The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-12-26
TWIN PoPLARs, Nelson Co., Va,
December 9Th. 1889.

Editor Vd1ley Vrg5nian:
In conversation with General Henry
A. Wise, shortly after the war; in regard
to the condition of the South, | eX-
pressed the opinion that it would rapidly
recover from the effects of that disas-
trous conflict, and that prosperity would
again ere long smile upon the heroic, but
unfortunate, people. To this the veneer
able statesman promptly replied that
such hopes would not be realized, and
that the generation which took part in
the struggle must pass away before so
happy IA change would be witnessed.
Nearly quarter of a century has
elapsed since the utterance of this pre-
diction, and although no portion of the
globe possesses greater natural advan
tages. still the South has not grown to
be the prosperous, wealthy-the great
country that, under favorable conditions,
it ought to be. People of ordinary in
telligence are aware that as a general
thing throughout the vast extent Of
territory between Maryland and Mexico,
the scars resulting from long continued
course of iniudicious cultivation are yet
unhealed that the waste places are
not yet built up; that cities and towns
are not springing up as in other less fa-
vored portions of the United States !;
| UIldt dDuuOduU lldIFVSUS QO IlOG
the hearts of its people; and that nu-
merous flocks and herds are not found
upon it's valleys, hills and plains.
While | shall not undertake to emu
merate the var Gus causes that retard
| the growth of the Southern States in the
particulars mentioned | may be par
doned for expressing the belief that
one-if not the principal one Of these
causes-may be found in the fact that
these States are occupied by two differ
ent races of people. And if it can be
shown that the happiness and prosperity
of both races can be best promoted by a
separation the welfare of the black
as we'll as the white race requires that
they shall dwell apart, the serious at
tention of intelligent people throughout
the entire country cannot too soon be di-
rected to this subject If. on the other
hand, it can be demonstrated that it is
an error to suppose that separation is
better for the Caucasian and African !;
that it will be better for them in the fu-
ture, as in the past, to occupy this land
! together, the earlier that conclusion be
arrived at, the better it will be for the
millions who are interested in the de-
cision of the question.
! Undoubtedly, this subject is one of
vast Importance, and it is not surprising
that the people of the United States
have been slow in deciding what course
in reference to it will be wisest to adopt.
! But the hesitation that has hitherto
characterized our treatment of the ques-
ton cannot much longer delay it's settle
ment, and | am unable to bring myself
to any other conclusion than that it is
unnatural for races differing SO greatly
as do the white and colored to occupy
the same country, and that it will be far
better for both if means be devised by
which separation can be speedily eff
fected.
To give my views fully will require a
longer letter than shall write at pres
ent. In another, perhaps. I may give
the subject further attention Mean
while, am, Truly, &C..
A. w. HARRIS