The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1871-01-30
Grsnii,g State goarmal.
MONDAY EVENING, JAN. 80. 1871
SPIRIT OF THE MunNINo Press.

but only its editor, and not in its policy
In this case "change does not max
change !" for Mr.. Barbour, in retiring
assures his political friends that the cours
he marked out will not be departed from
He says:
With the issue of Saturdays Enquirer m
editorial control of this newspaper ceased
Proposals we're made for . transfer of m,
interest in the Enquirer, which regarded 1t t
be my duty to those dependent on me to &C
cept provided the Enquirer should continue Il
be conducted In consonance with the politica
principles that have heretofore controlled ii
editorial columns. Satisfactory assurances wer'
given on this last point.
Of course, this agreement, entered into
with the late editor, will be faithfully adj
hered to through all the coming future
and, therefore, we may look for a deter
mined effort to revive the old Democratic
party of Virginia, under new leaders,
with young blood in their veins, and a
hopeful future before them. The old men
who live their past over must give way.
What our newspapers now need is young
editors, who know notbing-or at least are
not tied to the dead carcase-of the political
past. We want some of Tom Carlyle's
men, who have no past to their back, to
be eternally dstracting their thoughts
from the Future by its timid couusels--
frightening them with its graveyard
groans. Age reveres the past--it is its
sole consolation but youth looks hope
fully and places its faith trustingly in the
future as the bright goal of its ambition.
We respect our veterans, and OCCASION
ally we find even in bent and bowed
body young and hopeful soul; but it is
an exceptional case, and while we should
listen with reverence to the advice of
our fathers, as we shall expect our children
to listen to US in time, we are not bound to
follow their timid counsels rather than our
own impetuous impulses. Our mothers
might as well ask their daughters to dis
card the latest style of bonnet and adopt the
old leghorn coal-scuttle.
1t is better that we forget the politics of
the past, and bury our old ideas in the
grave the great war dug for them, --togeth-
er with all recollection of that sad conflict
The old testament is closed, aud the old
law passed away. With the new dispen-
sation we must have new apostles, --whose
mission must be peace on earth and good
will.
But we fear that Mr. Barbour has not
bound the new proprietors or proprietor
for no names are given-in a very strong
bond to continue steadfast in the pure and
unadulterated Democratic faith--as prac
tised by the Fathers, for in marking out
the future course and policy of the paper,
the editor, whose name is also kept from
ho Ny1l1 IN MI hifr,n oil IL,
served compliment to Mr.. Barbour, indi-
Gates that there may be some deviation
from the former policy of the paper. He
says-and we think we recognize the ele-
giant style of oneswho has had much ex-
perience already in Virginia journ alism, -
in taking leave of the former editor;
In bidding farewell to his readers, MIR. Bar
bour claims no more than he is amply entitled
to, when he afirms the sincerity and singlensss
of purpose with which he has conductedshim
self in his editorial life. To those who have
watched his career, it is permitted to add that
it has been as conspicuously marked by ability
and courage as by candor and honesty and
while criticism has not been wanting, even in
the ranks of our own party, and among the
best of our people, as to the policy of some of
his recommendations, it is source of unfeigned
satisfaction to his friends-among whom we
are happy to count ourselves--that no man has
ever imputed to him selfish purpose, far less
. corrupt one, in the many controversies of his
brief connection with the Virginia press. And
if, in some respects, it should be deemed the
duty of those who succeed him to modify, IN q
measure, the vietos of .ohich he has been the es-
pecial champion in Hirginia, they cannot pro-
pose to themselves ends more patriotic, nor
seek them by means more worthy.
The italics are ours. We can bear wit
kIok H., - e.,
the tone and style of the late editor, for
never have we met more courtly antago-
mist, or one whose sharpest thrusts in
flicted gentler wounds. Without any other
acquaintance with him than through his
writings, we have learned to admire him
for the fairness and courtesy he has in
variably shown in the discussion of politi-
cal and all other matters, even during the
most heated and exciting times. Though
personally unknown to US, he is no stran-
ger and, although it is with sincere re-
gret we bid him farewell and God speed,
yet we trust he may find in other and
happier occupations, that rest of body and
tranquility of mind which the ceaseless toll
and worry of our profession are in eternal
war with.
Inc pOtCy VI tno HoW duululStratlOu
seems to be subdaed kind of Conserva-
tive-Democracy, of which this is the best
sample we can find
= it will of necessity oppose
that Republicanism, whether radical or not,
which accommodates test oaths, denies amnesty,
procaims the inequality OF the States, carries
elections by the bayonet, feeds an army Of Of
fee holders, and delivers over the intelligence,
character, and property of vast communities
to the control of the most vicious and igno
rant of their people.
Then, of course, it will not oppose our
kind of Republicanism or the Republican
ism of the vast majority of our party for
we oppose bayonsts, test-oaths, and all
that, and believe in lodging the govern
ment in the hands of the best, most virtu-
GUS and competent But the closing para
graph gives US an inkling of what the
notifications of policy will be. 1t says:
But on the other hsnd, it is apparent that
Virginia totters on the verge OF bankruptcy,
and that from such an abyss nothing can save
her save an increase of productive population,
a strengthening OF her industry, and invitation
Of capital, cheapening of transit to and
through her borders. Whoever contributes TO
these ends, however selfish his purpose, is our
friend, and deserves welcome. We shall
regain our strength in the Union when we are
prosperous and whoever helps to that end,
helps the coming of that better day when, as of