Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-07-30

LETTER FROM Mr.. SEGAR.-Mr. JOSEPH

LETTER FROM DIR. SEGAR. --Mr Joseph
Segar has written long letter to the editor or
the New York Tribune on the late election 10
this State, and its meaning, in which he as
serts that there were mo party issues 10
volved, and of course no party trlumphfd.
lie defends tie people Of Virginia against the
charge Of obstinately turning their faces
against reconstruction and refusing to do VII t
was before required of them; he defines the
meaning of the election, saying that I'VE have
done all that we could to carry out the Con-
grossiona policy OF reconstruction, and only
await the assembling of the Legislature to
adopt the Fifteenth Amendment ~ recites
the objections Of the Virginia people to Gov.
Wells, and after detailing the many other
points involved in the canvass, thus concludes:
1T there be wanting any other evidence OF
the sincerity Of the people OF Virginia IN de-
string and seeking reconstruction, 1t may be
found in this conclusive fact: After expur
eating the constitution of the obnoxious clauses,
it remains still most obnoxious Instrument
1t has yet provisions which are scarcely endur-
able. The apportionment of representation is
in utter defiance of all just principle, and OF
all justice and equality. The taxing power is
conferred to very large extent on those who,
having no property themselves, may lay taxes
on others which they do not themselves feel
A provision Of the stay law is in palpable con-
PREVENTION OF the constitution OF the United
States, and of repeated decisions of the SUI
preme Court, and, taken altogether, it calls for
an amount of taxation which will be most
onerous, fear intolcrable, to our impoversh
ed taxpayers, and TO which they have been
heretofore unused. But so earnest is our de-
sire and so firm our resolve to be restored to
our national relations that We have taken the
residue of the constitution, bad as it is, as our
form of government until the correcting power
of time and reflection shall give US better
If this be not 40 unmistakable earnest of our
sincerity, in God 8 name what can be? Renew
and reinforce your admonitions against the APP
plicatiop OF the test-oath to the members elect
of the Legislature. As before said, and by
the prohibitions OF Article IA, and nearly
every one favors the adoption of Article b.
II the election shall be held over, still more
overwhelming victory awaits US, with these
differences only, that We lose time, and that to
get eligible representatives. We shall be forced
to take up as legislators the very young men
beardess boys, | may Say-to the entire ex-
clusion of the wise and experienced heads OF
the Commonwealth. For one trembe at the
very thoughts OF that genial current which Is
gently waiting our battered bark TO the haven
OF reconstruction aud peace. | much fear the
result. 1t may roll back the tides OF good
will and OF hope, and Of reconstruction, and
reopen to bleed airesh wounds that time and
better feeling had almost closed. am afraid
the step will be regarded by the people OF \lr
GINA As movement for party advantage, and
u fresh humiliation to them No one can do
more than YOU to avert this great mischief
General imhOdcn writes us, from your city,
that the sentiment OF the Northern people 10
ward u is every day becoming kinder, and to
propel this feeling Is one Of the hopes that
prompted this very long letter. God grant
that the end tc accomplished
The LEGISLATURE The Richmond cores
pendent Of The Petersburg Index writes to that
paper rs follows
Ii was announced last week that Gen. Candy
had sent out circular letter to the military
directing them To enquire what
members elect Of the Legislature could take
the test.oath and We're not disiranchised by the
Howard amendment. This circular was actually
prepared AMI printed, but the announcement
that it has been issued is premature. 1t has
not been issued Well informed persons be-
licve that it will never be. Some one or two
OF the commissioners here. however, Of their
own accord, addressed these queries to men,
bers elect, but those to whom they were sircc
ted declined to answer at ALL Thus the matter
stands, It is supposed that General Candy
will take no action in regard to the members
)t the Legislature until they are assembled to
Je sworn n.