The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1869-08-02

have to be made, aud not bridge or deep
cut Of any Importance. will have to he
overcome, and no land damages we pre-.
sumo, will be claimed. and it is not sup.
posed thatthcre is man living on the
line so lost to all claims Of public spirit,
as to demand damages.
We trust that our people will act upon
this subject without delay. Our county is
one of the leading counties Of the State.
and should not be the less inclined on that
account to improve her condition. Let US
obtain a REIMBURSEMENT Of land damages
and grade the road, and capital elsewhere
can be founa-to do the balance.
THE WHEELING INTELLIGENCER
Is still doing brave service in the cause
Of political justice to the ex-Rcbels of
this State. We admire its pluck, aud the
dcxtcrity with which it handles per.
picking subject. The conductors of that
powerful journal are shrewd enough to
perceive the coming storm from the
Northern side Of this question. all the
world "onathe rest Of mankind have
rcvolted against Tennessee, Missouri
and West Virginia prescription and test
oaths. The high. priests Of raiicalism
are loudest in their denuuciations Of all
sorts Of prescriptions and er post faeto
ia~s, aud under the pondcrous weight Of
political influence now aiding its way to
the surface, We may reasonably hope
for some amelioration in our own
State.
Notwithstanding the praiseworlhY eff
forts of,hc laieliigeneer, we are constrained
to say, that there is want Of dircctness
and pith in its glitteriug generali,ies,
which it were better for its fame should be
removed, and the true questions a. issue
squarcly and fairly met 1t omits the i'm
portant consideration, and vital subjects
now ca ,mly reviewed in the public mind of
its own party friends. We admit that the
arguments are strongly aud sternly urged
in behalf Of ex-Rebels, but there is no
hand raised to shield from prescription those
Of our fellow citizens who arc no. rebels
and never were. This is the disturbing
element 10 our State, aud one that should
receive direct and earnest consideration
The rebels are denied. by the 18th
Constitutional Amendment, the privilege
Of holding Offices. and they appear to, ac-
quiesce in the situation; but that then
many Of our fellow citizens who are not
rebels aud who are denied franchise with.
out appeal, is a more curious question,
and one to which We wish TO invite the
lnteRigencr.
Let us come frankly together, discuss
consider ard act upon the important is.
sues Of the day. We have nothing to dis.
guise. aud we trust the I,sel,igeneer is
equally fortunate. With one stroke Of
the pea We would oblitcrate every disabil.
ity growing out Of The war. and we would
encourage every thing having tendency
to advance our State in high aims to pros.
perity, and on this platform "let us have
peace" Will the Lntelligeneer answer
us frankly! We desire to know
from that Journal.
list. Whether it is for the removal Of
all disabilities FROM the rebels 2 And here.
in whether they may be citizens which
our Constitution says they shall not be
whether they may rote-hold Office,
practise law, sue and defend sui,s,-nay
celebrate IN ntrimony, teach schoo,, serve
on jurits, ETC., etc.
2d. Whether our registration law.
shall be SO amended that the oath Of tbs
voteis shall be conclusive Of hi. right to
vote and exercise other higher preroga
tiyes until the oath is falsifed By con I.
rietion for perjury ? or how otherwise?
Sd. Whether that journal Is in favor Of
a mixed political commission on her
Boards Of Registration. and other boards,
or the prosecution Of our public works,
the education Of our people. ane in our
institutions Of charity aud philanthropy.
so that one party may watch the other
aud thereby be bett+r able to guard
against peculation aud fraud.
These are vital issues, demanding a
thoughtful aud honest consideration.
They are above tarty. and we shall re.
greet il the ih,eiiigeaesr fails to meet them
in the spirit becoming the most powerful
utnal in ,he State.