National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1873-08-26

hnc WIZ
was once considerd somewhat famous as n
statesman and politician, but who, since the
late unpeasantnc.s was ended, has been ru-
ralizing down In Essex, ranking as one polit-
ically deceased, now looms up as the figure
head Of the +. +. V. Democracy. He has
been appointed by the Democratic Conserya-
tive Committee as Its chief State canvasser-
at.large, and opened his plan Of campaign In
an elaborate and carefully prepared speech
last Friday in the Richmond theatre. Mr..
Hunter was once an old-linc Henry Clay
Wing, but was shaky enough to be elected
Speaker Of House Of Representatives Of
doubtful complexion about thirty years ago,
and shortly after became a good-cnough
Democrat to enter the United States Senate
and attain to the leadership Of that party In
that body as chairman Of the Committee
on Finance, a position he was able TO
retain until Virginia passed her ordi-
nance of secession, when he vamosed
the rancho with quite as much faith
In the success, In the ultimate triumph, Of the
Southern scheme US he has now In the cleo
lion Of Kemper to the gubcrnatorial chair
this fall, and of himself to his old seat
III tut CtUNttt US tut VI HUH boHH
T. Lewis. He was one OF the commissioners
from JEFF. Davis to confer with Mr.. Seward
and President Lincoln, at Fortress Monroe, ~
to terms OF peace, In February, lsG5-Messrs.
Alexander ii. Stephens and Judge John A.
Campbell being the other two-and was the
only one Of the three who had the pluck and
hardihood or cold bloOded brass to confront
the war-stricken, starving people Of Rich
mond, in company with his master, JEFF. Da-
Wis, on his return and attempt to fire the
Southern hearts anew for continuance Of q
war In behalf Of a cause that he knew was
hopeless and lost. He was imprisoned few
months after the war was ended, but so little
hold had he upon the popular heart that no
demonstrations were made In Virginia In ia
vor OF his release, which was, however, soon
effected through tho kindly feelings OF Nj.
Seward, then Secretary Of State, and who
served with him many years In the Senate.
Such are some of the antecedents Of the
man who Is put forward by the Virginia
Democratic Conservatives as their standard
bearer in the coming aght. He Is man Of
the past age as well as generation. He Is
one OF those who think that the world ceased
to move when he left political life, and has
no idea that 1t can again advance u step In
any proper direction until he and JEFF Davis
are once more elevated to controlling posi-
tons In the councils of the nation. With
him oil political wisdom Is Virginia born, and
not only this, but of white parentage. Hear
him say, when sec Virginlans ruling vlr-
ginla | shall feel that the first step has been
taken towards the restoration of her rights
and prosperity. But when / use the term
Virginians, mean only those who are guided
by Virginia principles and interests and inau-
enced by Virginia feelings and sensibilities. y
In other words, those who, in matters Of
purely State concern, regard those interest,
and feelings as of supreme concern wher
they come into competition with those OF an,
other people. Among these experience ha
shown that the colored people are not as ye
TO be included"
There is where tho shoe pinches. The ex
slaves are native born, but have not the RICH
feelings and sensibihties. They have not tn,
true patrimony--pride Of birth and hatred o
labor. They are under radical influence
which sympathizcs with New England NOR
than Virginia, aud they are not safe Mr.
Hunter has forgotten that now the colore'
people have got to support themselves an,
their families by their labor, and their tru
interests require the influx of foreign enter
prise, and capital such as has developed New
England, New York and the West to q de
gree far In advance of Virginia. The poo
laborng white man also understands thi
question In the same light They wa plent.
Of work and plenty OF money to pay for 1t
They know that the enterprise OF the North
with accompanying capital, would develop
the resources Of the State until Its entire sur
face would be dotted with villages and facto
ries, and rolling mills and smelling furnaces
and other insignia Of wealth, happiness and
prosperity.
But Mr.. Hunter would stand at the thrcsh,
old Of Virginia with his drawn sword, and
turn back every man and every dollar who
should refuse 10 shed his New England coat
ut the border, and don one Of Virginia Gu,
and make. lie now asks for the doctrine o.
popular sovereignty 10 be applied to Virginia
c1Sbich he opposed so vchemcntly when Mr.
!, Douglas demanded TO have 1t applied Il
Kansas and Nebraska fifteen years ago. IL,
now says the negroes pay no taxes, but AT
being educated at the taxation OF their ole
masters. Fifteen years ago Mr., Hunter, IL
advocating his frec.tradc or revenue tariff
denounced protection, because the consumer
had to pay higher price for the manufae'