South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1889-03-15

rating greatly beyond that Of The m.
val list. That they will again, do %
upon occasion do not doubt; bat
they ought not by generalization or
neglect to be LEFT 10 the risks and q.
igencies OF an unequal combat. We
should encourage the tsblishmeut
OF American steamship hues. Tho
exchanges Of commesoo demand ssas
ted. reliable and rapid means IF coms
munication. and until these are pro.
vided the development OF our trade
with the States lying south Of 40 10
impossible.
| Our pension laws should give mors
adequate and discriminating relief 20
the Union soldiers and sailors and 10
their widows and orphans. Such 90.
casicns ~ :his should remind us that
We Owe everything 10 their valor and
sacrifice.
| ADMISSION or NEW STATES.
1t is subject of congratulati01 that
there is near prospect OF the admiss
sion in'o he Union of the Dakotas
and n ,u'ana and Washiugto Terri.
tories. This act OF justice has been
unreasonably delayed in tho case OF
some Of them. The people who hare
settled those territories are intelli--
gent. enterprising and patriotic. and
the accession OF these new States will
add strength to the nation. It is due
TO the settlers in the Territories. who
have awaited themselves of the invi.
tstionso OF our land laws to make homes
upon the public domain, that their
titles should be speedily adjusted and
their honest entries confirmed by pRs
tent.
REFORM OF ELECTION LAWS.
1t Is very gratifying to observe the
| general interest now being manifested
In the reform of our election laws.
Those who have been for years CALI
ing attention to the pressing necsssi-
ty of throwing about tue ballot box
and about the elector further safe
guards in order that our elections
might not only be free and pure, but
might clearly appear to be so, will
welcome tho accession of any who did
not so soon discover the need Of re-.
form. The national Congress has
not as yet taken control Of elections
in that case over which the oonstitu.
tior gives it jaris LECTION, but has &C.
cepted and adopted the election laws
OF the several States, provided penal
ties for their violation and mc.he..
Of supervision. Only the inefliciency
OF the State laws, or an unfair or par.
tisan administration Of them, could
suggest departure from this policy.
1t was clearly, however, I'M the con.
temptation of the trainers of the con.
stitution that such an exigency might
arise, and provision was wisely made
for it.. The freedom OF the ballot is
q condition Of our national life, AMI
no power vested In Congress or In the
Executive to secure or perpetuate Il
should remain unused upon occasion.
The people of all the congressional
districts have an equal interest that
the election in each shall truly express
the views and wishes of majority of
the qualified electors residing within
1t. The results of such elections are
not local and the insistence of cleo
tors residing 10 other districts that
they shall be pure and free does not
SAVIOR at all of impertinence. II in
any OF the States the public security
is thought to be threatened by ignor.
aEce among the electors. the obvious
remedy Is education. The sympathy
and help of our people will not be
withheld from any community strug-
Cling with special embarrassments or
difficulties connected With the suffrage,
il the remedies proposed proceed up.
on lawful lines and are promoted by
just and honorable methods. How
shall those who practice election
frauds recover that respect for the
sanctity OF the ballot which is the frst
condition and obligation of good cite
izenship2 The man who has come to
regard the ballCtsbox as juggler's
hat has renounced bis allegiance.
PROTECTION AND PARTY SPIRIT.
Let as exalt patriotism aud modes
rate our party contentious. Let thoee
who would die for the flag on the field
Of battle give better proof of their
patriotism and higher glory to their
country by promoting fraternity and
yuotiCss n party 5uCCess tuus 10 u
chieved by unfair methods or by prac-
tices that partake of revelation Is
burtful aad evanescent, even from q
party standpoint. We should holt
our differing opinions In mutual re-
spect, and having submitted them 20
the arbitrameRt Of the ballot should
accept an adverse judgment with the
same respect that we would have de-
manded Of our opponents IL the de-
cision had been in our favor.
No other people have government
more worthy Of their respect and love,
or land so magnificent ia extent, go
pleasant TO look upon and so full Of
generous suggestion TO enterprise and
labor. God has placed upon our head
diadem and hes laid at our feet
power and wealth beyond dehnition
or calculation. But NC must not for
get that we take these gifts upon the
condition that justice and mercy shall
hold the reins of power, and that the
upward avenues Of hope shall be free
TO all the people.
NO MIsTRUsT OF IHE FUTURE.
do not mistrust the future. Dan.
gers have been 10 frequent ambush