The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-01-30
nncAYIN SECTIONAL FEELING.

With the Force bill laid aside permanently
as far as it can at the present time be seen,
and with the ability Of the leading enemies Of
the south now in national office to iuiiict Sc
rious injury upon her interests practically
destroyed, the Southern people can look for
ward to the future with feeling Of unre-
served hope and confidence. The scheme of
passing tie election measure, which APP
parently has met with its final defeat, is
very probably the very last which will have
the slightest show of success. IL repre-
scented the last great stand Of sectional
hatred, the concluding struggle OF the sur
vivors Of the Republican party who cher
ished in their hearts a malignant dislike OF
the South, and bitter opposition TO It's
growing prosperity.
The defeat Of the Force bill may not have
been the Waterloo Of the Republican party,
because, so far as that party is concerned,
its final ruin has been foreshadowed in
series of events that have been in progress
during number of years. The defeat OF
the Force bill was, however undoubtedly
the final blow TO organized sectional am
mosities One of the most gratifying signs
of the times is the notable decline in the
strength of sectional feeling. There are
thousand indications Of this momentous
fact. 1t is 90 be observed in the attitude Of
the most influential portion of the North
ern press, but it is still more striking
In the expression of opinion 20 be heard IN
all the great centres Of the Northern states
however decidedly they may have leaned in
the past towards the Republican party.
II the Force bill were put to the test Of
popular vote In the Northern states alone,
there is the soundest reason for believing
that 1t would meet with overwhelming de-
feat. The Republican Senators who refused
q unite with their associates in the support
OF the measure are the truest representa-
tives Of the change in sentiment which mas
taken place In the great body of the men,
bership Of the Republican party itself
A new era has dawned, not only Tor the
Southern States. but also for the Northern.
II cannot yet be said that ali sectional feel
ing is entirely dead, but it can be truly
said that Il has already declined to such
low point that IL will In the future exercise
no far.reaching influence upon the destinies
OF our common country.
The South is 20 be the chief beneficiary OF
this letter state of feeling. For nearly
quarter OF a century she has been the victim
of the malignant enmity which found It's
expiring expression in the Force bill. That
danger has passed away not only by the
heroic constancy OF her own representatives,
but By the patriotism and wisdom of leading
Senators IRON the North.
There is now nothing whateyerto obstruct
the progress Of the Southern States. with
the relations OF the great sections placed
upon "A firm basis Of mutual respect and
good will, with the South extending hearty
Invitation 10 the people Of the North 10
aid In the development of her vas,
resources, and with the people OF
the North prepared by the decline in Sec
iional antipathies 10 accept that invitation
in the spirit In which IL Is advanced, the |
progress OF the southern people in all the
elements which distinguish the greatest
Commonwealth on the globe must be at a
rate wholly unprecedented.
The South has passed through a terrible
ordeal In the long period since the close Of
the war. bat the prosperity which Is now In
store for her will Ia large degree be the
result OF the great qualities which her peo-
pie showed In the hour OF adversely.