The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-03-22
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.

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vitality, and will receive its doom.
Gen. Joseph E. Johnston.
This distinguished gentleman's name has
found frequent introduction to the public of
late in connection with Federal office. First,
it was stated that the War portfolio would be
assigned him, and next, that lucrative
office in Richmond would be rendered him.
Certain it is, that the President has expressed
desire to invite Gen. Johnston to accept
some Office, what it is we do not know, and
it Is further ascertained that Gen. Johnston
would not decline if a tender were made.
We hope both the offer of the President and
the acceptance of Gen Johnston will be
corsummated.
There is no man now living who has as
wal m a place in the Southern heart rs Jo-
seph E. Johnston, and his participancy in
the affairs of President Hayes adminstra-
ton would 60 farther towards bringing about
friendly feeling between the sections, than
any act that could be well conceived. Gen.
Johnston has been true to every trust and
every obligation laid upon him, both in peace
and war. He never shirked a duty or evaded
a responsibility either as citizen or soldier.
Amid the brilliant array Of captains whose
names will 60 down in history as the great
organizers in the recent civil strife, none will
appear in brighter colors than that OF this
intrepid and gallant General. And though
outnumbered, but not outbravcl" in the
stern conflict of arms, his troops were always
covered with glory, whether in the fierce
onslaught of the charge, or the more mastery
and difficult task of successful retreat. He
was general in its broadcast sense-fruitful
of resources, rapid and precise in execution,
and brilliant in results.
| In private life he is no less distinguished,
for he wears that modesty which becomes
true greatness. His name has been seldom
brought to public attention since the flag Of
the Confederacy was furled, and then only
| in connection with some private enterprise
BY which he was epdeavoring to make an
honest living. We do not remember to have
| seen line from him bearing upon the poiti-
| cal events and contests of the country, nor
has he in any public manner indicated that
he participated in the fierce and bitter feel
ing that has unfortunately for both sections
ruled the minds of the people. Certainly he
has not been made prominent by prejudice,
nor sought public preferment by appealing
to popular passion.
The acceptance of official position by
Gen. Johnston from Republican admins
ton would have the effect to vindicate the
motives and action Of such men as Gen.
I4ongstrcet. Gov. Orr, and Col. Mosby, and
would effectually silence the vituperative
denunciation that has poured from the demo-
cratic press upon those Southern men who
| have allied themselves with the Republican
| party from sense of duty. No "nobler
spirit ever stirred humanity" than that
| which animatcs the heart of James Long
street. Whatever he has done sprung from
| the highest motives Of patriotism. He is
incapable of base act. Heunded by sec
| tional and partizan hate, he has borne it
with moral courage only equaled by the
heroic bravery that met the storm Of leaden
hail at Gettysburg. 1t is true the passions
of the South have toned down since Gen.
Grant in 1869 sought to bring about recon-
Citation by his course towards Virginia, and
his recognition OF Longstreet and Orr. Had
he been met, then, as we hope President
Hayes will be met now, the bloody struggle
for ''home rule - and against carpet-bag"
corruption would never have been known.
The Southern States would have been re-
stored to the control and direction Of their
own people, sectional lines and race lines
would never have been drawn, but all would
have been progressive and prosperous, with
the recognition of the rights of all under the
laws and Constitution.
Gen. Key has given courageous example.
in accepting Cabinet position under Presi-
dent Reyes. We hope it will be the pleasure
OF the President to follow this up by tender
ing Gen. Johnston Federal commission
that it will be accepted by that gentleman as
duty to his section, and that in this way
the Presidents policy Of reconciliation and
harmony will be encouraged and strength
ened until the people will recognize its wis
dom and the imperative duty to thems elves
of supporting it. The way has been opened
in the case Of Mr.. Key. 1t will be more
strongly fortified with commission in the
hands of Gen. Johnston. 1t is what Gen.
Grant sought with Longstreet, Orr, and
Mosby. 1t is with the people to determine
whether they will meet the overture from
President Hayes as it was met from his pre-
decessor-whether they Will turn upon Mr..
Key as they did upon Orr, and deal out to
Gen. johnson, should he be invited to Off
cfal trust, the abuse they heaped upon Long
street.
We trust not. 1t is to be hoped that Time
has cooled down the passions, and that com
mon sense is now to govern instead-tllat
the people will recognize in the policy of the
President sincere desire to promote their
interests. restore peace, remove the causes
of strife, and. under the benign influence of
a friendly administration, go forward in all
the agencies and appliances Of good govern
ment and healthy social and commercial
relations.
If the President can aid in this by the APP
pointment OF Gen. Johnston to official posi-
ton, it is his duty to do it. If Gen. Johnston
can aid in this, by accepting position, it is
his duty to do it. What boots it with the
people whether prosperity and reconciliation
are brought about under Republican or
Democratic administration? 1t is 10 time to
consult sentimental politics-to sickle at
nomalisms. It is the blessings OF peace and
good government they want-of harmony at
home and patriotism in national authority.
With these secured, there is nothing in the
name-"a rose by apy other name would
smell as sweet"
1t is the duty OF all to contribute to this
great consummation, and he little values his
citi sepship or the good OF his country who
would fntespose an obstacle to such result.
"The Union, the Constitution, and the En-
fercement of the Laws" is the motto-the
rights of all and equally undes this broad
protection.
r. e., y,sliovad an eytra session of Conornsc |