Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1850-06-20
THr LYNCHBURG VIRGINIAN.
SHIELDS Il CO., Projectors
,.YNCuBURG JUNE 70, 1880.
SOUTHERN INTERESTS.

general clamor throughout the South, a clamor,
which is so huge TO arrest all Legislative action
and engross the undivided attention of Congress
in their discussion. They have given rise 10 an
agitation, which is threatening in its aspect, and
promises to be dangerous in its termination. To
afford Southern interests a Just protection, essen
tial changes have been proposed in the Consttu-
ton, establishing an equilibrium between the
North and South. The true idea OF protection
has not yet been formed, and, consequently, the
true idea Of protection has not yet been lnstu-
ted. The best possible protection to Southern
Rights as the Development of Southern resources.
/ Examine the strongest advocate of Southern
Rights. Why does he complain The great Sec
tional divisions of the country are unequally repre-
scented in the National Legislature, the prepon
derance being in favor Of the North. The great
scheme which he desires 10 establish, is
which will confer equality and destroy the pre-
ponderance of either party. The question, how
shall this be done presents itself. In replying
to this inquiry, it is necessary TO invesgeeethose
causes, by the operation of which the preponder
ance of the North has been gained The origi
nal terms of the compact did not bestow it.
do the operations OF the Constitution produce this
effect. Northern strength receives more
nourishment from the Union than does that of the
South. The accumulation of Northern power,
therefore, is attributable to Northern effort. The
resources of the North have been developed
those of the South have remained dormant
! minute examination will afford a confirmation
of our position. When we speak of the strength
OF the North, we allude to the numerical repre-
sentation thereof. When we fear an increase of
| the power ofthe North, we fear an enlargement
of the number Of Northern voters. Now, by what
process can this enlargement be made ? The ra-
ito Of representation is fixed and so long as the
population of the South is equal TO that of the
! al, 1. al:
tiois established upon principle of civil liberty,
to wit The right of the people TO endow rep
resenative with legislative power. That The dis
trbuion of this right might be equal the basis OF
representation is fixed ratio. Or,in other words,
a certain number OF people have invested in them
the right to elect one representative. Thus Vr-
ginia represented in the lower House of Con-
gress by ten delegates, AT the first session of that
body, after the adoption of the Constitutions Ma
ryland had six delegates. This distinction was
made in Nrginias favor because of the superior
ity of Virgina's population. Hence it follows
that an increase of population is essential to power
in the general government.
The population of the North has increased more
rapidly than that of the South and hence, that
portion oil the Union has gained supremacy in
the Congress. Ii is therefore, due from the
South that she exert herself to counterac the in
fluence Of the North But if she forces the gem
eral government to change the Constitution, with
a view to the favoring other peculiar institutions,
she makes 1t act partially. Moreover, the mi
nory clothes itself with the rights of the MAORI
y, and the principles of civil liberty suffer. But
the South need not despair If the North, under
the sautary influence of the Constitution and
/ Unon, increases her population, under the same
benlhcent patrons, the South can increase hers
The South can enter as the competitor of the
North. Heretofore, she has been ''its alder and
abetter." See if this is not so.
Generally the Western States are free States
And all power gained by the free States is acqui-
sltion TO Northern power. These things being
true, read the history of the population of the
Western States, The North may have made
small contributions, but the great draugh has been
upon the South. population and its necessary
increase. have been taken from the South and car
RED to the West. When in the West il ceases
TO operate to Southern advantage and gives addi-
tiona strength to the Free Soil and abolition par
ties of The North. Now, the question comes up
why has the emigration been from the South p
This brings us TO our original proposition.
Because the resources of the South have re-
NAMED undeveloped The policy of the South
has not given encouragement to their develop
ment. Human reason and human instinct, alike
, lead men 10 follow the brightest prospects. When
they labor they expect repay for toll; and self
preservation as well sef.interest induces them
to toll where they can with the greatest ease and
with the greatest repay. 1t is, therefore, that Vr-
ginia has been drained of her population. Her soil
has been made thin by continued culture. Its
repay has become a very poor remuneration for
the great and extensive Toll required to make it
productive. In this posture of affairs, the fertile
soil OF the West is open 10 the emgrant and offers
TO the poor man the rich fruits of the SOIL with
but little labor. The prize is tempting He gathers
his little property and house hold about him, Joins
in the tide of Westward emigration, and settles
in the far west" Now, why is the Virginia en-
grant in the West? The soil of Virginia is I'M
fruitful, and its barrenness has driven him from
his cherished home
The soil of Virginia, naturally, is as productive
as that of Pennsylvania. There is no great differ
ence in the period of settlement. Virgna's first
settlement dates far back it is true but the peri
cd Of her active agricultural operations comes
down to a much later period. The soil of Virgin.
Iais unproductive the agricultural yield in Penn
sylvania is abundant. This is readily accounted
Tor. Virginia has no resources but her agricultu-
raj products. Her clothing, her minerals and her
foreign agricultural productions, are all purchased
with the proceeds of her agricultural labors. Her
whole population is employed in agricultural pur-
suits, and they must yield her whole support
The soil is taxed TO its uttermost limit. 1t is
overworked and strained and hence exhausted.
In Pennsylvania the case is different. She is a