Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-08-18
For Tie ENQUIRER.

TW Etc I1HIHEt'.
Messrs. Editers-I see from the papers that "
are TO have Western Convention, 10 be held a
Staunton; the object OF which is 10 take int
consideration the interest OF the West and to pro
nose some mode OF Constitutional Reform
which, all OF US must agree, is much needed
But difference of opinion exiss as to what ENC
OF reform is mostly needed. |, for one, womb
be glad 10 see the differences which have lately
arisen between the Eastern and Western diyis
ions OF this State healed, and the bonds of ou
union strengthened Is the object Of The Conven
ton 10 strengthen these bonds, or is It's object tt
weaken those ties OF interest and affection which
should be cherished by all of our citizens whe-
Their they live East or West
There are great complaints here in The Wcs
because tho Legislature refnsod tho whiio bnoie
Of representation; and though all parties were
anxious for Convention, yet the Western mem.
hers refused 10 vote for il without that clause. and
the bill was defeated; and since then there has
been great deal Of talk about Western men TAX
ing redress into their own hands; and il the East
still persisted in their determination 10 maintain
the mixed basis, that they would divide the State
Even some Western papers have hoisted the
flag of disunion. would ask, what is The OBJ
isct Of The Stanton Convention. Is il to fan
This fame Of disunion, or is lis object 10 kindle a
fame of love between us2 Ii The former, pray
you Stop and ponder on the consequences. Lay
not rude hands upon our Constitution, which has
bound us together Tor 50 many years; but il ths
latter, bid you God speed, and may The spirit oil
wisdom guide you in your deliberations. But
am doubtful whether this is so. Though am
Western man myself yet am opposed TO any
thing that would tend TO divide this blessed Old
Dominion. Neither am in favor Of The pre,en-
sions which Western men are making. II The
white basis should be obtained, would mol the
Abcilioniss come forward in Congress with re-
ncwed energy, and urge the abolition OF slave
representation in The National LeRislalure2 and
what excuse could we put up2 Could we with
consistency deny il to lhenl7 And fthey should
finally divide the State, and establish Consilu-
ton OF their own uron the white basis, they
wouli be losers by il, Tor it would become a new
State and have TO be admitted into the Union,
and then probably they would find some Difficult
ly in inducing Congress 10 admit State into
The Union which had established State Consi-
tuition upon The while basis OF representation. |
am not skilled in the arts Of legislation, but il
strikes me that the above is true, and if SO, would
no, The Western people put themselves to a great
deal oftrouble for lille profit? Indeed, would i,
not be jumping out Of The trying pan into the fire?
Let us still live together as brethren; LEI us keep
up The credit of The Old Dominion. The east, I
have no doubt, is willing TO concede every thing
that is honorable and fair. She has shown a
liberal hand towards Us, more SO than We ought
10 expect according To what We pay into the trea-
sury. The Richmond and 'Guyandoe Railroad,
when accomplished, is eminen,ly calculated to
unite u.s. II was offered TO Us in good faith; there
tore lei not The West make light OF II but LEI Us
all join and commence the work. II is The very
thing that we both want. LIE, The James River
and kanawha Canal go at what it will bright
is too slow and unhandy way ofrayellins or
Of getting produce 10 market. Let rs have the
railroad, and | will venture TO say there would
not be traveller on the canal once month
We could ship our pork, beet, or produce Of any
kind, on The cars and make Trip 10 Richmond
and back in six days. Guyandotte is point open
to navigation al all times oil the year. We,
therefore, can always be in communication with
The Western States. Let Us, then, lay aside all
sectional animosities, and lei US have the railroad;
let US hear no more about Eastern and Western
Virginia; but, let us Join as brothers and strive 10
cement the band OF union; lei US have Conven-
ton and reform our Constitution and Laws in
such manner that both parties may be satisfied
let The West not ask Too much SO as 10 cause the
east to sacrifice more than she can do in justice
10 her. But IL, us never contemplate The division
OF the State. have travelled over many Of the
Western States, and have seen them pcoped with
Virgnians, more than from any other State ol The
Union, and We are always respected wherever
we 90. The name of Virgnians will always in
sure kind reception.
Virginia. the blessed Old Dominion, the mother
of States and Statesmen Palsied be the hand
that would tear our bands asunder, or the tongue
that would kindle flame OF hatred between us
A WESTERN Man.