The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-01-03

Legislature of Virginia on the assembling of
that body and Inauguration of the new State
government the LIST of January is worthy Of
particular attention. While it refers neces-
sarily and especially to the condition of vir-
ginia the views expressed are applicable, for
the most part, to the whole South. 1t in
wolves, consequently, questions of national i'm
portance.
Our readers generally will remember the
vigorous contest in the State which resulted in
the election of James L. Kemper and the prin-
ciples involved in that issue chiefly. The con-
test was not so much between democracy and
republicanism. in the old party sense Of these
terms, as between conservatism and radical
ism; between negro supremacy and
government by the superior intelligence of the
whites for the good of all That was the real
question at ISSUE The administration at
Washington, in accordance with the policy of
the radicals since the war closed, supported to
the utmost of its power Mr.. Hughes, the can
didate of the negroes and ultra radical faction.
Hughes got 90, 400 votes and Kemper 100, 728,-
a majority of 1929 votes. 1t was a conserva-
tive success, much the same as that of the pre-
ceding Governor, Walker, and not, as was
said, success strictly of the democratic party
as old party issues were understood, though
most of those who had been democrats afore-
time naturally voted for Kemper. Party lines
had been broken, to great extent, by the war
and its consequences for even Hughes, the
radical candidate, had been one of the strictest
State rights and Southern rights democrats
In proof of these views we quote the language
of Governor Kemper in his inaugural Mes
sage Speaking of political party
relations, he says :-''Virginia, recognize
ing no such obligations as bind her to
any national party organization, maintaining
her fidelity to all who are and who shall be-
come allied in the defence Of measures calcu..
lated to secure tbs speedy Establishment Of
normal relations between the people of the
State on one hand, and the people OF all the
States and government of the United States
on the other, is ready to cooperate cordially
with men Of whatever party in upholding
these measures, supporting those who sup
port them and opposing oil opposition to
them" Further, he calls upon the Assembly
to reafirm the conservative platform, 'judg-
ing the head of the federal government i'm
partially by his official actions, and cooper
ating in every measure Of his administration
which may be benefcent in design and calcu-
lated to promote the welfare of the people and
sentiments of good will throughout the
Union" These words of good sense and
patriotism show that the Governor is not
bound by party ties, and that he looks only
to the welfare of Virginia and the South.
In harmony with these views, and as
con6rmatory evidence of the sincerity of
the Governor and conservatives he rep
resents, he speaks in the kindest and most
conciliatory manner of the negroes. Of
the equal rights of the black and white races
he says:-''So encouraging and decisive has
been the progress of the last four years, so
clearly developed by the past are the obliga-
tions of to-day, that, if we are guided by pru-
dence, if we go forward with courage, tenn
pered with forbearance, and if no federal
legislation shall intervene to disturb the rela-
tons between the races, we cannot fail to
bring our great experiment to q successful and
prosperous issue" He refers to the uniform
system of free schools for educating both
races, and challenges comparison with any
similar scheme elsewhere. Events prove, he
remarks, how futile and disastrous to its
authors must be any future attempt to array
the colored race as a political combination
upon any principle Of antagonism between
the races He gives the meddlesome and mis-
chievous carpet-baggers rap by saying that,
whatever their claim to eminence, ability
or philanthropy, they cannot understand
the character and circumstances of the COL
ored population or wisely administer to their
wants. The Southerners he properly asserts,
are best qualified to perform the task assigned
by Providence with regard to the colored peo-
pie. he adds that, if not restrained or
thwarted by superior power-that is, by the
federal government-the Virginians will per-
form their duty, resolutely and effectually, in
promoting the best interests of both races
and by scrupulously guarding the newly &C
quired rights of the colored man.
There are matters adverted to in these re-
marks, though not dwelt upon at any length
OF very pointedly, that are really full of mean
ing. Twice the Governor remarks that JUS
tice will be done to the negroes, and vir-
ginia will be both progressive and conserva-
tive, if not thwarted by the federal govern
ment. "Not thwarted by superior power is
the expression. That is, if the party in power
and the administration will cease med
ding with the affairs of the South
ern States for political ends, as they
have meddled all along since the conclusion
of the war. In other words, the white people
of the South, if let alone, will honestly carry
out the laws placing the negroes on an equal
ity politically with themselves, and will both
conciliate and educate the colored people 80
that the two races may live in harmony and