The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-02-28
Sound Views

Judge Harris, in opening his speech on the
contested election from Louisiana, in the House
OF Representatives, made the following very
timely and sensible remarks:
''Mr. Speaker, before proceeding with the dis
cusslons involved IN this case hope it will not be
deemed Inappropriate to refer to the angry spirit
and exciting scenes exhibited on this floor within
the last lew days in regard to Louisiana and 9th
er matters connected with the late Presidential
election, and for myself to say that they do NOT
conduce to the public good, but are deeply to be
regretted. They shall not be revived by me. IF
the country is to be kent in constant turmoil and
strife by unnecessary discussions here, will let
Se Responsibility rest on those who feel it their
10y TO indulge in that line of discussion.
The country longs for peace, quiet, and good
E5&E. 1t prays the prompt passage of laws by
Esx$$Kess to restore confidence, revive the Ian
industries of the country and thus give
labor its Just reward, enable the hus-
sSsl to free his mortgaged home. and SO
Il Tor the thousands OF starving wo-
f f Nlldien throughout the land. These
;S5ttSSl Shat the country needs; but thew can
while those chosen their rep
4 indulge in sectional and imfiamato-
s&rhe people need not be reminded
ls& III "a. They quick to perceive them
3Aper time and in the legal mode
& Let us trust to their intelligence
and all our wrongs will be re-
arty and the persons who COM
SSz xSa4 receive their Just reward. Let
practical and material inter-
4SsxSx 81 nd strive to relieve its wants
s 8nandS; and then, and not till
}}f6Sssss M $ ave been performed.
sSSax SQx$$ nj parties heretofore re-
81 81 4 Der Judgment of the peo-
81 RI Il public sentiment would
I Es M III ssFs ealized. 1t better an
sss;sy & however, to inflame
Al &passion, for by such
4 .ss let was arrested in
81 Il q Harris but reflected
~ " q Vol his district in
'sy ssySh. and it affords lis
n ss;5s' IN sentiment uttered prom
,Ss Scolumns. Our labors have
S5 ed to this result for years, as the
~ method of national prosperity and
contentment. We contended for the
recognition Of the laws of the
land-a sincere acceptance of the results of
the war, and laid it down as logical Sc
quence that these would bring about a con-
dltlon OF feeling and sentiment that would
work for the good of all the people. We
hnd in the general temper and tone of pub
lie sentiment, practical realization of these
predictions. The amendments to the Con-
stitution and the laws enacted in pursuance
thereof, are unreservedly accepted by the
great mass OF the Southern people. Here
and there we find an impracticable. such as
"Civis,'' whose effusion we publish on our
first page, who would s'fank the Nth amends
menf, and, indeed, all the laws in conflict
with preconceiyed notions of class priyi-
leges but the great heart of the people has
no sympathy with such public pests and
chronic agitators. They want peace, that
prosperity may follow they want the laws
enforced that society may be conserved, Or
der prevail, and the energies of the constit-
uent element directed in channels for the
public welfare. THESE things we have la
bored for, not precisely as some of our par
ty opponents, and even party friends would |
have suggested but in manner that our
conscience and judgment approved. And
whatever may have been the difference in
methods and arguments heretofore, we are
glad to recognize the results, and unite our
congratulations with all who sympathize
with the paramount consummatons which
are exerting such healthfpl and hopeful
influence over all the interests of the coun-
try, and more especially the South.