The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-03-03
Letter From Hon. James Lyons.
RICHMOND, VA, February ID.

them. d. s. O.
) Letter From Hon. James Lyons.
RICHMOND, VA, February Ia.
Hon. J. B. Sener, Fredertcksbrg, Va!
My dear Sir-I have the pleasure I
acknowledge your favor of the 18th. re
questing me to state whether | intende,
to range myself in the future with tn
Grant party or its opponents, and what ar
my views of the future politics of Vir
ginia ?"
The opinions of one so humble as nv
self and so long withdrawn from politics
can be of very little moment to any one
but when friend asks for them do moi
feel at liberty to withhold them.
| l propose to render to General
Grant and his administration a fair and
candid support, because think that is the
course which justice to him and proper
regard for the country dictate.
1t is utterly impossible that l can sup
port the Dolly Warden party. The history
of parties, both in England and in this
country, attest that coalition party is the
very worst for the welfare of the country.
Formed upon no principle, but that of
getting power and retaining it, it is always
purchasing friends ct the expense of
principle, and, as was said of Mr..
Canning, pays twice as much for
them as they are worth. In our own
case, the coalition party has given us the
very worst government that Virginia has
had since l have known her. Among other
things, putting upon her down-trodden
and oppressed people that inhuman law,
by which the interest was compounded,
instead of being reduced as it should have
been, and bringing upon her charges of
corruption, which were never before
thought Of.
AS to the future, my opinion is that all
honest men, who have the same political
principles, should rally around the admin
lstratlon of General Grant, and give him
the benefit of their councils and a manly
support.
The Republican party, which had its
origin in the anti-slavery movement, has
performed its function. Slavery has been
abolished foreuer, and it must now be the
party OF the constitution or the party
against it. 1t is certainly wise then in all
constitutional men to unite with those of
Its measures who concur with them, and
make it the constitutional party. What
else can they do?
The states-rights men and Federalists
cannot unite without perpetrating fraud,
because their principles are as antagonisti-
cal as the poles, and whenever they pretend
to agree the country is the sufferer.
General Grant is Democrat, and never
was an agitator or disturber of the peace of
the country. He did his duty in the situa-
ton in which he was placed, and if he is
fairly dealt by, think he will make US a
very good President. In my opinion, there
fore, the best thing that the country can do
certainly the best thing that the southern
people can dds to reform the Democratic
party emitting the obsolete issues, and
ourselves to the maintenance of
the constitution as it is, for the practical
advancement of the material interests of !
the country, and rally around General
Grant as Its leader.
The war between the different sections
Of the country will then cease and the war
between the races must cease or end in |
blood. The people have determined that the |
colored race shall haveequa political rights |
With the whites, and while will concede to |
40 man or set of men, white or colored. |
he control ofmy social relations, am for
according to the solored man all the rights
to which the constitution entities him and
applying to him the maxim which apply
% the white man, detur digaissmo.
When the colored people shall present
men for office who are better qualified
han their white competitors, let them
,aye it, and when their personal rights or
'lghts OF property are invaded let them be
properly protected, and instead of having
hem formidable body of enemies in our
midst we shall have them as our friends,
with uE in the advancement
# the country, and deferring to our opin-
ons because it will be to their interest to
10 so. Men are northern or southern, not
because of their color, but because of their
esidence. associations and interests.
We are told by the highest of all author
ties that where mans treasure is,
here will his heart be also :" and SO man
whose home, property and family are in
he south will necessarily be a southern
nan, unless he is treated as an alien and
n enemy, and finds his friends in the
orth.
Out Of this principle of self-interest
Thich rules our nature, grows the loftiest
atriotism, when it is properly tempered
nd enlightened by education and study
nd practice of virtue, for then it is that q
lan learns to know that his highest, no.
lest interest is to regard with an equal
ye and affection his whole country, and
OF part of it, and that by equal and uni
orm laws, and the honest administration of
hem only can the interests of his section
e made permanently secure and placed
eyond the power and corruptions ola par
= or another section. The statesman is
ever partisan except SO far as he may
e compelled by the imperfections of man
nd all his works to use party to accom-
fish wise and good ends. He is the en-
odiment of wisdom and virtue, without
'hlch there is no wisdom. They temper
is passions, teach him to examine all
aings fairly, and to do unto others as we
vould that they should do unto us,