The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1890-09-04
Mr.. Hesrman.s Letter.

insert IL IN our columns, Tor the reason
that it insinuates probabilities which
have no foundation in fact, and imputes,
by implication, motives which do not
exist.
Mr. Heermans favors the Elections
bill, for the reason that free and fair
elections is cardinal principle in the
Republican creed; and seems to scout
the plea of expediency as unworthy of
considers it eGpedicaat for the Republic
cans to make no fight in Virginia this
year, Notwithstanding there are princi
pies to maintain and policies to enforce,
including free and fair elections.
AS to the Elections bill, we have no
donbt of the abstract right of the prin-
ciple it represents or of the Constitu-
tional power of Congress to enact it,
With us it is a question solely of cape
diency We can see no condition in the
South either political, social or indus
trial, that would be improved by it's en-
actment; but, on the contrary, the dis
turbance of every condition that relates
to our political future, our social order
and industrial progress. We can see no
possible good that could result from the
passage of such a law at this time, and
can see infinite harm to every interest
of the South by an attc mpt to enforce
such legislation. The very class that it
is proposed to protect in their rights,
would be those who would suffer from the
agitation of the subject and the effort
to give the law practical application. 1t
would supply an excuse to prosecute and
injure the negro, without bringing to
him single benefit. 1t is the negro
that would be the scapegoat for the sins
of both Republicans and Democrats;
and the negro would feel the fierce force
of the passions and prejudices that
would be aroused, without the Repnbli-
cans being strengthened, or the princi
pie involved being practically recog
nized He is a dull student of past ex-
the election law would be practically a
dead letter, where it was designed to
produce favorable party results.
We have assumed heretofore that the
bill as introduced by Mr.. Lodge was in
! expedient. and urged as a reason why it
should not be enacted, that there are
forces at work now in the South that
will eventually bring about the results
it is claimed the elections bill will effect.
but which we know it will not. In South
. Carolina and Ark WA Goa tho owl
dences of what we mean. In both of
these States, we see the Democratic
party divided on questions of State
nistration-OrganiZed opposition
among Democrats against the regular
organization of the Democratic party,
and bitter contests progressing. each
faction lead by Democrats and inviting
the support Of Republicans, regardless
of color. 1t is plain that the effect of
such contests. If wisely considered and
improved. must eventually change the
character and policies of State nd
ministrations, and give liberal ideas a
chance, by peaceful means and through
peaceful processes, to enter into legis-
lation, and the Republicans the appor-
tunity of righting the wrongs they have
heretofore suffered. These disturbances
of the old order of things are the legiti-
mate outgrowth of influences which
have their source in economic interests
and policies, affecting the material well
fare of the South 1t would be bad pol
itics and bad citizenship to arrest them
especially wi.sre there is no compensa-
ting good that it Is possible to secure by
adopting such measures as the Lodge
Election bill. The very minute such a
measure were enacted, the breaches in
the Democratic ranks would he healed
the warning elements would fnse and
become one, and all thought of liberal
policies, through opposing factions, be
abandoned
From n political standpoint as we'll as
material, We are opposed to the Lodge
bill or any similar foGsaulatiOn. AS a
Republican we oppose it, and as "a friend
of the negro we oppose it, for we have
seen the sacrifice of enough negro lives
to enforce an impractlcable theory to
satisfy us. 1t is neither craftsmanship nor
good citizenship nor good Republican
ism to ignore ecpediency in politics and
legislation. where expediency would
avert calamity, and sooner bring about
the results we desire. than by a futile
attempt to enforce what is called O prin-
ciple. under abnormal conditions, whe.e
its enforcement is utterly impracticable.
1t is not good politics to clamor about
an abstract principle, which we know
cannot bs enforced without changing
the whole character of our institutions
and the relations of the States to the
Federal government, and bringing death
and disaster to the innocent cause of
a disregard of the principle. 1t is bet
ter to bide our time and allow the
forces at work now, and WHICH will grow
in magnitude, to give strength to the
right. and eventually open the way to a
peaceful assertion and practical enforce
ment of the princip pie.
Mr.. Jefferson recognized expediepcy
as supreme in the purchase of the Lou
isiana territory. He believed it was be-
You'd his constitutional right to acquire
the territory; but he suggested Ibft the
purchase should be made. the bargain
closed, the territory possessed, and then
and not till then, consider the C6nstjtu-
tional phase of it. Thaddeus Stevens,
in the emergencies of the country, as
serted tins doctrine that there was a
higher law than the Constitution-that
e.cpedde1cy was paramount to principle
in certain conditions. Judge Chase, in
framing the law for the issuing of green
backs, placed ia allegiance the Constitu-
ton, while the policy Of sapediency was
being enforced for the maintenance of
the honor and integrity of the Union.
The end juatifies the means in extra
ordinary conditions, and we know of no
instance where eGpediency is more to be
considered than in dealing with the con-
ditions in the South-now changing her
methods, and forging into new condi-
tons and new life, under auspices which
look to her material growth and power
The reference of Mr.. Heermans to
stopping oyer,'' Trigger rule" ''our
civilization &c, is unworthy of him
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