Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1869-01-14
WOODSTOCK, VIRGINIA.
Thursday Morning, January IA, 1859
The Condition

ts~o0 6Sn0A al arc uioCuccluS Iue
action of the Virginia Convention-some
with severe criticism and burning sarcasm,
whilst others deal more lenintly, and
some even endorse the course of these
Virginia gentlemen" As for ourselves
We regard the whole matter as very in
judicious, just q. this time. and believe
that more harm will result from the in
reference, in the division of the conserya
tive party, than good. even if the PROPOSE
tons OF the convention are acceeded to by
Congress. The proposition, as mention ed
by Capt. James Barron Hope, editor Of
the Norfolk Virginian, in correspondence
with Senator Pomeroy. asking his opinion
as to the practicability of the schems to
adopt the Alexandria Constitution with a
clause enbodying negro suffrage, meets
with the following reply, which we believe
characteristic of the radical party, and
about as satisfactory as anything can be
obtaire ed from them:
Washington. Dec. % 1858.
Ny Dear Sir: I have seen a PROPOSE
ton to submit the "Alexanderia constitu-
non," so-called, with negro suffrage add
cd, along with the one lately passed at
Richmond, for the adoption or rejection Of
the voters of Virginia.
hope you will not encourage that for
many reasons, among which are the fol-
lowing:
1st. It will dirsde and ,oeaken the vote of
the party in the State who really desire
the early restoration of the "Old Domin-
ion" TO the Union as l most deuo,aly do.
I'd. It will not be held to be "a compli-
ance with the law of Congress to pass up
on and adopt constitution not authorized
by Congress.
And, finally. what can be gained by
it? For as Congress has prercribed one
mode, it is not likely it will now prescribe
another.
Salvation is not in many ways, but in
one way that one aeay is compliance in
form and in spirit with the prescribed
terms.
When Virginia does that her peace
will flow like river and her prosperity
will be like the waves of tho great sea.
Very cordially, &C., &C.,
S. G. PomERor.
It seems to as really astonishing, con-
sidering the character of these Virginia
gentlemen" that they should consent to
concede every principle, upon which they
have heretofore acted in order to secure what
they call reconstruction. What kind Of
reconstruction Reconstruction .fon the
basis of the old and time honored consti-
tuition or upon the humiliating conditions
of the Reconstruction acts of Congress?-
How many years of peril and bloodshea,
in how many speeches, exhorting the
people to do or die for the sacred rights
guaranteed by the constitution, have these
same gentlemen lead the pepulace to re-
s;st what they now councilI Are they
honest Can we trust them? Is not The
political guiIlotine at work, even whilst they
are in solemn conclave? The old, anc
trust worthy officers of the commonwealth
are being hourly deposed and men entire.
y innocent ofcharscter or capability put il
their places. Yet, Virginians are coun'
cling the EXTREMIST measures proposed
What for ? Do they wish Office? Let Vir.
ginians call convention to petition Office:
for Office seekers, but never let Office seek.
ers convene to petition Congress to ig-
more the rights of Virginians and to offe,
what Virginisus would repudiate with
scorn and contempt! What can make re-
construction SO much to be desired, wher
it has. everywhere to be supplemented
with the sword. The army is the umpire
to whose arbitration the south must sub.
NIT. Do you ask for reconstruction, and
most disgracefully, too, by proposing the
mcst humiliating terms. yourselves, when
that very reconstruction is to be followed
by the very worst of illsi What is the
political History of Arkansas, Tennessee,
and other portions of the south? The
arming of the militia, composed of igno-
rant and unfit men, whose chief qualiica.
tons for soldiers are abandonment and dcs.
titution, and who are the fit participant:
In bloodshed, and scenes worse-in6nately
worse than bleodshed, and which are toe
appalling to contemplate. is an outrage
upon reconstruction.
We want reconstrueiioE-xe profess
and believe that we are s'loip' citizens o.
she government, (at least we wish to be-
but we want it as honorable men, upor
the very principle upon which our fathers
gave us the government. If We are To
have less than we are entitled to, it shall
not be of our own chooaing. There is bni
one way Of "salvation" is the
straight and narrow road, and we prefes
taking that narrow road of honor than to
60 astray into the broad by-paths, with
risk Of not entering at all.
We feel, as glorious old Jubal Early
writes from Canada, to a friend in Rich
mond. Like a true Virginnn. as he is.
he says:
Il am sorry TO see that proposition is
moozed by some Of our people for a comprom