The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-12-12
Sectional Debate.

We cannot say that we regard the debate
which Senator Blaine was to have opened in
the U. S. Senate yesterday, on the Southern
question. as an exceedingly happy idea; nor
do ne see in itany benefit to DO derived to
the Republicans OF the South. That party
cannot grow under sectional cxcitement.-
The discussion Of the finance question during
tho past fall, did more to bring to the front
aad the consideration and approval OF the
thinking people Of the South, the govern.
mental principles OF the Republican party,
han has been effected since the party Was
Iprmed. And II sectional feeling were al.
lsyed. the difficulty Of building up an opposi-
lion organization to the Democratic party,
40 now constituted, would soon be overcome
Ian opposition that would embrace in it
much OF the Conservative intelligence of the
South, which would see to it that the laws
we're respected and the rights OF citizens TN
tsr the Constitution enjoyed. There are
very few impartial minds in the South that
will deny the charge of fraud in many OF the
districts Of that section during the recent
election. The debate Mr.. Blaine was to have
inaugurated yesterday, will not, however,
contribute to the prevention of such wrongs.
There are plenty OF honest people in the
South, who have never acted with the Re-
Dablieans, who have no sympathy with such
methods, and would make that sentiment
forcibly known, IL fair chance were given
them to do so. The opportunity will not be
presented in bitter sectional controversy
in the Senate, with its influence permcating
the country. 1t would be far better for the
Republican party, and the people Of the
South generally. that questions Of finance,
tariff. revenue, and subsidies engage the at
;;eatloa OF the country, and divide public
opinion, than that the North and South be
srsyed against each other upon sectional
prejudices. Many Of the best minds OF the
South are opposed to a ''solid Democratic
South, and that opposition would be felt,
il no effort we're made to arouse the resent
ments Of the North by s,ich discussion as
weapprehend will engage Senators this week.
Those who participate in the discussion on
The Republican side, viii doubtless show
themselves equal, to say the least, in intel.
ientual stature with their Democratic oppo-
Rents, and presene an array OF facts and ar.
xpnents which Will excite amazement and
feeling akin TO horror that such means
should be resorted to to Influence the result
Of elections. Aud these Senators may be
greeted by their constituents with words o
cheer because OF their efforts in this behalf,
while the Republicans Of the South will have
to endure the censure which will follow from
tie section 80 arraigncl. it will be fun for
tho boys, but death To the frogs. II section
d FEELING and controversy could be ignored
fur wh,le, We believe, now tlIatths South is
ia full control OF their local govern ments aud
the machinery Of elections, and must be held
for any wrongs inflicted or laws
sentiment would be developed in
the Southern States among the very best Of
the citizens thereof that would crystalize
into formidable organization to confront
the perpetrators Of these outrages, and vim
ltnte she integrity Of the laws and the Con.
ztitution. This cannot be done, however,
With sectional feeling aroused and sectional
|fstseds inflamcd. Impartial reason cannot
operate nor just conclusions be reached with |
passion swaylng the emotions, and as the |
aeopie OF the South are human like other |
PEOPLE, the Inflammation OF sectional animosi- |
les will have similar influence upon ther |
hat they exert over other communities.