The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-07-10
virginia's Enemies.

Dly contains considerable amount of use
full and instructive reading, and is well cal
culated to aid the class of citizens for whom
it is primarily designed, in their work. We
generally glance over its pages, and give at
tention to such articles as we think deserv-
ing OF notice, but in almost every number
we find partizan spirit lurking, which is
foreign to the avowed purpose of the
pamphlet and calculated to mutilate its use
fulness. For an agricultural journal there
is too much of partizanism in the produc-
lions OF its correspondents, and an unpleas-
ant bearing in that direction in some of its
editorials. The last number contains some
interesting and suggestive articles, and
am ong them one from Mr.. S. W. Ficklin,
OF Albemarle, under the cheering caption
of ''better times ahead" with the same
effort and forethought, the chances of sue
cess are better in Virginia than in any of the
newly settled States, besides enjoying SUI
perior educational and social advantages"
is Mr.. Ficklen's conclusion, after counsel
ing to bury and forget the past iniquity of
our enemies" under heinfluence of sspurer
national politics, anader the acorkinqs of the
present Congress.''
There are two suggestions Just here which
show that Mr.. Ficklin is not safe reasoner
or just critic. The ''enemies' of Virginia
are not associated with any opposing polit-
ltal organization to that which sits like a
nightmare upon this historic old Common
wealth, but are constituted of just such
men as himself, who cannot divest them
self Of the narrow sectional and partizan
influences which crop out in MS article. Vir-
ginia's enemies are to the ssmanor born,"
not that they purposely design to do her an
injury, but because they prefer not to
calmly and dispassionately consider the
truths of history and the consummated
events which enter into our autonomy.
The partizan leaders of Virginia are the
worst enemies she has ever had, and so long
as every other interest is made subordi-
nate to the behests of professional polite
ians, and such men as Mr.. Ficklin allow
themselves to be controlled by them, the
dlreful influences which have operated to
her harm will continue, and the vigorous
young manhood of the State seek other To-
calities where the seeds of decay and sloth-
fulness do not exist.
That Mr.. Ficklin rests under q delusion
as to who constitute the enemies of Virgin
Ia, is evident from the misconception he in
dulges as to the workings of the present
Congress- If he Or any one else can point
to single act of this Congress which has
had the effect to inspire confidence in bust
ness enterprises we Will be surprised. But
Tor the Republicans in Congress, and few
Democrats cooperating with them, the
whole financial system Of the government,
Which has effected such wonderful results
In the business relations of the country.
would now be in chaos, and the wise finan-
clal policy which is now the basis of all as.
surances, and the guide for all industrial
enterprises, would be utterly paralyzed. 1t
Is TO that very party which Mr.. Ficklin as
sumes to be the enemy of Virginia, that the
country is indebted for the present favora-
BILE outlook Of business and the promise Of
better times, and it is to its courage and de-
termination that Mr.. Ficklin is indebted
Tor the pleasant business thoughts which
seem to run through his mind The fact
5hat the whole country was thrilled with a.
feeling OF delight when the adjournment Of
congress was announced is testimony that
It's labors were feared and its reckless par
tlzanlsm regarded as disastrous to business
Look at Democratic coalitions
III Ohio, California and Massachusetts.
where the elements with which it has fused.
and 10 which it has been made subordinate,
ire arrayed against 1.-THE conservative influ-
noes which regulate business and capital and
ne at war with the very basis upon which the
prosperity of the nation rests.
We must have clearer and more impartial
hlnkers than Mr.. Ficklin, in order to edu-
ate the popular mind to true understand.
ng OF the situation and the influences which
re operating to revive business and restore
confidence. The spirit manifested in his
communication is that which is driving
way capital and enterprise, and sapping
he sources Of Virginia's prosperity and
rogress: Until such men as Mr.. Ficklin.
'ho is capable of doing great deal of good
Dr. bis native State, with his mind enamel
ated from the thral dom of the partizan
ltterness which controls and warps it, and |
lch publications as the Planter. rise above |
1t narrow contracted channel of thought !
ley indulge. and seek to lib, eralize public |
n'inienS' zeal with the facts as they exist, /
Id bring the forces of their character to 4
usn otst the trading politicians who hang 4
>e milestone around the Common
eaioh' we cannot expect amy great i'm
oFement and progress, but mi lst still linger
'iie 81 ough OF despond, for he gods only
Up those who help themselves.