The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-10-30
the laws which created it defied and

It IS the solid Democratic South thus
created, in violation Of plighted faith, that
is crystalizing a solid North. 1t is the chal-
lenge Of the solid South, thus created, flung
in the face of the nation, which the solid
North is about to take up. 1t is the IN e.
mace OF the solid South, thus created, that
the solid North is about to resent.
1t is not agreeable for uz, with all oul
sympathies enlisted for our section, and
anxious for her peace and prosperity, to
bring prominently into our columns these
unpleasant truths. We wish that it were
so that we could point to the record in at
testation that the guarantees Of the Consti
tuition and laws Of the country had been
fully lived up to-that every right assured
had been sacredly respected and protected
and that no power was exercised that did not
flow from faithful observance of the condi-
tons upon which it was predicated. Frank
ness compels lis to say that it is not so, and
while we know that minds warped by pref
udice and influenced by passion. will coin
hard words for us, we deem it to be our duty
to plainly state the case, let the consequence
be what they may. A solid Democratic
South is the greatest curse that ever befel
the South. 1t is the crystalized prejudices
growing out of the war-the declaration
Haunted in the face of the nation that we
want no peace except that which recognizes
the reactionary policy and purpose of the
political Bourbons who learn nothing by
experience and live only among the fossils
and lava beds Of the past. 1t is protest
to all progress, all material development,
and to that enlightened craftsmanship which
moulds the present to its uses, and catches
inspiration from the rich prom ises of the FIJI
ture, which invite the energies and enter
prise of the country to their utilization and
enjoyment.
VIII not the cOnsery alive minds of the
South summons courage enough to look the
situation squarely in the face and enter a
solemn, stern protest against the fatal pol
icy which the leaders of the Democratic
party have inauguaated and practically en-.
forced? Self interest, did no higher consid-
Grafton appeal to the consciences and sense Of
right Of the people control, should recog-
nize the necessity of disintegrating an or.
ganization created by violated pledges and
disregard for the rights guaranteed by the
laws and Constitution of the country. 1t
is only question Of time when the neces-
sity for the disruption of the solid Demo
cratic South will have its effect, for no par
ty can long survive which builds upon the
broken faith Of the people. The truth will
assert itself and the moral influences which
flow from reverence for law and the rights
the laws assure, will eventually mould and
direct public sentiment and action.
Colored Vote.
We do not regard it as legitimate method
of argument tn appeal to the prejudices Of
any particular class in discussing the merits
Of the McCulloch settlement. Nor do we
think it creditable in those who do, but it is
done. AS an instance Of this species OF ap-
peal, we notice that the col ored people are
urged to vote against the adjustment now
under consideration by the people Of the
State, because the debt was ontracted
when they were slaves, and the refore they
should not care for its payment, and thai
certainly no obligation is imposed upon
them to dose. The debt was contracted
it Is true, when they were slaves, and it wat
contracted to develop the resources of the
State, create demand for labor, and advance
the interests OF the people Of Virginia
generally. Had emancipation never taken
place, their labor would have constituted an
important tax-creatlng re source, and would
have largely contributed to meet the obi.
cations assumed. While their rela lions tC
government and society are changed, that
change invests them with more important
and dignitied relation to the body polite,
and appeals to their citizenship to meet the
duties growing out of that ela:ion. Ger
tainly the colored people will not admit that
a. ireeme1 they are OF less value to the
Commonwealth than as slaves. They will
not admit that, with their time at their COM
mand. they create less values than when
they were ensIayed. To say hey are not as
valuable to community, in a condition OF
freedom as they were as slaves. is to con-
denim the act OF emancipation, and certain
" the policy OF Investing them with citizen
ship. A man, whether white or black, who
denies any OF the obligations Of citizenship
has no right to the enjoyment of any OF its
privileges, and man, whatever his relations
to the State and community, who contends
that he is not equally obligated with every
other good citizen to share in the RESPONSE
bIlities Of government, is unworthy to be
recognised in any Of manhood's relations.
We make reference to his point. not that
the colored people themselves do not appre-
ciate the obligations Of citize nship, but to
expose the silly and reprehensible resorts
OF the opponents Of the McCulloch Bill to
gain votes. Such an appeal is insulting
and disgusting to colored people themselves,
and they SO regard it. or at least the more
intelligent OF them do. They aspire to be
worthy OF the rights and privileges the laws
guarantee to them, and they know we'll
enough that good citizenship cannot be es-
tabllshed and maintained without sharing IN
the responsibilities it imposes.
Every man who makes his living by the
sweat Of bis brow, whatever the method, is
interested in having the debt question set
tied. It will inspire fresh energy in every
pursuit, create new values, enlarged demand
for labor, diversified avenues for its employ
ment, and give more activity to all branches
Of trade and enterprise. All citizens, wheth-
er white or black, will be thus benefited,
the resources Of the State developed, and
general prosperity, in which all will share,
be assured.
For their own good and in vindication OF
the freedom they enjoy, we should like to
hear that every co'ored man in the State
had paid his poll tax, and had exercised the
elective franchise to maintain the credit and
honor OF the Commonwealth. Indifference
to the privilege Of voting, and the import Of
the vote cast, is trifiing with high and ga
cred immunity, and no man can better at
tes. his appreciation Of the dignity Of cit
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