The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1869-08-25
what Governor Hahn says.

The testimony OF Governor Hahn, OF
Louisiana, as to the condition OF that
State and other parts OF the South
through which he has travelled, Ia Of
Importance. AS our readers know, we
have argued that the people OF the South
are neither all saints nor all devils, but
pretty much human beings like our.
selves, and that the fierce spirit OF the
war would inevitably melt away as In.
dustry and trade should revive, and
the political situation should become
settled. Governor Hahn bears testimo-
ny that this change Is rapidly taking
place, and that the people are ceasInE
to talk and think about the war. Why
not? Will any amount OF talking
about II change the results? VIII any
quantity Of vlndlctlve feeling help
those who cherish It? All sensible
men beRin 10 see that the prosperity Of
every State depends upon the restora.
ton OF peace and good feeling, and the
hearty cooperation OF all classes In eff
forts for the common good. There are
some worthless people who do not see
this some oil narrow mind or keen per.
sonal ambition, who desire continue
ance Of strife. But the body Of PEG.
Pile, South as well as North, desire q
genuine and lasting peace.
Such Is the testimony not only OF
Governor HAhp, who IL one OF the
earliest and strongest Republicans! OF
Louisiana, now editor OF the New Or
leans Republican, and formerly MIR.
Lincoln'a first Military Governor In
that State, but 1t Is the Testimony OF
many other men Of like opportunities
for information, who, like him, are we'll
known aS tried and true Radicals. II
ls In The hope that their information ID
correct that we. with many others at
the North, have urged removal OF all
restrictions upon suffrage, believing
that 1t would help to restore the South
to peace. In Virginia, In spite of the
representations OF some OF the defeated
candidates, everything seems 10 be 60.
Ing on quietly. The men who were
formerly most hostile, now claim TO
have accepted the terms OF the govern.
ment and even principles OF the Repub-
lican party, as thoroughly and heartily
Rs any, and since the election they talk
Of choosing as Senators franklin
Stearns, an old Wing and consistent
and tried Republican and loyalist, and
General Williams, = worthy gentleman
pest known as the husband Of the
widow OF Stephen A. Douglas. AS yet,
there Ia nothing In the tone OF the press
or the conduct OF the people to lead US
TO anticipate renewal OF trouble.
In Tennessee, the case Is different,
The disfranChised have obtained The
power not by lawful or constitutional
means, but by high-handed defiance
OF law which makes 1t impossible to
speak OF Senler as Republican. Never.
theless, While condemning, none more
earnestly. this defiance OF law, we rec.
ognIZe the fact that the victorious party
are urged by their most influential
journals TO 3 proper and moderate
course. It Is for them toshow whether
The rebel spirit has given place to a
genuine desire for peace. The people
OF the North will watch with Interest
the conduct OF those who have prevailed
In Virginia and Tennessee, and will be
prompt 10 shape the policy OF the gov.
eminent accordingly. The election OF
Democrats Instead Of Republicans, In
this or that State, does not threaten the
safety OF the Republic II the Democrats
have ceased to contend for a removal
otthe results OF thu var, and are willing
to accept In good faith the settlement
made and the terms prescribed by Con.
greas. As partisans, we regret the de.
feat OF Republicans, and the election Of
man who can no longer claim to be.
loug to that or any other law abiding
party. But It is we'll that the majority
In Virginia and Tennessee will now be
called upon to show us In what spirit
they propose TO meet the liberal policy
proposed by Republicans. II they wei
come a settlement upon the basis OF
universal suffrage, without trick or
reservation. but honestly and In good
laith, the North will accept It as proof
that the spirit OF disloyalty Is fading,
and that the Southern Democrats are
seeking to drop the part OF traitors and
70 become a legitimate and constltu.
tlonal opposition party.