South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1870-07-08
The True Issue.

Mr.. HARPER I'm the contest for pow
ter and supremacy in the State now fairly
entered upon, between the Radical party
and the Conservative opposition, i. is of the
first consequence that the people clearly IN
stand the real issue, and be not misled by
false or specious pretexts TO consider ques-
tons which do not rightly belong to the
present canvass.
The Conservative opposition to the Rad
ical party now in power is properly based
upon the outrage and wrong done to the
free and enlightened people of the State, by
the prevention of many of our best and most
deserving citizens, in tho exercise of that
right so dear and sacred to the hearts Of
freemen-die right Of suffrage, under the
oppressive operation or abuse of what are
known as the Registration Laws. y clause
of the State Constitution simply providing
for registry of voters in the State has been
twisted, perverted, distorted into the instru-
mentality for disfronchiSing Twenty Thou
sand Of the citizens of the State-imposing
upon them disability which is abhorrent
to the just sentiments of all who respect
the Republican form Of Government, and
regard the pure and patriotic purposes of
those good and great men who founded ours
as Republican, Representative Govern
meut. In an enlightened, christian age
and country, with such traditions of pa,ri-
otism, purity and thought as bear men back
rejoicingly to the Revolutionary scene, its
actors and events, the present, with its doc.
trines and acts of prescription, affords n
page of History, for which posteriy rH2
J{ush! The Radical party would enforce
affection for aud fidelity to country by oahs
repeated, reiterated, 'us1ue al nduseon,.'
while the leaders may we'll laugh over their
vain work, as did the ancient augurs over
their pleasant little juggleries intended
merely to impose upon popular crcdulity /!
And TO maintain their power the WestLVir-
ginian Leaders Of the Radical party appeal
to the honest, unsuspectiug masses of her
people TO aid them in the continued dis
reimbursement of their white neighbours.
kindred, friends and fellowmeu, while con-
ferring the ballot upon the negroes, thus
preferred to those who bear the burde-s of
taxation, support the State, in that largest
and most liberal sense, by exercise Of tai
ents, intelligence, virtues and energy which
are the very muniments OF her prosperity
her safe guard and defence-"the chenp
defence Of Nations -
''What constitutes State2
Meu-high- minded men
Men, who their duties know,
But know their rights, & knowing, dare maintain,
Prevent the long aim blow,
And crush the tyrant, while they rend the chain
These constitute Statelp
In hn irif 6 I
ton which Is of the essence of Radica lism
lies The t,-ae ground Of accusation that the
people have to consider. For oppression.
injustice, cruelty embodied in the laws.
there Is accountability to be sought some.
wherein this instance, where to be found
save in this dominant Radical party,which
asks of the people continuance Of its pow.
er-to do what--euH qa3 erH onZy ? We
shall 10 doubt discover in this canvass adroit
attempts of politicians TO Shi.k his qYeat,
real iSsue--to make, or feign ohers-to dis
tract the popular mind from this pregnant.
gross. intolerable Oppression and Wrong to
which its submission is still demanded but
"ttiS OIood cricM from the grouna" In
the minds OF the honest many, unperverled
by selfish ambition or the lust of power and
place, there exists high, chivalric, gcner.
Gus sense of right and Justice inherent
hatred of tyranny and oppression, that may
be appealed to with no distrust of the re.
suit, Whenever the case is fairly, frankly,
manfully presented. 1t is our duty to do
this from the stand, through the columns
of the liberal, enlightened, independent
press, and wherever the real issue is present
ed Of this living. abiding, struggle between
Oppression and Wrong, upon the one, and
Justice, Right aud Honour, on the other
baud, we may we'll defer it to the judgment
Of the people, and, for the event, repose
our trust in God. The issue is the great
est that can be referred to any people, and
in every honorable effort to secure their
united voices, let US not fall short
TIE FooLs.--Northcrn workingmon are
bcuiuniDcr 70 find ont that tboy made f,oIs