The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-04-05
A Fair Trial:

Inc SroSlueIC mas unuerLakeu & very uilH'
cult work in the solution OF the csmplica-
tions of South Carolina and Louisiana, which
so disturb the business of the country. 1t is
but fair that no impetuous distractions
should be interposed to embarrass the pro-
gress of his policy, or suspicious lnsinuations
thrown out to hamper his administration in
the accomplishment OF the ends at which lie
aims. The responsibility that is placed upon
him is serious. He is moving on, with the
concurrence of his constitutional advisers,
slowly, but steadily, and the country will
await with something like feverish anxiety
the final consummation of the purposes he
has in view. No one can possibly feel so
keenly the responsibility as he does himself.
It was to have been expected that the meth
dds he would chose to effect the objects he
has in view, would meet with adverse criti-
cism from the extreme men of both parties.
II he shall be so fortunate as to attract to
himself the sympathy and cooperation of
the conservative element of both parties, in
proportion to tile opposition he will encoun-
the better for it, and the foundation laid for
a wise, useful, and successful administration.
Surely, the great harm to all the interests Of
the people, and even to our system OF gov
eminent itself, resulting from the incessant
contentious and strfes which have so sorely
afflicted the nation Of late years, should in
duce all fair minds to patiently await tie
conclusion. No reasonable person can ex
pect that he will please all parties A change
Of policy implies change of the relations of
men anG things, and in effecting this change
somebody must be dissatisfied. If the gen.
eral welfare shall be promoted thereby. indi-
vidual disappontments will have to be en-
dured. The President is ambitious to pacify
the country, and revive prostraJe business.
lie has declared this as the paramount con-
sideration that will influence his action. He
has dellberated carefully and patiently upon
the line of policy he is pursuing, and it is
not unreasonable to ask that popular iudg-
ment be suspended until the wisdom of his
determination is effectually tested.
We have the utmost confidence IN the mo-
tives and purposes of the President. We
believe he is laboring fer the good of the
country, and that he should have the encour-
agement and corporation of all classes Of
men in the very difficult and embarrassing
duties that press upon him. The interests
Involved are so vast, and the path to be trod-
den hedged about with so many impede
ments, that no true friend of the adminis-
tration or the country will unnecessarily or
precipitately lnterpose distractions by harsh
criticism or premature censure.
The manifestation of spirit of concilia-
ton has more influence upon generous ma
lures than the harsh hand of might. Kind
ness works results where power would fail.
If the rights of all under the Constitution
and laws can be conserved through the
agency of a policy Of Cancellation, and the
peace and prosperity of the country effected,
surely 1t is more to be desired than the APP
plication of sterner and less effective instru-
mentalities. What the people want is a
lasting peace-a peace based upon respect
for the laws, reverence of the Constitution,
and mutual sympathy and endeavor i'll estab-
fishing good government, equally operating
to the interests of all sections and conditions.
1t is this that President Hayes is committed
to, and is aiming to accomplish. Let his hands
be upheld by the people, in despite of the
scheming, selfish politicians, and all his eff
forts cordially sustained, to the end that the
policy he is pursuing may have fair trial.
II it fails, it will be no fault of his-the blame
will not lay with him, but will rest upon
those who may have interposed distractions
to Illustrate results involving the interests Of
all, and far reaching in their influence: