The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1870-03-03
The Safe Policy.

The Safe Policy.
From the moment the :" committee o.
nine's began their labors the prospects, OF
the State assumed the brightness of hope.
Up to that day the people had looked IN a
direction for relief that had grown darker
by degrees, and finally was ooscu'e' III
night by the complete downfall OF ANDRE"
Johnson. The tactics commenced oy tne
uninem found daily increasing favor. Be-
ginning with the approval and sympathy
Of General GRANT, they became the adoptea
plan of the people of the State and the
battle with ultra proscriptiveness was
fought upon it with one OF the most 'fui'
full victories that was ever gained over Vln'
dictivcucss and persecution.
In that victory there was a triumph for
society and not for party. All parties
united for the preservation of the State
from the misrule of ignorance and incom-
potency; all combined to save from dig
francliscment the integrity and capacity
OF the State.
What is the moral Of this history? That
the honor and the benefits Of the grand
victory do not belong TO q party, and are not
to DO claimed for any clique or set of partl'
sans. All that fought for the State and
the best interests of society are entitled te
recognition as participants, and, according
70 their talents, to confidence and trust in
the Government.
A. the very incipicnt stage Of the recon
etruction of the Government, if we are to
90 into the formation of parties upon the
old issues,-issues prior to and during the
war-we end the great party that saved the
State and turn it adrift as fit only for gath,
ering crop for others to enjoy-for achiev-
ing honors for others to wear.
This would be a little too quick for de-
cency-a little too rapid for safety. The
spirit of compromise and cooperation by
which all parties combined is as necessary
for putting the Government in full opera
ton az it was to save il from evil hands.
The period requires prolongation for q
year or two of the policy which saved US.
A war Of extremes now would divide the
State upon line of color. The white voters
OF one extreme combined with the white
ofhce-hunters, hoping for Office through q
Junction with the dark voters, might give
them the majority, and that would be vitality
disastrous to the State; whereas triumph
on the other side could not save lis from the
jealousy that would be excited between
labor and capital, and would revive preju-
diCss that would be hurtful TO the State IN
many ways, especially in repelling immi-
grafton and capital, and disinclining Con-
gress to vote anything TO our Improvements.
So there seems TO be no good ground for
two opinions upon the question OF contin-
ming the wise organization Which saved the
State certainly Tor some time to come. TO
give it up would be disa strous indeed.
Governor WALKER has, with signal good
faith, followed steadily the middle track.
In this he should DC warmly supported.
In elections, we should follow the plan Of
July 1850. Take good men without re-
spect TO party sentiments, and in no wise
involve ourselves in those prejudices and
passions the Punishment Of which the
peace OF the nation demands.
For the rerpetuation of the strength OF
tho g7arG Amy Of public safety the selec-
items for Office should he made in this gene
rous spirit. Moreover, we should select
men 70 nearly as possible free from the en-
barrasements Of party alliances in the bitter
DAYS Of strife and war. Those should be
chosen who have plant limbs and ouoyant
energies, united with a keen, practical tore
cast relating to the physical wants Oh the
stGte-men who have withal comprehen-
sivc view of local policy, and will not
Hesitate to make IN outlay that Is
to accomplish benefit commensurate
with the expenditure. Above all, let US
avoid the esteemed and venerable men,
who, however interesting in private life,
are 60 barnacled over with old ideas and
preiudices that Roadway with them now is
TN impossibility.
So shall We best promote the harmony Of
the State administration, and invite the
favor and help of the Federal Government.
we shall thus secure the highest prosperity
in our own State and make Virginia the
equal of any State il enterprise and in
dustry.