The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-10-24
Resumption.

Resumption.
We are aware that the opinions of an ed
itor, if he has any, are generally TO be found
in the editorial columns Of the paper he
conducts. We are also aware, that when
given question Of public policy is being
discussed, the selections from other writers
are generally for the purpose of fortifying
those opinions, and not compromising them.
The spirit Of the editorial in the Dispatch
OF the 10th, however, as to the latitude
claimed by journalists seeking to give the
people information, is right, and that which
we aim to cultivate ourselves. We like to fur.
nish our readers with tine views and argu-
ments Of those who differ with us, when
they are conveyed in respectful language
and free from personalities. 1t encourages
thought-mental activity, and enables the
people to arrive at conclusions satisfactory
to themselves, whether correct in the esti-
nation of other people or not.
As to the resumption question. the expe-
rienced and well informed editor of the Dis
patch, will not deny that the enactment of
the law fixing a date for resumption was
very necessary at the time, as an essential
means Of educating the popular mind and
the business Of the country up to the fact
of resumption. The confidence and indus
try thus stimulated-the care observed in
investments-the sagacity manifested in the
n fraHp-HqVn
duced their results in the condition of our
foreign trade ard the change in the relations
of our public debt. When the resumption
act was passed, the balance against us in
the foreign trade, was 81, 900, 900, 900, or we
had bought TO that amount more than we
had sold from 1866 to 1875 and were really
that much poorer i'll 1875 than we were in
1S66-for we had consumed more than we
produced, and were in debt that much
From the date of the passage Of the re-
sumption act to the present time, instead Of
buying more than we produced and sold,
we have produced and sold more than we
have purchased, to the amount of 100000.
600, and have become that much richer
The proprietary relations of the public debt
have also changed, and instead of being held
in Europe and the interests thereon paid te
foreign capitalists, it is held mostly at home
and the interests paid to our own people.
The claws OF trade" and the s'course
of nature,' had been abused and violated.
and it was necessary to direct public atten-
ton to that fact through just such legisla.
tion as the resumption act. 1t was no fault
of the claws Of trade" or the s'course DINA
ture" that wild speculation prevailed and
inflated credit and prices followed in the
s'flush times" prior to 1873 1t was viola.
tons Of those laws which caused such an alb
normal state Of things, and the losses and
suffering which succeeded. 1t was neces
sary that business and thought should be
schooled to proper understanding Of this
abuse and be ruled down to legitimate
methods, in order to reach a prosperity
solid ana substantial in its nature. The re-
sumption act did this, and we have
the result before us in the healthy condi
ton of the national treasury and the accu-
in our national credit and foreign trade.
When the sslaws of trade" and the s'course
OF nature. were abused, it became necessary
to seek remedies for that abuse, just as oul
venerable cotemporary has to find relet
from the arduous labors he undergoes, by
taking his annual rccreations, and bringing
his system back to sound and healthy con-
dition. The laws of trade are founded upor
tion act simply declared that we must re-
spect those laws and their legitimate basis
that the ''course of nature" must be OBJ
served and conformed to, just as the editor
of the Dispatch is reminded every summer
that he has violated the order of nature in
injured nerves and digestion, and is induced
to seek relief by consulting the remedies
which nature has provided.
The resumption act was right, and to dis
turb it now, that it is about to restore health
to the body polite, would be great wrong,
which would furnish its results in disturbed
business and values.
The wisdom of our entire financial system
has been demonstrated to all fair minds and
nothing but reckless partizanism will essay
to change or mutilate it. The "Ohio Idee, -
formulated by Mr.. Thurman and endorsed
by 1.-THE Dispatch is nothing more than a
quack specifc-an indisposition to accept
the policy Of an opposing party, not be-
cause of any defects, but for the reason of
its source, and selfish purpose to change
without any hope or expectation of reform.
1t is not only wisdom, but, in this instance,
patriotism, to let well enough alone. The
interests involved are too vast to allow of
the experiments of political quacks. The
country is now in condition of robust
health, Unjust grow in wealth and strength,
if left to the 'laws of trade" and the
''course of nature,'' so propitiously supple
mented by the legislation now in operation.
We have nothing to fear but partizan reck-
lessness, and we think the people will see
to it that this is properly rebuked. They
have had enough of mere personal politics
and the subordination of great public interests
to the selishness of politicians. Genuine
craftsmanship is the demand of the hour,
and it is the duty Of Journalism to aid and
sustain craftsmanship wherever it is found.
whether in one or the other of the parties.
Letter from. Hon. A. q. n. Stuart.
We publish to-day letter from Hon. A.
Il. H.tStuart, of this city, called forth by the
request of number of our citizens that he