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

Posco thue tucle 10 Ihan iiVlhb on Tue
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 il
one Of the leading counties of the State
and shon!d not BE- the less inclined on tina,
account to improve her condition. Let us
obtain a REIMBURSEMENT of land damages
and grade the road, and capital elsewher.
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, and 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 "undthe rest Of mankind" have
rcvolted against Tennessee, Missouri
and West Virginia prescription and test
oaths. The high. priests Of raiicalism
are loudest in their dcnuhciaticns Of all
sorts of prescriptions and &c post tacto
la@s, and under the pondcrous weight Of
political influence now finding its way to
the surface. We may reasonably hope
for some amelioration in our own
State.
Notwithstanding the praiseworilY eff
forts ofthc lm'elliyenccr, we arc constrained
to say, that there lisa want of dircctness
and pitl in its glittering generali,ies,
which it were better for its fame should bs
removed, and the true questions at issue
squarcly and fairly met II omits the i'm.
portant consideration, and vital subjects
now CT, mly reviewed in the public mind Of
its own party friends. We admit that the
arguments arc strongly and sternly urged
10 behalf Of ex-Rebels, but there is no
hand raised to shield from prescription those
Of our fellow citizens who are no. rebels
and never were. This is the disturbing
element 10 our State, and one that should
receive direct and earnest consideration
The rebels are denied, by the 14th
Constitutional Amendment, the privilege
Of holding Offices. and they appear to, ac.
quicsce in the situation; but that then
many of our fellow citizens who arc not
rebels aud who are denied franchise with.
out appeal, is a more curious question,
aud one 10 which VIC wish to invite the
lnteNiyencr.
Let us come frankly together, discuss,
consider ard act upon the important is.
sues Of the day. We have nothing to dis.
guise. aud VIC trust the Inteliigencer 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 I"Ge1iiyeneer answer
us frankly! We desire to know
from that journal.
list. Whether tits for the removal Of
all disabilities FROM the rebels :? And here.
in whether they may be citizens which
our Constitution says they shall not be-
whether they may vote-hotd Office,
practise law, sue and defend suits, --,nay
celebrate m ntrimony, teach school,, serve
on jurits, etc.. etc.
I'd. Whether our registration laws
shall be SO amended that the oath of The
vote,s shall be conclusive of hi. right to
vote and exercise other higher preroga
tyeS until the oath is falsided By cou.
viction for perjury or how otherwise?
3D.. Whether that journal is ia favor Of
n mixed political commission on her
Boards Of Registration and other boards,
or the prosecution Of our public works,
the education OF our people, and in our
institutions Of charity aud philanthropy,
so that one party may watch Tue other
aud thereby be better able to guard
against peculation aud fraud.
These are vital issues, demanding q
thoughtful and honest consideration.
They are above tarty, and we shall re.
greet if the InieAiyeneer fails to meet them
in the spirit becoming the most powerful
4; tirnal ID .he State.
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