The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1889-01-03
Organic Union and its Effects.


union and prosperity of the sections. Were
the Presbyterians, Methodists. and Pap
lists, to resolve upon organic union. it
would have wonderful effect upon the
political influences that operate to perpet-
uate sectional enlargement. The senti-
ment expressed by Rev. DR.. Hoge. of Rich
mond, at the Presbyterian Union in New
y ork on the 2Sth ult., ought to find re-
Spouse everywhere, both with the churches
and the politicians. Referring to the
work of the church in New York. In the
direction of organic union. be continued:
we ought to give another influ'
eIce to that sentiment. which will
draw all the future of this land together.
The great institutions our fathers be-
queatheu to us can only be continued by
united people. No nation is stronger than
the love of the people who compose it.
Sectional hatred is a crime against civil
cation and against God. who is the loyer
of peace Let us widen out a little and
take in the whole of our country in which
We live do not know of anything that
so stands in the way of civilization, of
national greatness. as sectional hate. No
statesman would fan its fiames-that is
the work of demagogues who, through it,
may obtain place and power. One thing
has always been grateful to me-the sol
diers were the men who most respected
one another. and if the questions of the
last 20 years had been lett to them, the
men who knew one another and respected
one another. all the country would be now
in harmony. The trouble has been made
by the men who were invisible in war and
uip nail in I
moni0us country for the glory of our peO-
pie. a harmonious church for the glory of
God"
With the example and the influence of
the church, in perfecting a union of the
Northern and Southern branches, and the
elimination and obliteraton of sectional
differences. it would be much more
difficult matter. than now. for the politi
clans 10 keep alive sectional animosities.
With these abated, racs prejudice would
soon be modified, and the duty recognized
of living square up to the laws aid the
constitution. This would not suit the
purpose of the small fry politicians who
think of nothing but political power for
the Offices that it controls. Their occupa
10 would be gone. Brave men will have
to lake the matter in hand. not for any
partizan objecs, but to subserve higher
ends and attain TO more healthy and salu
tory conditions. We should aim above
the mere partiZln workers. and look to
the welfare Of the nation; its peace, pro
gress and destiny. In the very nature and
philosophy of things. we cannot 60 back
ward in this respect. We cannot change
the laws and constitution to reverse the
forces which are directing our national
interests and affecting human rights. We
must measure up to present duty-to
thesoblligations imposed. and address our.
selye, to meat all the requirements which
the situation presents The mission of
the Anglo Saxon race is to elevate and not
Cypress, to advance and not recede. TIL re
Is no constituent element that cannot
be moulded and directed to the progress
of the nation, and each is essential to it.
And We will never reach the civilization
which we are destined to attain. until the
intellectual and moral forces which are
inherent in mankind, are developed and
trained for higher purpose than to sub.
serve the uses of pestiferous politicians and
mercenary place hunters. In this great
work the churches should blaze the way,
and with public sentiment thus evoked
and shaped all other influences would soon
feel the effects, and be compelled to unite
/ and press forward on the higher plane
| thus indicated.
1t is with tie middle classes that the
controlling power to this end must be
found. They constitute The many. and
are fTeer from the ambition of the place
hunter ! and the debasement of the il
norant, than any other portion of the com-
munity. When fully aroused to their
duty they will march to it, and bid halt
to the wicked agitation of sectional rela.
tions, and the still more reprehensible and
mendacious appeals to race prejudice.
Ill Ii