The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1888-12-06
Harrison and the South. "

,h6 article Ie10freQ TO as IL dppodiCu III
the Adj ocdte 1t surprised us that gen.
tleman of Mr.. Lafferty's extensive learn
ing, tfavel and intelligence, should allow
his mind to get into the morbid condition
indicated by the editorial. We can scarce
ly think that there is really feeling OF
insecurity with common-sense people IN
the South or anywhere else, arising from
the election of Gen. Harrison. The idea
projected in the Advocate was first pre-
sented in the Dispatch and taken up oy
several other Democratic journals, we
understood that very well. Realizing the
fact that the Republicans have decided
majority in the popular vote in the state,
and that it is rapidly increasing IN what
are called the white districts, it is the
purpose to attempt to draw the race line
in the State campaign next fall, as
the last resort of a baffied and desper-
ate party. 1t is evidently their only
hope of arresting the current OF popn-
ular feeling in Virginia against the De-
mocracy, as now constituted and engi'
neere.. 1t was not from any fear OF harm
to The Commonwealth. but OF loss OF
power and the patronage that power
gives, that instigated this reckless and
wicked appeal. But we cannot under
stand why it is that the religious jour-
ais named should join in with partlzan
papers to assist i'll the indefensible and
T,,1 ton6 ~ fnmGnftnO
contention and strife and meeting passion
and prejudice, their legitimate mission is
to appeal to the higher motives and con-
yictions of men, and seek to allay that
which they seem determined to lDflame.
These writer's do not appear to compre'
bend the great injury they are doing Viz
ginia, and the whole South by their course.
If they would give the matter serieus
reflection ana think over the harmful Ell
feet such articles must necessarily have
upon the Southern section, they could
reach no other conclusion than that they
are perpetraJing great wrong to their
State and country. They incite hostility
where friendship is offered. They are
counting strife and bitter feeling where
the olive branch is extended. They are
Dracticing the arts of the pestiferous
demagogue, instead of performing the
offices of good citizenship and christian
forbearaGce.
Ii they have any reason or common
sense to consult they cannot but under
stand that the Republicans of the North
are as solicitous for the prosperity and pro"
gress of the South as the Democrats of
the n orth, and that there is not as much
danger of huFtful legislation from the
Republicans as there would be from the
Democrats, controlled as the party is by
the extre me men of the South. The com.
munity of interests that exists between
the North and South; the large amount
of northern capital and enterprise in
vested in the South: the knowledge that
our commerce and trade cannot be en-
larged, for, mqtuali benefit. without re
ciprocal kindness, orght to be argument
sufficient to disarm fear and inspire con-
fidence.
1t is our deliberate judgment that the
defeat CT the Democratic party in the
recent election will prove an absolute
blessing to the South. Certain it ia that
peace and harmony could not long have
been preserved with the legislation OF the
country and the administration of the
affairs of government for another four
kl,o 3cp inn r. NV
of the influences which have controlled
during the past more than three years -
The Northern and Western people would
not much longer have submitted to the con-
power exercised and the sectional spirit
manifested throughout the term of CleYe-
land. The defeat OF the Democratic
party, and the effects which must follow.
removes a menace to the peace of the
country. Instead of creating harshDess it
will prevent it, Instead of inviting hostility
and animosity it will allay them. The fact
that there is not much probability Of the
Democratic party, as now constituted and
dominated, ever again getting possession
of the government, will be assurance that
every legal and constit utional right Of the
South will be guarded and protected, and
everything that can bs done consistent
with the laws will be done to promote her
welfare.
The thing for the South to do is to stop
crcaking and whining and corjuring up
calamities that only exist in diseased i'm
agnations. The laws are equal for all.
The policies of the government will be
instituted for the benefit OF all, Silence
the pestiferous agitators by the generous
confidence of the people In the justice
and honor of the President elect. Remove
apprehensions by the observance of the
obligations of good citizenship, asking
nothing bat what ia right and fearing
nothing that is wrong. With manly cour-
age and honest purpose. meet the incom-
ing administration as subjects of com
mon laws and citizens of common
country dsmanding every right that per-
tains TO that relation aid apprehensiye
of no motive Of injustice or unfair or
mendacious discrimjnatiea, 1t is the way
to command confidence, to inspire re-
spect, and win that friendly recognition
which the President would not dare deny.
With this spirit pervading. the South will
increase in prosperity, the people remain
contented, and only the mercenary po-
litical pests be made to feel that they are
not the elect of the earth and the chosen
of the lord,
It would be far more in accord with the
professions of the Central Presbyterian
and Christian AdUocate,. if they would
practice what they profess. Instead of
narrowing up angry feeling, melting ha-
tired, and arousing the worst passions of
our nature, let them counsel brotherly
love. charity, forbearance, and the virtues
of the religion of which they essay to be
the organs. That is the civilization of
which they ought to be the apostles, land not
that of the savage and the heather, Give
the people rest from all this rot about
NEGRO rue'' and the destruction of
our social system and civilization. Il is
the raving Of the baffied place-bunters
and mecenary plotters for plumber and has
no place in the religious or political liter
allure Of On enlightened and christian
people. The people of the North are not