The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-01-10
SOMETHING FOR VIRGINIA TO no
ON THE GIVHLRIGHTS QUESTION.

Congress has recommitted the Civil
Rights bill for further consideration.
Would it not be well for the Legislature of
Virginia to see whether it may not consist
emily give some practical evidence OF its |
willingness to reconsider its action upon
the subject with the new lights Of our time
Is it not possible without injury to any one,
and without making degrading concessions,
to meet the demand Of our colored fellow
citizens for additional security to their
civil rights? We need not go far to find
an illustration. 1t is a notorious fact
that while our colored population consti-
tule more than two-fifths of the whole
people, they arc, with very rare excep.
tons, WIDELY unrepresented on juries in
the state courts. They are thus deprived
OF the right to be tried by jury Of their
peers, a right so sacred and ancient as to
be guarded by the strongest amendments
of every charter, bill of rights and con-
slituiion, from the days of Runnymead
until now. Would it not be graceful
thing, as well as just and in keeping with
the Astounding professions of good will, of
late so resonant at the State House,
to open the .jury-box to the colored
man, at least when his own
race is on trial? Such an act would be
the best possible proof Of the sincerity of
the dominant party in its oft-asserted de-
tarf, tn nj In fho re
Of all citizens. 1t would be accepted by
Congress in good faith, and give to the
representatives of that party some weight
at Washington upon pending questions in
volved in the Civil Rights bill. It Is I'M.
euestionably the determination of Con-
gress to set this question finally at rest in
some way. The country is tired of the
NEGRO question:" IT'S obtrusiye presence
rises everlastlngly to interrupt the great
business Of tho nation. Material interests
involving the progress and prosperity Of the
country, and most vitality essential to the
welfare Of its people. are crowded out to
make way for the bitter and Improbable
war Of words which it always excites. 1t
must be eliminated from our politics, and
we must have peace, that we may devote
the en- arges Of our craftsmanship to the
revival Of our paralyzed industry and
commerce. But peace comes only
with justice. Her white feet will
not tread the soil where oppression
rules Agitation and disorder are the eter-
nal results OF wrong done to the poorest
and humbest Of the people. The domi-
nant party in Virginia has in its hands the
power TO settle this vexed question forever.
by just, wise, and humane legislation, it
may remove all ground of complaint
without humiliation, and take from dema-
gogues and disturbers of the peace their
last refuge. We hope they will be wise
enough to see this, and brave enough to do
what patriotism, justice, and spirit OF
magnanimous manhood SO clearly dictate.
Let the whole matter Of the relation of
the two races in Virginia be referred to a
Joint committee of the best men in each
branch Of the Leg stature, with. a full I'M
derslanding that all questions shall be fairly
considered and result reached upon which
all reasonable men can unite. Such a com.
mittee, representing bothraces and parties
would secure for its conclusions general
respect and acquiescence. We hope to see
the Conservative party take the initiative in
this matter. AS pledge of its good faith
nothing could be more opportune or effec.
tive.