Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1888-07-24

from Hanover and Caroline by the people
regardless Of party, aud made an able, faiiD-
ful, and fearless representative, aud re-
elected in 1887.
After the war the General, a. win be seen
by n letter published below, considered tbat
the true policy Of the South was to accept
the issue. He was chiefly instrumental 10
obtaining, through General Grant. the prl'i-
lege that at elections the disiranchising
clauses Of the Constitution might be yoted
on separately.
Toknow General Wickbam was 10 admire
him. lie was strongly aud cempactly bullt,
with a ruddy glow on his cheek, aud hls
friend. hoped he would reach an aye equal TO
that attained by MS father lie was man OF
superior ability and executive management,
and possessed fine judgment and level bead.
lie possessed natural talents OF . bish order,
and wa, by nature constituted a leader
among men. In the Virginia Senate he was
for several years chairman OF the Finance
Committee, trying and hard position,
which he filed with distinction. His opinions
were always considered weishty, whether
In respect TO politics, agriculture. trade, or
other branches Of public concern, because
he acqusinied bimsef with mstters
with which he had to deal. Whether
in war or in public service in times OF peace
be played conspicuous psrts. He was every
inch = fearless, honest man, aad all who
knew him were cognizant OF this fact.
In public and private life the deceased was
a man OF strong convictions, which be ex-
pressed boldly and iorciblT, and his oppo-
nents never doubted the honesty OF his
opinion. Ia his death the company which
he has 80 long served loses afathiul servant;
Virginia one OF her purest and most gallant
sons; Richmond-his birthplace-one OF her
most highly esteemed citizens, and his family
@ tender and fond husband and father.
General Wickham was an intimate irlend
Of the late Franklin Stearns and was ihe
executor uader his will. 1t seems strange
that they should pass away so near together.
Truly a good aud great man has iallen'
Peace 20 his memory.
HIS POLICY DEFINED.
q The following letter from General Wick
ham appeared in the IYhig Of April 2S, 1865,
few days after the evacuation OF Rich'
mOnd:
HANOVER COURTHOUSE, April 90, 1865. i
Franklin SfedrnS, Esq, Henrico County:
NV Dear Sir,-It lsa matter OF vital lmpor-
tance that the wisest means that can be de-
vised should be adopted for bringing our
people back as speedily as possible on the
road TO prosperity. from which they were 30
heartlessly thrust by designing politicians IN
the selfish endeavor to retrieve their own fall-
en- fortunes, and who, careless OF the SUI
ierinEs they would cause to be inflicted on
millions OF their iellow.beings, drove them
bv appeals TO their passions and prtiudlees
to a course which has been productive oil AZ
most irretrievabie ruin TO every southern
state, and hiss, in its results, falsifled every
declaration made by them In the advocacy OF
their designs.
The frst great step towards the attainment
OF This end Is 20 revive in the hearts Of our
people that devotion TO the Union which was
as deeply implanted there before the war as IN
those of the people OF any OF the other
states, but winch has either been held in
allowance by the force OF the Confederate dy-
nasty or crushed out by the false teachings oI
the leaders Of the secession movement. My
own opinion is that the great mass OF
the people OF this State hsye never
lost their reverence or their attachment for
the Government OF the United States. and
that they have only wanted freedom OF
speech and liberty OF action TO ayoW their
attachment fot II.
The result Of the contest has taught those
who really wished FOR the separation that
the power OF the Government was too great
DO enable them 10 succeed in their unhailOW-
ed design of overtbrOwIng It, and | think
we NAV safely say that the abstraction which
declared that we had q central government
with the name aud not the powers OF gov
eminent has met with q deserved and YiO-
lent death.
Almost every onc in Virginia accepts the
result, and Is prepared TO contribute his
norton towards the advancement OF the
common good OF the country. The lew who
do not will, II permitted. doubt not, leave
their country for their country good.
All, then. that believe TO be necessary Tor
the full development Of the Union feeling IN
virginia is TO ree,tablish the means Of inter-
course and interchange Of opinion amongst
the people OF the State, and thus give it an
opportunItv to exhibit itself, and | have no
doubt but that the State will stand forth promi-
ncnt for her pride in the national glory, APP
prsciation OF the national prosperity, admi'
ration for the national power, and devotion
TO the national interests all heightened by the
terrible ordeal through which our people
have passed.
with ready return to a proper allegiance
10 the United States Government the people
should at once be called upon TO participate
| in the Government, both State aud Federal,
| thus being made TO realize as soon as possi'
Die that they arc their own governments,
and giving them that tranquility which Is
the very liio Of an agricultural community.
Therc is much for the State government to
! do TO aid In the establishment Of prosperity
asd happiness. IL has been for the fouT
years past utterly diverted from It's Legitimate
duties, and consequently our whole system
has become deranged.
The three great points OF State policy that
require immediate attention are the reoT-
eanizaton OF our system OF labor. the resur-
rectlon OF our internal-improyements system,
and the establishment OF a financial and
monetary system do not propose to 90 into
any discussion Of these subjects, but merely
mention them to show the importance 10 The
welfare Of the people OF the state oil an early
| recognition on the part OF the General Gov
ernment Of some authorities TO exercise the
| functions OF the State government; Tor aitel
all il l. to the State government that We
must look for that legislation which will pu
/ IN speedy operation the machinery by whlet
The energies OF the people win be directed &c
the general Improvement OF the country.
Another most important subject whlcl
will demand the early and earnest attention
Of the State authorities when invested will
governmental powers is the question OF
partition OF the state. cannot bear to con
template the fact that Virginia should lose
the noblest part Of her ancient domain. and
cannot but hope that the Immediate causei
for the partition having been removed th'
people OF West Virginia, in common Will
ourselves, will wish to see united every por
tion OF our Old Commonwealth, and tha
they will consider fayorably our oyerture'
for that object.
am satisfied that by this re0pening OF oul
! lines Of communication, the reestaoishmen
| OF our post routes, the recognition OF Gov
ernor Of the State, the regular meeting o
our county courts, and the conyen'ng OF
legislative body at as early day a. posi-
BILE, we could, in an incredibly short time
get our whole system smoothly at work, an'
mud our people better pleased with the gov
eminent than they ever had been, and is
more capable OF apprecatiug the blessing
that will flow from It,
Nor do believe that q vital blow has beer
in1icted on the prosperity OF the state bl
the effects OF the war. II Is true that her los
In men and means has been enormous. Ever
| had there been stagustion alone for the pas
four wears the effect would have been Sc
rious; but her people have shown an energy
which, had It been properly directed, woul'
| have advanced her material interests TO
very high degree OF prosperity. That energ,
will now We properly directed and the Who'll,
population OF the State, with one accord
! will bend themselves 10 the effort TO brini
! the State forward 10 the highest state OF men