The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-05-22

1t is well known that the movement of
population here represented was more ac-
tive in the last two years Of the four than
in the first two. and that it has been still
more active since. Assuming, however, that
it was uniform, and that next year, when
the census will again be taken, it will be
found that the increase from 1876 to 1880
will have been equal to that from 1872 to
1876. it is easy to see what will be the effect
upon the representation in Congress and
in the Electoral Colleges. During the four
years preceding 1876, the vote, and conse-
quently the population, increased almost
exactly one-third. During the four years
preceding 1880 it will have increased anoth-
er third To measure the effect of this
change upon representation, we may as
sumo that the basis of apportionment will
remain the same. In that case, the ''solid
South'' may, at most, retain its JOG mem
bers of the House; the nine States we have
named will add to their Is members at least
As more, and will elect 121, OF Is more than
the section which now rules the Democracy
and through it controls Congress. Ii the
basis of representation be enlarged, to the
relative effect would be substantially the
same. The West would gain less, but the
South would lose proportionately. 1t is not
necessary now to trace the details OF the
tendency we have pointed out, though it
would be extremely interesting to do So
We do not assume that there will be a "sol-
id'' Republican West to oppose a 'ssolid"
Democratic South, but the sceptre is evil
IDENTIFY departing from section which has
used its power in narrow and selfish man
ner to one which, though various parties
will divide it, will be unqualifiedly and 10y
ally NATIONAL
These facts and figures furnish food for
serious reflection for all who feel genuine
interest in the prosperity OF the South
With a political organization dominating
in that section controlled entirely by preju-
dice-with no defined administrative poll
cy to encourage national sentiment-it IS
not difficult to see what the result will be.
We cannot expect that advancement and
prosperity which our natural resources
would otherwise assure. The enterprise
and capital of other sections will not feel
disposed to locate among us, at least to the
extent they would under different and more
liberal auspices. Nor can we, within our
selves, win that prosperity and secure that
development which will enable us to keep
apace with other sections in material and
political power, A solid political South,
means an isolated South in every sense,
and the direction of the current Of emigra-
ton to other sections, where the induce
ments naturally are less inviting, but
where the peculiarities are less obnoxious.
The people of the South must lift them
selves above the narrow partizan and sec
tional prejudices, which too largely enter
into their political associations, and reach
out for a m ore catholic and rational pol
icy, affecting all the interests OF the coun-
try and based upon differences OF opinion
as to the great questions entering into the
administration of government. From the
exhibit we have given. it is plain that 1880
will present the last possible chance for the
Democrats to pass to the control OF gov
eminent. by the united vote Of the South.
That solidarity will lose its power after the
next census, and the utter folly OF thus in
viting the organized opposition of the other
sections of the country must soon become
apparent to the rejecting portion OF the
Southern people.