The weekly standard., 1869-09-29

a 0c<ttr EOlulcdi IOnce>
There is . bsttcr feeling Obtaining through
out this portion Of The South which We be-
lieye will be the source Of the greatest good.
1t is a disposition to do away with that po-
litical bitterness which has 80 long operated
against the Relfats of The Southern people,
and to inaugurstea new political era in
which, although principles will mot be sac
rifced, party lines will be less rigidly
drawn, and prescription on account of po-
litical opinion be done away with. ~
In no State is this spirit SO evident as in
Virginia and in the WALKER party. We have
seen many things we have liked, and have
said SO. openly, regardless ofithei lsuspicion
expressed by many that the WALKER men
were but playing part in order to deceive
the administration. We endorsed the prin-
ciples proclaimed by WALKER and his fol-
lowers, because they were principles we be-
lieved to. be right Universal Suffrage, Uni
versal Amnesty and Loyalty to the Govern
ment of the United States. If they are
sincere in their professions of devotion to
these principles, and show their sincerity by
their acts, we endorse that party now. If
they yield to bad advice, we shall denounce
them. t,ie- 4aL ~ .'l.a
Thus far we have seen nothing to cause
us to doubt the sincerity of the WALKER
party, or, as they call themselves, the Nation
al Republican party of Virginia, ard we
are willing to take them at their own word,
and accept their actions so far, as evidences
of that better spirit of which we speak. .'
Since the war, Southern politics have
been proscriptivo and intensely bitter. How
bitter, is too well known to need relating.
The Virginians, by burying the dead issues
of the past, and adopting liberal and fair
principles, have given a tone to Southern
politics, whose effect, if fostered by the con-
tinued example Of Virginia, will leaven the
whole political lump. 49,. L.. .,..a
As an evidence of the progress of this
sentiment, we quote the following from the
Richmond Enquirer, which has been most
intensely "Southern" paper: ,-.t, ... .-
The MIDDLE GRoUND.-We have some
times thought that we, of the South, are too
prone, in our estimations of Northern opin-
ions, to make out only two classes of politi-
cal views-the fierce Radical and uncom-
promising Democrat. 1t Is likely that We
overlook a middle element of Northern So
ciety-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 un-
alterably devoted to the Union, who partly
by our own mismanagement and partly from
the timidity which is the natural complex
ion of conservatism, is found in opposition
to the South, but which would gladly extend
to us the right hand of fellowship, and re-
joice to see all the States gathered once
more under the @gis of the Constitution if,
consistently with their views of the situa-
tion, and in accordance with their estimate
of duty 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 in the South, and would re-
joice exceedingly if they could bury forever
every memory of the fraticidal conflict, ex-
cept that sad yet priceless experience which
alone can prevent repetition of those fear
full scenes.
The above we know to be true. There
are of course exceptions but the great ma
jority of the Northern people have no feel
ings of bitterness towards the Southern
people, and never had. Even when the war
was raging, they fought but to preserve the
Union and were uninfuenced by hatred
The same admission as is made above, is
also becoming true of Southern politics.
The Republican party has no feelings of ha-
tired towards those who oppose it. We be-
iieve that our principles are right, and
therefore endeavor to ensure their triumph.
But we hate no man because he thinks differ
emily from what we think.
We concede to all the same right as we
demand for ourself-the right to think as
they please and vote as they please. If they
vote against our party we will not hate them,
but allow that they have perfect right to
vote as they choose We will endeavor to
defeat them, and will use any fair means to
do so, because we wish to see our-and we
believe the better principles govern.
There are many men who are beginning
to see the truth of these statements, and
who are being governed by similar princi-
piles. A better feeling and returning business
confidence are already perceptible as the re-
suit. With the increase of good feeling
there will be an increase of prosperity.
We are willing to do our part of the
work of bringing it about. sd