The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-08-13
Fact and Theory.

GdCt dllI 4uCCIys
Mr.. James Anthony Fronde, in his Lecture
on the Science OF History, ''remarls that ''the
z,,alatain OH. OF which the race is flowing per-
pat,tally changes; no two generations are alike.
Whether there is a change in the organization
Itself we cannot tell; but this is ccrtan-that,
as the planet varies with the atmosphere which
surrounds it, so each new generation varies
from the last, because it inlales as its atmos-
pliere the accumulated experience and knowl-
'.dsc Ut the whole past of the world. These
taings from tile spiritual air woich we breathe
as we grow; and, in the infinite multiplicity
ct elements of which that air is now composed,
It il forever a matter Of conjecture what the
minds will be like when exposed under its in
1luence."
There is philosophy in these sentences
worth studying as peculiarly applicable to the
{ American people, and the mutations that have
signalized their history in the last hundred
years. A fact that will admit of particular
theory when the popular intelligence is not ex
banded under the lights OF experience, but gro
ping in the mist of mere experiment. will,
under broader apprehension of its import,
i
An incOntrovertable premise may be distorted
In its application to surrounding circumstances
by the speculations of even great minds, I'M
aided by the tests and lights Of experience
No theory can be accepted as sound and
healthy unless it has passed through the ordeal
of trial, and demonstrate its truth by practical
results. We may with propriety Illustrate the
idea, by recalling the expressionin onr Decla-
ration OF Independence, that s'all men are Gre
ated equal, " and the theory was deduced from
1t by the cotemporaneous generation. The
declaration itself was an acknowledgment Of
the wisdom and justice of the Creator, but the
theory and practice, which it was assumed,
were logically its resultants, contradicted the
sublime enunciation. The principle was based
upt n the infallible ethics of ueaven-the tlleo-
ry was the outgrowth of great minds it is true
yet onhdering in the gloom of untried ex-
pertinent. The progress of time, the lights of
experience, the growth Of minds, the accumu-
lation of knowledge, and a broader comprehen-
sion of religious truths, have accomplished a
resolution in the theory that our forefathers
conceived, and given it an application that en-
braces the true idea that the declaration prop
erly conveys. 1t now covers the broad thought
that mind and heart constitute man, as well as
color and BIRTH and in the wide success OF the
term, san men," is comprehended, what in
Mr.. Madison's time, were regarded as chattels.
He had the grand idea, the great truth, but the
theory which was drawn from it. was governed
and controlled by the circumstances that sur
rounded at the time. An advanced generation,
taught by the lights that have burst upon them
through the crimson rush Of life and the cour-
age Of battle, have seized the broader under
standing Of the fact, and are now seeking to
adapt a new and more illogical and expanded
theory.
1t is not in the nature OF things that prejudi-
ces rooted and grounded by education, running
through generations, should suddenly give way,
Antipodal truth, asserts its unchal nged a1tllor
ity. Reason cannot reach che mind so long as
prejudice and passion are inflamed. The grad
nal progress of education. the influence OF IA
1niliar fact, the habit, growing even out Of ne
eessity, of federation, will work out the benef-
cent results of the new theory, and, under the
beam OF universal intelligence, be finally ac-
ccpted as the faithful Interpretation of the
ted fact, that tall men are created equal. -
The teaching of a progressive civilization, the
influence of genuine christianity, and the die
fates OF 2 wise philanthrophy, will prove the
potent instrumentalities, to the calculation of
the truth.
No great revolution in the sentiment and
moral bias Of people was ever accomplished
by spasm. The work must go forward in its
legitimate methods, allaying the feelings and
prejudices, and convincing the reason, by as
sorting the truth. As old soundings lose their
influence which they may still hold by theiforce
of education, and new circumstances and facts
exert their forces, the popular understanding
will begin to recognize the new condition of
things and accept the irreversible destiny. The
truth will continue its onward march. 1t is
the essential ingredient in the very genius of
olr institutions, and can no more be ignored
with justice to the fundamental idea Of our
governmental system. than can the law OF
gravitation in the physical world.
VIRGINIA POSTAL AFFAIRs.-New pOstof-
fees are established at Woodford, Caroline
county, on the route, from Washington, to
Richmond, with Peter Z. HMgland as post
m tsIer.N Also 1T YAK I'LL, Acoihlck county,
on the route from Earetown to Onancock. with
J. o. Selby as postmaster. Also at Black
Ridge, Mecklenburg county,on the route from
St. Tamnlany's to Cabbage Farm, with II. G,
Taylor as postmaster. Also at Johns Greek,
Craig county, OH the route from Union to Sim
monsvile, with Martin Huffman as postmas-
ter. Also at Grass Bun, Harrison county, W.
Va m a new route with r. G. Robinson as
postmaster. Also at Board Tree, Marshall