The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-03-14

Theories affecting government, which
have in view practical benefits for the peo-
pie and which in their operation will not
consllmmate such benefits, are fallacies, and
some theories dangerous fallacies. The DIFF
ficulty with our recognized and assumed
statesmen is, that they do not study the
condition of the country, and the real wants
of the people. They dwell upon ideals
discuss their speculative notions, not under
standing how they will affect the great mass
OF the people. They forget that the repre-
sentives of consolidated, colossal wealth. are
not the people; yet it is with reference to
this class that all of our legislation is direct
ed. 1t seems that it would require but lit
tie prescience to foretell the eventual result
of such policy. 1t must crystalize classes
into parties, and parties into hostile organi-
cations based upon prejudice, which will
have taken the place of what might have
been mutual confidence had less of class
legislation been the practice OF government.
Labor and Capital confronting each other,
with mehacing mein, would be the first great
omen OF a political tempest that would
sweep out of existence old parties and
names, if not threaten the very existence of
government. We shoald remember that
this is not a government of pure Aristocra-
cy, no more than it is one OF pure Democ-
racy. 1t is a compromise between the two
Despotism balanced by Communism-and
that conflict between these extreme IDEAS
would be determined by the formal exercise
OF the ballet, provided it did not lead to the
bayonet. Government, under our political
system, is primarily designed for the good
of the people-''thc greatest good to the
greatest numbers, "-and while legislation
is directed to fostering the interests Of the
few to the depression of those of the many,
it is challenge to numbers which must
sooner or later invoke gauge of strength.
| the industries OF the country to-day stand
paralyzed, with millions of the people on
the verge OF absolute want, yet millions of
accumulated capital stunning the enter
prises chat might employ this labor. In
stead, however, it is turning into four per
cent. bonds, and content with the semi-an-
nual coupons clipped off from which to give
support to The fortunate owners. This cap
| ital is withdrawn from the avenues Of trade
and industries, because legislation has de-
stroycd confidence between labor and cap.
ital, by creating monied monopoly to the
detriment of labor, and hence retires into
bonds, where the governments security
! e., u, fnr
of averting this harnfnl and threatening
attitude of capital and labor that recent
legislation has been cnated. How far it
will do so of itself, is question for the fu,
ture to solve.
1t is apprehended that no bill for the con
struction Of Southern Pacific Railroad can
be natured that will reconcile the conflict
ing interests represented in the several pend
ing propositions for railroad from Texas
to the Pacific coast. 1t is generally believed
that Congress will fail to pass either the
Stephens bill or any other, although tho
committee will report in favor of the Steph-
ems bill. 1t is to be regretted that Meth err
Congress nor corporations seem to under
stand the wants OF the country. The con-
struction Of this great work would not only
open up a vast agricultural and grazing
country, inviting emigration and encourag-
ing new settlements, but would start the
furnaces and mines of the country, thus
giving employment to much of the idle labor.
In every iron section of the Union immense
| n . of tl,o mir
depots to respond to the demand that would
| follow the Inauguration of work upon such
an enterprise. This iron represents mil
lions upon millions of dollars now lying idle,
and which would instantly enter into active
industries and circulation were public i'm
provements once again started The public
safety, and certainly a wise public policy,
seems to demand that something should be
done to revive enterprise, but whether Con-
gress will see it in that light is a mooted ques-
ton.
Some feeling was excited in Congress du-
ring the past week while discussing the bill
to pay the Southern mail contractors for SER
vices rendered the United States before the
final secession of the Southern States. A
Northwestern member, who has been delving
into the records of the Confederate States,
discovered law passed by the Confederate
Congress providing for the pay of all the
contractors who had served under the United
States The Reasonable presumption is that
all received their pay under that law. 1t
| boJ cto to1 Inv NJ paor of
who was Postmaster General under the
Confederacy, that they had not been paid.
1t was SO contended by other Southern mem
bers; and when the law was read, consid-
cradle confusion followed. OF course these
gentlemen had forgotten that such. legisla-
ton had been enacted by the Confederacy,
and were honest, no doubt, in their asser-
tions that the contractors had not been paid.
But the records were against them, and the
postponement of the consideration of the
bill followed, to allow members to examine
into the matter. Ii every contractor did not
receive his pay under that law, it is rather
remarkable, for they are the last persons in
the world to neglect an invitation of that
kind.
1t was notable fact in the discussion that
/ there was no manifestation of sectional feel
ing-perfect evenness of temper and fair
ness all around was observed. Mr.. Tucker
proposes to vindicate the Southern Confed-
eracy, in what or for what we don't know.
The fear is that what lie may say may re-
suit in elimination and recrimination, and
the renewal of feeling and prejudice, which
every well-wisher of the country desires
shall die out and be forgotten.
The investigation of the Doorkeeper of
the House Of Representatives has exposed
some very ugly and unauthorized practices,
but it is believed he will not be removed.
Our Democratic friends are not SO much
for ''reiorm" when it touches one Of the faith
full. Had he been Republican, it would
have served for vast amount of patriotic
gush from Democratic statesmen. The Cap
tal, Democratic authority, says the Demo-
cratic Congress has made more fuss about