VERITAs.
Arlington "a July 70. 1869.