Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-09-25
THURSDAY. =. SEPTEMBER IS. 1884.
Sectional Issues.

In reproducing and commenting upon
the unfriendly uiterances Of northern Re
publican Journals concerning us OF the
South, we have two objects 10 mind.
1. As we copy the articles from our ex-
changes. and know that our comments will
he seen by those unfriendly northern edi-
tors, we write these comments to let them
know that they are damaging their own
cause In this section. We hope thus TO
open their eyes TO the impolicy OF dc.
nouncing the southern people, aud also
hope thus TO induce them 10 refrain from
abusing us. We seek TO lead them 10 do
for polite reasons what they seem not to
be willing 10 do for better reasons.
2. We strive TO let our own people know
that they cannot safely nor wisely entrust
their interests into the keeping OF a party
whose orators and organs In The northern
States habitually bring the most uniustita-
bic charges against the peopls OF all the
southern States. Up 10 the time when
General MALONE determined TO make capt.
tai either for or with the northern Republic
cans by pleading the Danville troubles OF
last year as the cause Of his inglorious defeat
In Virgins VI the same year, the Demo-
Gratis OF Virginia bad usually been ex-
empted from the charge OF employing
either force or fraud in order TO carry the
elections; and even now we notice that
Virgins is not always included among the
Ia ha cnhi of
northern eleciioneeIing libels. But still
II is true that Virginia i. too often included
with them. Let us say, however, that
Virginia does not wish to enjoy an eX-
emption not accorded TO her sister south
ern States so lorg as she believes them to
be ss gu,ltless as herself OF any Invasion
OF the rights Of the negro voters.
And here appears the cause OF all our
tro ubles. 1t is the negro. For fifteen
years the northern Republican press has
coolly assumed that the fact that voter IL
negro Is proof positive that he Is Re-
publican-surely a poor reason. and, be-
Upon this assumption are based most OF
the charges which are brought against the
southern Democrats whenever n presiden-
tial election. or a congressional election, or
an important State election, is pending.
Was ever such Injustice heard Of, Upon
this assumption Is based the claim that the
States Of Louisiana. South Carolina, Aissis-
sippi, and Florida are undeniably Republic
a,.1 ,baf fS La - Nm
sumption? II teaches that the negro is
unfit TO be entrusted with the ballot. II is
rs clear challenge OF his right to vote as
was ever made by the most preiudiced OF
Bourbons." II implies that all elections
ought to be done away with in the
States named. and that the Republican can
didstes or nominees for public Offices OF
every grade ought to he declared in Office
moi elected TO them, for the assumption
is tat elections are unnecessary. The
French Chamber Of Deputies once Tor per-
hars more than once) declared itself en- per-
monence. The Long Parliament in Eng
land acted as II it was eutitled to an immor-
tally upon earth. SO In Louisiana. Flor
ida, South Carolina. and Mississippi the
Republicans ought TO declare themselves
permanently In office il their assumption
be true that those States are Republican by
reason Of the race, color, and previous con-
dition Of majority OF their voters.
For these reasons We conclude that we
are doing q patriotic work when we show
that the Republican party lives upon pre-
JUDGES engendered by state OF war. and
that II genuine era OF good feeling Is ever
TO dawn upon this country again, 1t must
be usbered In by the election OF Democrat
10 be President OF the United States.
Sorry are we that any portion OF the
southern people should JON hands with
the unjust Republicans Of the North.
Greatly would we prefer that the voters,
white and black, northern and southern,
Republican and Democratic, should divide
upon any other line than that of sectional
i'm. But we Of the South are not TO be
censured for the existing condition OF
things. II Is a clear case that the weaker
section Is not going 10 be the first to at
tempt to carry sn election upon sectional
issues. Let rs hope that the stronger sec
ton will be taught next November that the
whole Union Is stronger than any one part
OF the Union.