Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 182?-183?, 1831-12-09
SPECTATOR.
Observation-Disclosures 8.


&@@Nith this paper commenced the
ninth year of our editorial labours. We
have not leisure TO indulge in the retros-
pection which the occasion so naturally
suggests, at present but, we should be
wanting in gratitude, were we to with
hold the expression of our warmest
thanks for the steady support which has
been. extended TO us.-This is espe-
clally due to our punctual patrons. II
may be gratifying to our friends gener-
ally to learn that the Spectator" contin-
ues to increasein popular favour.--Wh
we commenced our career, we issued a,
bout 800 papers; our present emission
is seven hundred.
@%The editors ofthe Richmond Wing
thus introduce the publication of the es-
say of Common Sense" in their paper.
We do hope that if any of our subscri-
bers have neglected to read the ESSAY
they may be induced to do SO by these
remarks:
"ln order that we may be enabled TO com
pietc IT III our next country impression, we
commence The publication to-day. ofthe ar
gument signed Common Sense" which ap
pearel few weeks ago in the Lexington
lnteIligencer, and is intended TO convince
the people ofNirginia west of the Blue ridge,
OF the wisdom and eXpediency ofdividinr the
State, making the Blue Ridge the boundary
between the old and new CONFERENCE.-The.
This article deserves 10 be re-publisbed. if
for nothing else, eCausc of the lively and
deep impression il has made, or. is allesrad -
have made, the iufip.~.,--' ana disposition
% - IeitOTr-vIrIZens on the other side of the
Mountains. It's force, ifnot its unanswera-
bic cogency, also entities tito general pc rusal
We propose at leisure time, 10 take nm
the subject where Common Sense" leaves
off, and TO show, as we fancy it is no difficult
matter, that the interests Of Virginia are not
opposed TO the measure Of separation. At
ter the most earnest reflection which we can
give TO the subject, induced by perusal of
the views of Common Sense" we can find
no substantial reasons for continuing the con-
nectlon between countries geographically
divided by nature, inhabited by people of
different origin, habits, opinions and princi-
pies, having no intercourse, and whose legis-
lative history from lis commencement. dis
plays incessant disagreement and collision
We have not been able to find any argument
in the cuckoo phrase, Gone and indiyisible. %
however oft repeated, or TO discern that the
sentimental wish OF preserving entire the
limits of the "Ancient Dominion. =" OUGHT in
defeat measure lmperiously demanded by
the substantial and permanent interests. of
certainly and hoI;o r. ~
divisions. Peace and tranquility, no less
than the causes enumerated, REQUIRE .he d.
vision OF Virginia. A necessity for it was
laid by the Convention, never 10 be obyia
ted; except by concessions which Eastern
Virginia never will consent to make. and
which western Virginia never car cease 10
demand. Western Virginia can never with
honor, consent 10 remain in condition of
political inieriority; Eastern Virginia, own
ing peculiar species OF property, never will
agree TO place That property under the con
troll ola Western majority. Toget rid of
conflict which has already proved so dan
gerous, IN which all argument il unavailng
where compromise has no chance OF success
iul mediation, and which must speedily re-
cur with increased violence, the only perfect
or adequate remedy, is a divorce between
those VINO can by no possibility, live togeth-
err in satisfaction. Common sense ire
sistibly proves that Western Virginia would
go on much more prosperously, and satisfac-
torly by herself We believe that Eastern
Virginia would likewise experience tbe adj
vantages Of homogeneous population Of mar
monious opinion and OF excluding from her
Legislation those elements of discord which
have retarded or defeated, all the grea; mea-
sures Of ameIioration and improvement.
This question is undoubtedly to become
prominent. Our prejudices in favor of pre-
serving the geographical limits, and with
them, the political weight of Virginia. for
length of time rendered usaversc, even from
admitting the question Desperation TO he one
proper for discussion. But this vas preiu-
dice-it is worse-it is sentimentaism. The
better we know the two people-the more
we examine the nature Of The questions of
relative power growing out Of population and
property, which divide lhem-the more we
examine the map, and observe that between
Southampton and Harrison, separated by
barriers of rivers and mountains which ma
ture always intends to divide communities
there can be nothing in common-the more
and better are we convinced, that separation
is wise ,judicous, and sooner or later, ineyi-
bic. Soon will the Western population out
number the Eastern Soon will another Con
yention be demanded, TO equalize reprcscn-
tation. If it is refused, Republicansm will
be sCaRdaliZed by seeing a minority defeat q
majority. IT il be granted, we shall see the
old struggle for power resumed, which must
terminate in alienation and impacable hos
! tility, il not in something yet more disas-
trous. Certain il is, that the West will new
er yield the point that one man there. shall