The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-11-13
The Colored Vote.

The Fredericksburg Recorder has the fol-
lowing reference to the colored vote Of that
locality. If the truth were really known, we
believe it would be found chat at least half
the colored vote cast at the recent election
would be found on the side of the McCul-
loch Bill, and where it was given to the Re-
adjusters, it would be found that it was
there where they had been most bitterly
prosecuted by the leaders of the opposite
party, in times past. The attempt, there
fore, of the Democratic press to create the
impression abroad that the colored people
are responsible for the defeat of the Bill, is
a gross wrong. In the old Democratic
strongholds-the ''renth LEGION com.
posed OF the counties Of Rockingham, Shen-
andoah and Page, and Little Tennessee, -
embracing all Of the counties of the Ninth
District-where there are comparatively few
negroes, the representation in the Legisla-
ture is almost solid for reimbursement, and
the chosen delegates, elected, in most in
stances, by very large majorites. The Dis
patch, and the malignants who agree with
it, and who are really responsible, and should
be SO held, for the defeat of the Bill, will
please make note of this, and also of the
paragraph from the Recorder
Justice to our colored citizens demands
that the public should know the position
that our colored voters took on this debt que s..
lion. Whilst i'll many sections the colOred
vote went solidly for REIMBURSEMENT, in Fred
ericksDurg the colored voters went solidly
with their White friends for the honor and
faith of Virginia. In Spottsylvania a ma
jority of the colored Votes polied were given
TO the debt payers. The colored citizens of
our town and county are decidedly in adj
vance of most of their race in intelligence,
honesty and responsibility. They are not
burden to lis; but an advantage. We do
not want an exodus, but are ready to receive
a few more if they will compare with our
present population. IL is a fact, demonstra-
BILE, that the colored voters saved the 18th
Senatorial district to the Debt fayers.
Now that the election is overland major
ity of those terming themselves re- djusters
has been elected to the Legislature, it is an
appropriate time for reflection. The excite
ment and feeling engendered by the contest
should be forgotten. An honest purpose
should be manifested to do the best thing
possible to advance the interest of the
State. Let those who have been ranged
against the McCulloch Bill serious ly
examine, and see whether they can better it
honestly determine, without passion or
Observation-Disclosures its provisions are not
sufficient for the wants and demands of the
State, and whether it does not present the
debt question in a favorable light to both
creditors and debtor. Look at it with view
to ascertaining whether or not the revenues
it will provide, will not be sufficient for the
obligations accruing under it. II the debt is
honestly due, as we believe it is, and the rev.
enues now received are ample to meet its
requirements, support the government and
the public schools, how can any fair man, al
though elected as re.adjuster, want to dis
turb the settlement, and throw the State in
to confusion again? This is a serious BUSH
ness, and should be seriously considered. 1t
will be grave responsibility for any repre-
sentative OF the people to attempt to undo all
that has been done; lnterpose obstacles in the
Way OF the accomplishment of the settlement,
and defeat an adjustment which, to our mind
comes SO near even handed justice. Such a
course would imply return to six per
cent. bond, when three per cent is offered;
Gripping the operation of the public schools,
and jeopardlzing the healthy conduct of the
State government. We do not think bet
ter adjustment Can be or could have been
gotten, assd we believe ii the Legislature will
give the question judicial. calm, disposition
ate and unparalleled consideration, many of
the members now seemingly opposed to it.,
will see in it the best that can be done.