Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-09-26
MANASSAS, Va. Sept. IS, 1885.


It is source of real regret, not to say
surprise to me, to see it frequently stated
that some good democrats are so imprudent
as to object to vote for Mr.. Massey because
he was readiuster. The weakness of such
objections mag be shown by observing, that
those democrats who thus object to support
Mr. Massey, because he was readjuster,
would doubtless think a democratic read
ulster, who should object or refuse to vote
| for General Lee because he was funder-
democrat, as very unreasonable, and they
would certainly be right in thus thinking.
And would not funder. democrat, VINO
should refuse to vote for Mr.. Massey for the
reason that he was readjuster- democrat,
be lust as unreasonable? Surely he would.
The mind which cannot perceive that these
cases are exactly analogous, and that both
are equally wrong, is not only unfortunately
constituted, but is one, the cultivation of
which has been sadly neglected Whether
the opinions of the iunders, as to how the
public debt should be paid, were wiser or
better than those of the readjusters, shall
not debate, further than to remark, that
both were innocent, and therefore honorable
| if honestly entertained, for we are as much
bound to do what we believe sincerely right
as if we knew it to be so. Perfection is not
an attribute of finite Icing. Hence provi-
sion is made, that when we discover that
we have been mistaken in regard to q mat.
| ter, and have consequently acted wrong,
hearty repentance for such wrong becomes
moral duty, and the promised pardon OF
| the Author of nature is the sure reward, it
| the sin Is pardonable one.
| With reference to the coming election, l
confidently assume that there is no reason
able hope or chance for Mr.. Wise hciry
elected Governor of Virginia. There is no
possible danger from that against which We
have "an effectual, adequate remedy" AnG
we have such o remedy against the election
of Mr.. WISE in the wisdom, integrity, and
patriotism of the white people of the State,
nobly reinforced as they arc by the intclii
gent and better portion of the colored popu
lation, which is highly creditablo to them,
and good omen for their future.
can respect man who is republican
from principle, but to vote for Mr.. Wise,
who is evidently an apostate from the faith
of his ilustrious father, for the sake of the
profits of Office, would be reWarding vice, Il
sin for which there is "no scope for repent
ance, in the natural course of things" Be-,
sides, in supporting political apostate, we
encourage vice which strikes at the very
foundation of our free institutions. This
disgraceful and dangerous vice has become
so general, as to make some persons be-
| lieve it but reasonable and just.
In the hope that they may have some
good influence, will address few addi-
tional thoughts to my readjuster friends,
| who honoraby served in the ranks without
pay or hope of reward, except that derived
| from an honest conviction Of right, and did
not use the REIMBURSEMENT question to obtain
office, or to erect a reasonable bridge to
pass over into the republican camp for pub.
| lie plumber like Malone, Riddebcrger aud
others, to their eternal political disgrace.
NV friends, you really have no more rea-
son for refosing to vote for Gen. Lee, be-
cause some democratic politicians have Ut
Justly criticised your conduct or otherwise
ill.treated or blurred you for being read
juster, than you have to turn against your
natural mother, because some Of your broth
ers have Injured you. The wrongs of others
cannot justify us in following their pernici
GUS example. No! Spurn the very thought
itself, and rise superior to all personal con-
sderations, and set so as to preserve your
own honor and the interest of the common.
wealth, and your posterity will be proud Of
you, and your names will be remembered
and honored by all just men.
1 too, like many of you, have felt the cruel
effects of unjust accusations and abuse. And
what is worse, have been treated, for my
loyalty to. and great sacrifice for Virginia,
by those whose official position in the Legis.
lature made it their solemn duty to recog
nize my claims upon tho State, with kind
and degree of ingratitude, Of which barbar-
ans would be ashamed. But just retribu-
ton is certain to overtake all wropg-doers,
which has already fallen upon these persons
in different ways. | forbear to give the
names of the creatures alluded to, or the
facts in relation TO this abominable treat
ment, which has caused mo and those dear
to me by the ties of nature, so much unjust
suffering, because it would be painful to the
feelings of some persons for whom | have
great respect, and also for the reason that it
is not necessary to my present purpose, and
that sail truths are not to be told at all
times" There is great difference between
the acts Of individuals, and the State. 1t
would be as unjust to charge the State with
the crimes Of corrupt, selfish, and unprn-
cipled politicians as it would be to impute
the treason of Benedict Arnold, to Con-
necticut, because he was citizen Of
tudu OIulC. n SOfCiCiSu poHSi ID
intangible being, and by principle
or fiction of law, can do no wrong.
Therefore when the Legislature passes an
unjust law or resolution. each member who
votes forit is alone morally responsible for his
vote and not the State. I say morally re-
sponsible because member of the Legisla.
ture cannot be held legally responsible fer
his vote for law unless il is given from
corruption. Some persons may suppose
these remarks unnecessary, but l do net
consider anything unnecessary ttat may
tend in any way to relieve the State from
being responsible for the unjust or criminal
actions OF aithless public servants. But to
return: we should not permit self-interest,
false pride or even malice excited By sense
ofinjury to bear down reason and justice. A |
prudent man is wise one; an honest man
is the noblest work of God. Let US then be |
true to ourselves and we will injure no man
aud be true to the State.
OF General Lee little need be said His
noble character, great sacrifices
for, and important services to the State