Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1881-11-16
BOurb0nism Dethroned.

The state which led the way into that
political conspiracy known as the solid
south has been the first to break from its
thraldom. In the election on Tuesday the
Sth instant, bourbonism was overthrown in
fair fight. Cameron, the candidate Of the
liberal alliance for governor, was elected by
large majority, and the legislature which
will elect United States senator to succeed
Johnston is liberal by an increased majority.
In a word, the liberal victory is sweeping
one and forever regulates the old reaction
airy bourbon element to the limbo Of de-
funct political powers which have earned
oblivion by their disregard of human rights
and by their opposition to human progress.
The main issue in Virginia was free suf-
frage for all men, a fair count at the polls,
free education for all children, and an i'm
partial administration of the state govern
ment for all men. With these high and
distinctive republican principles there was
Joined practical recognition of the obliga-
ton of Virginia to cultivate fraternal rela-
tions with her fellow citizens everywhere,
to inculcate an honest submission to the
results Of the war and due observance of
all those conditions that accompanied her
restoration to the union. For the success
of such principles the local republican party
allied itself with large segment of the
democratic, which, under the leadership of
Malone, had swung off from the main body
and had given indisputable proof of its de-
votion to political principles republican in
character if not in name. The minor ques-
ton regarding the state debt was hardly an
issue in the contest, but on that point the
alliance is defensible in morals as well as
justi6able in politics. Our revolutionary
fathers asked no questions as to the reli
himself sustaining at home a government
based on the principles for which they
were contending and alliances in non-polit- |
ical matters are Of every day occurrence be-
widely in beliefs, religion and character,
but are united for the accomplishment OF |
great general benefcent purposes. The debt |
question is temporary and will disappear by
settlement, and it is not improbable that in
its final disposition there will be no sharp |
tightening of political lines. But the ques.
lion Of the right of every qualified citizen
10 free ballot and to have his ballot hon.
sstly counted, the question Of popular edu-
cation, of an impartial administration of
The government, of pursuing an enlightened
and progressive policy,-these are as perma-
lent as our government, and with these
questions this alliance has mainly to do.
The bourbons have held this movement
N mortal terror, both for its influence in
The southern states and on national politics.
Their fierce attacks on Malone in the
United States senate, and the unyielding OBJ
tinacy they have displayed in every ques-
ion affecting Virginia nomination, shows
low this movement was regarded by the
rational democracy, and what its success por-
ends. Its success in Virginia must promote
is development in other southern states.
The Keystone State of the solid south hav.
ng been displaced, the whole arch of banded
opposition to free government and enlight-
med institutions must fall, and the feeble
hores with which it is attempted to prop it
Up will be knocked out by the sledge ham,
ner blows of men determined to place the
outh abreast the north in the march of ma
ional progress. Whether Virginia and
Their southern states will be found voting
or a republican president in 1884 is of
Amor consequence compared with the fact
hat beginning has been made towards
7iping out the color line in the division OF
outhern political parties. The victory in
'irginia was won on distinctively repub-
can principles, and is the legitimate result
the progress of those principles. In this
lew of the matter, republicans can COM
acently forecast their prospects for 1884,
o far as they are affected by the southwark
march of such liberalism as has Just tr-
implied in the Old Dominion, since the al.
ances which southern liberals will seek is
oreshadowed by the position of Senator
iahone in the United States senate.