Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1891-09-02
For the SPECTATOR.
United, We Stand; Divided. We Fall.

OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES OPPRESSION
Tho South has for more than quarter of q
century been the Victim of distress and mis-
fortune. After a desolatiug war there came a
Military despotism for O decade, then the ante
beIlum debts settled upon her like nightmore
distressing and harassing; then the imposi-
ton of Incompetent inscriptions, corrupt
and hateful governments on aome OF the
States: an incessant effort to oppress and hu'
initiate tne people by Determinations against
their personal and property rights on the part
of reve ageful majority in Congress by ex-
clusion i-:,m Important public trusts except
In mock appointments OF those who had
rendered themselves odious by their betrayal
of local sentiments and interests; by. attempts
to force the elections by federal influence and
troops; by the recent election force-biIl"
which was by a close vote arrested In the Sem
ate and still hangs in terrorem over the country.
The election of Mr.. Cleveland suspended for
four years the aggressive measures OF our OPP
sense of Justice. But the administration OF
Harrison. Led by the desperate Speaker Reed
and his co-adjutcrs. appears determined to
rivet the shackles Of party ascendancy on the
country at the sacrifice of the fundamental
principles of local government and constitu.
tional liberty. The people have gone through
these long and weary trials with great patience
and wisdom and shown great vitality and
energy in business 30 that we stand TO. day
with q little breathing spell until the next
Congress assemblies, when the parties will
checkmate action on disputed legislation for
one term. The safety of the government and
the liberties OF the people lie in an unfalter-
ing support OF the fundamental principles Of
the constitution. No temporary expedient
can for moment Justify or apologiz for a
violation of that sacred compact. The unity
Of the South in advocacy OF constitutional
rights has been her greatest argument and
shield against aggression. Let It never be for.
gotten that the constitution Is the greatest and
the especial friend of minorities. Majorities
can take care of themselves. but constitu-
tions are mainly designed to protect minors
ties. AS the South, tesritorially and In popu-
latiou. must long be in the minority locally,
let her people stand united In advocating the
constitutional liberties OF ALL United, we
stand; divided, we become an easy prey to
those who would Cypress. The great and I'M
ceasing tendancy Of our government Is to GEN.
tralization and an ignoring of local govern
ment Capitalization means oppression, cor
ruption and despotism. The Federal govern
ment is now a colossal structure, becoming
unwieldy for the ends Of Justice to individual
and outlying communities; corrupted and COR
ruptIug in its tendencies on the whole body
polite Let the people be forewarned aud
Jealous of the surrender of any more rights to
be controlled by a doubtful exercise of powers
by the federal government.
Democratic principles must prevail. though
ignored for 80 years. If the liberties of the peo-
ple are restored and perpetuated. CITIZEN.