The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-02-17
''Sectionalism Must be Obliterated"

j. the caption Of a very smoothly written edi-
torial in the Richmond Enquirer OF the 18th.
The first sentence, however, exhibits the ye.'y
spirit it would have down.; and calls for the
application OF the remedy suggested "There
has been. snd is now, too much antagonizing
sectionalism animating many Of the prominent
leaders Of the Republican party In this, al
ilsion is more particularly made to Senator
Norton and Mr.. Blaine, and to show the gentle
spirit, and sweet, forsiying disposition of lead
ers of the Democratic party. rvferencei is made
TO the speech of that sentiment Georgian. Mr..
Hill =! This il seetionalisin Intensified. We
think the Enquirer teoifoan(s "nationaliSm
with 1ssectonaIisn,.'' Senator Norton has only
demanded q faithful observance of the recon-
struction aets--an honest enforcement Of the
conditions Of the amendments to the national
Constitution. When he sees that thirty thou
sand Republican voters are driven from the
pills in the State Of Mississippi by violence,
simply because they are Republicans and de-
re to support national authority and national
laws. and critters his solemn protest against
such outragcs upon individual rights, guaraE-
teed by the fuaaameptal law Of the country
this, i'm the estimation Of the Enquirer. is tsec-
tionalism.' When Senator Morton appeals to
the national sentiment OF the country against
the three hundred murders that have been com
mitted OH eoored citizens OF the State Of Mis-
sssippi. and protests in the name OF humanity
and civilization against ihe rnonstroHs crimes.
this is to be put down as ''Seotionalisnl."
Thee are very grave questions involved in
this kind of s'sectionali>n.'' Do he organs OF
the Conservatiye-D Democratic party believe for
moment that the national spirit that triumph
ed in the conflict OF arms. and demanded the
amendments o the national Constitution which
confer full citizenship upoa iiie colorcd 4saan.
will quietly submit TO 4 practical reputation
of the conditions of those amendments? Do
they tlel,rle themselves with the belief, that if
a President Of the United States were elected
by electoral votes procured by murder and
bloolshetl, and by the nullifcaton of the laws
and Constitution Of the country, it would be
quietly submitted to? The Republican party
If this country do not consider it sectional
i<m'' to demand faithful execution of the
avs. All the protection OF the citizen in the
f,lil enjoyment of his legal rights. They do
not believe it is ''sectionalisE" to protest
against the murders. the frauds, and the VIC
lence in almost every imaginable shape, which
are resorted to to prevent an honest record OF
opinion at the ballot box. Let the Enquirer
learn lesson from the exciting contest now
going on iii its own party in the Senate OF
Virginia, because of the frauds of its own party
ia the election Of a Senator. Does that paper
think the Republican party OF the United
States. in case of such magnitude rs the
choice of President. would be less sensitive !?
IT the Eaqnirey is really DESTROYS OF ''oblit-
Grating s'sectionalis;l," let it commence at
once TO dissolve the sConseryative' party OF
Sirsfliia--tIie most sectional, intolrrant and
pYoseriptive organic stion known to the political
history OF thu cani:try. Let it properly char
acterize and repudae such firebrands As the
speeches OF Hill and Tucker, and such bloody
outrages As were instlgated by Lamar and Cor
don in Mississippi. Let it demand that the
negroes OF the So!st.. shall exercise their legal
rights. without inviting he de,ringer aud the
bowie-knifc TO their hearts and Threats. Let it
call halt TO the ballot-stuffers Of Richmond,
PetS rsburg. Portsmouth and Norfolk, and IN
eist upon fair expression Of popular senti
mcnt at the ballot-boy.
The people the Valley, Of both parties.
are getting tired Of such ts:snsactions, which.
cast a sliaGe of disgrace upon the entire State.
They well remember the marplets who precip
tated secession at Charleston and Baltimore in
1860, and they now see that this very class Of
men are again asserting their leadership under
the plea OF State Rights and State Sovereignty
The mac Of the voters III this section have no
sympathy syil, this kind Of ''Sectionaisni. >
and stn lot intend Eny longer TO Lave them
selves comp ;eiisrd by identity with leaders
who eol,.'os lection frauds. and ;Heterate the
Ne 8 4 et:', ! Eat brought on war and dssola
.;G :. sss~
- y. --insiow. the Boston forgcr, las