The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-09-13
srTRTT OF rzu PRESS.
u ditorinI Opinions Of the Leading Journals
Unon Current Topics-COmpiled Every
Day for the Evening Telegraph.
THE MIDDLE GROUND.

from the Richmond Enquirer and Examiner
We have sometimes thought that we of the
South are too prone, in our estimate of
Northern opinion, to make out only two
classes of political views-the fierce radical
and the uncompromising Democrat. 1t is
likely that we overlook middle element of
Northern society; one which, properly appealed
to and considerably regarded, would prove in
the end, perhaps, to be the most powerful of
all There is a large class of Northern men,
we have every reason to believe, firmly and
unalterably devoted to the Union, who.
partly by our own mismanagement, and
partly from the timidity which is the natural
complexion of conservatism, is found in
onnosition to the South but which would
gladly extend to us the right hand of fellow
shin and rejoice to see all the States gathered
once more under theSpgis of the Constitution,
if. consistently with their views of the situa-
tion and in accordance with their estimate of
dutv to their country this could be done.
These men say, and say truly, we believe,
that amid all the heat and excitement of our
terrible struggle they never allowed them
selves to become estranged in feeling from
their brethren of the South, and would ejoce
exceedingly if they could bury forever every
memory of the fratrcidal conflict, except
that sad yet priceless experience which alone
can prevent a repetition Of those fearful
scenes.
this class-a man whom we have known from
boyhood, and have ever regarded as the very
embodiment of truth and integrity, we de-
sir, 4 to have a full expression of his views
and of any suggestions he might be able to
give for full and cordial restoration of the
Union. 1t is hardly necessary for us to say
that this gentleman is intensely American in
every pulse and fibre of his frame. He
really loves his country, his whole country.
His is not that spurious patriotism which
could no more cross the Potomac than a
witch could cross a running stream; his atfec-
tion, like that of Robert 9. Winthrop, is for
his entire country, whatever its metes and
bounds" and he would as soon set his sign
manual to his death-warrant as to any instru-
ment disposing of one acre or foot of its soil.
A mind constituted as is his cannot possibly
give birth to theories other than the truly
philosophic and the honest opinions of the
class to which he belongs are certainly enG-
tied to our profound consideration. The
force of the objection, it is true, that the
present, but we now hope only temporary,
chaotic condition of our society is no time for
the people of the South to assume position in
regard to the problems of Federal politics,
ard to irrevocably ally themselves with any
so-called national party, cannot be withstood
by any argument in favor of immediate ac-
lion. Yet deeply sympathizing as we do in
fare of the common country, of which fate has
irrevocably sealed our section as a part, and
in the catholic spirit of q searcher after truth
for future use and advantage, we propose to
condense the statement of the gentleman in
question as concisely as is consistent with
clearness, and we invite the attention of our
people, and especially Of our brethren of the
press to a fair and candid consideration of
these views, as embodying the only hopeful
gpha in fhn ncfI inn Of hao Il
and truly patriotic man, for a restoration
of peace and prosperity to our distracted
country. 'a. 's.
In the first place, this gentleman is. we be-
1ieve, fair exponent of the middle party of
the North when he declares that grievous
wrong and a fatal error is embodied in the
fifteenth amendment He would stave off as
long as possible decisive vote on this point,
hoping and believing that it is still possible
to preserve the National Constitution from so
foul a blot, and that the States may remain
the sole, as they are certainly the best, judges
as to the limits of the elective franchise. He
regards the effort to mingle the two races in
social and political economy as only practical
ble on the basis of miscegenation-a PROPOSE
tion SO foul as to be condemned in it's very
utterance. This then, being out of the
question, he thinks there is no hope for
peaceful settlement of this
vexed question until the negro
himself and the whole nation is
convinced of the necessity, of providing a
separate home for a race which has been
sealed by the Almighty to a separate exist
ence, and is distinct and different from the
whites not more by color than by antagonis-
tic characteristics of mind and temperament
Where this home shall be is perplexing ques
tion, but may find its solution when the
United States have become possessed of the
whole or the greater part of the West India
Islands In the meantime, whilst we in Vir
ginia are bound in good faith, and as the in
exorable condition of our restoration to the
Union, to pass the fifteenth amendment, oul
friend is very hopeful that the North itsel
has paused, and will ultimately refuse to in
corporate into the national compact this fear
full and foolish attempt to change human ma
ture by crude legislation.
Passing by this perplexing problem-leav
ing it largely to time, as the truest and bes
arbiter, and invoking calmness and kindness
IN its consideration, our friend lays down the
following platform, as the only one broat
enough and strong enough to contain ant
support a truly great national party
First. That the national debt shall be re
garded as sacred. Whatever the seductiv
promises, hopes and illusions held out by tn
advocates of reputation, this gentleman be
1ieves that any party really advocating it wi
be ANONYMOUSLY defeated. There is wit and vii
dom enough in the popular heart and mind t
comprehend that no nation can afford to di
Aonor ITSELF and that the South must lean
TO look at the question as matter of fact an
not of feeling.
Second. That the Democratic party sha
ND a+a oil HiGha lad