The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-09-03
Safety in Prudence.

'tSAtSeiiiS' ehd S-NpICoSSl dlc DtIb Lilc OuUSlN-
iss OF that recklessnes that precedes despair
iAg hope. With no solid fundamental thought,
>:respondingwith the supreme organic law of
the nation, lipoiia which to base substantial,
rational policy, it, breaks out into fitful enun-
Citations to suit the wlims of particular local.
ties, and presents the discordant spectacle of
nntipodal platforms as numerous as the states
where theirconclaves have assembled, or an ex-
preston given to the prevailing sentiment.-
Indiana, Missouri and Ohio prominently pre-
sent the Pendletonian theory OF virtually des-
troying the credit of the government, by pro-
claiming the policy of repudating the national
obligations. Illinois antagonizes this falacy
by asserting the hard money theory, which is
in harmony with the Democratic professions of
New York and the eastern states. The ma
tional sentiment embodied i'll the resolutions
OF the western and northern Democracy is
brought into direct conflict with the reyolu-
tionary and sectional proclamations of the
White Mans party in Alabama and Louisiana,
and the bloody contentious that crimson the
current history OF Kentucky, Tennessee, and
other Southern States.
I'VE merely mention these ncongruous posi-
lions to show that there is. no oneness of aim,
no clearness of purpose, indicating cardinal
idea upon which a governmental policy could
be based, governing in the deliberations oil the
opposition party. 1t does not catch in the
thought OF national unity, or comprehend the
necessity Of Il broad, bold, far reaching princi-
pie OF governmental policy. 1t is made up of
expedients adapted to localities, and peculiar
TO local contests, which must melt away before
the forceful presentation OF the stern prnc-
pies of the Republican party, which find their
source and authority in the fundamental law
@f the country, and the progressive spirit of the
age.
1t is in this narrow view of the mission of
parties, that we find the manifestation Of bit
ter sectionalism in all the Southern States
Blinded by passion, chatting under the restraint
of accepted law, and resentful because of the
new condition of things resulting from the war,
she tendency seems to be to nullify the very OBJ
aigations under which the people solemly rest,
and to bid defiance to reason and common
sense. ="
The undisguised and growing resentment
manifested to the spirit and letter of the recon-
struction acts, is one Of the most painful and
threatening Indications that marks the current
history of the times. 1t seems to be the last
consideration that suggests itself to the popular
mind of the South, that such a course will. as
certain as effect follows cause, provoke a cor
responding sectional feeling in the dominant
portions OF the. country. 1t is the sheerest de-
ausion to suppose for moment that the people
OF the North and West are going to relinarisll
the accomplished facts Of the war. The a.
mendments to the constitution, accepted and
adopted by the South. will be enforced in their
sroadest meaning, aud it is fatal folly to Gull
tivate the hope that the local spaslns which an
amate communities, will effect any other re-
suit than arouse an indignant protest from the
power that prescribed and demanded the adop-
sion OF the constitutional amendments
The declarations of Robert Tonbs, of Geor-
gia, Mr. Harris, Of Maryland, and the Rich
mond Dispatch, are but the rash expressions Of
smprudent leaders, that represent the deep UNI
der-current that exists. When these parties
declare that they will not accept the amend
snents to the constitution and recognize the
facts logically connected Herewith. the utter
-ances find muilied response deep down in the
hearts Of a certain class of the people. and
while the sentiment may not be boldly pro-
claimed, it will be sufficiently indicated to at
tract to it the attention of the nation, and
largely contribute to the crystalization of sec
tionalism.
hat iS no Cn11fh 10 IN, IL f>lJ, t.
is only showing bad faith, where the obligations
of good citizenship should have been observed.
1t is only arousing feeling of hostility, where
might have been friendship and kindness. We
can accomplish no good by such course, but
much harm. The highest considerations of
self-interest and duty demand that wiser and
more rational policy should control, and that
passion anG feeling be subordinated to reason
and common sense.
And at the same time that such harmful adj
visers assert their revolutionary doctrine, they
propose to urge the claims of Gen. Grant for Il
third term, as though he would tolerate for
moment the association of lls name with a
policy so in conflict with the harmony and
peace of the country.
We fear the spirit that is manifesting itself in
many sections of the South, bodies no good. If
it is not checked it will only precipitate llisas-
ter. The South shonld remember the history
OF its professed ally, the Northern Democracy,
before the war-look at its utter in9bility to
assist them, had it the inclination, and then
take COUNSEL Of reason and prudence, and a.
bandon the revolutionary spirit that is daily
cropping ont. A sullen and treacherous oppo-
sition, after we have solennly obligated our
selves 70 accept them, will array against us a
solid North, aggravated because of the viola
ton of plg!ted faith will encounter tine
stern rebtille of the government in all of its de
partments, and stimulate the luminosity of 81
numerical power that is able to do as damage
The quiet, the peace, the harmony and the
prosperity of the South, depend upon the pru-
aence OF her own people. They have it in their
power to work out their OWL good-to secure
their own material development, and advance
all OF their important interests These ends will
not be gained by sectional feeling and precipi-
eating race issues. The work must be accom-
plishea by fairly and honestly atlherine to the
avs and acting in good faith to our oft-repeat
"A pledges. No man can stand before tbe
american people who is not in sympathy with
aatioilal sentiment and objects, and it is the
Eashest folly for the people of the South to ex-
ect to accomplish any desirable ends by in
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