The republic., 1851-07-17

frankly given--the West seeming to be de-
sirous to prove that il had contended for the
right of representation upon principle, and not
for the purpose Of ''plundering'' the East.
IL may be remembered that some days since
we expressed the confident opinion that the
credit of Virginia was at present beyond ques-
tion, and that the convention would incorporate
provisions in the new constitution which would
establish it hereafter upon an impregnable and
permanent basis. We are gralifed, therefore,
TO mention that, amongst the provisions in re-
gard to the public debt regarded as settled by
the constitution, are the following:
"An annual appropriation for the payment of the
interest of the present debt, and appropriation of
one per cent. by way of sinking fund.
2. "An annual appropriation for the payment of
the interest, and two per cent. by way of sinking
fund upon the debt to be contracted in future.
3. "Thc Legislature shall not contract loans, or
cause to be issued certificates of debt or bonds of
the State rredeemable at the pleasure OF the State,
for period greater than twenty -four years.
4. "The Legislature shall not pledge the faith
of the State, or bind il in any form for the debts or
obligations of any company or corporation what
ever.
provement shall be authorized ON the part of the
State until accurate survey thereof be made by
competent engineer, under the direction of the
Board of Public Works, and the entire cost of such
work, as nearly as possible, be ascertained.
&. A provision for the ad valorem taxation Of
lands and slaves, according to relative ratio of
valuation TO be fixed by the Constitution"
Our information is that these provisions will
ha al
tuition of Virginia. There is little doubt, we
learn, of the adoption of the constitution by the
people, as it embodies all the reforms which
were asked for, and probably an adjustment"
of the vexed question of sectional power upon
as fair terms as could have been expected.
From the harmonious confirmation of the new
constitution we should anticipate the happiest
effects. The State of Virginia has been gov
erned for half century by politicians, whose
sole business seems 10 have been TO regulate the
action Of the Federal Government. They have
devoted to this abstract and impalpable subject
the time, effort, and abilities, which would
have made their own State blossom like the
rose. Their statesmen have been ambitious
rather of Federal than of State fame. Their to-
pics of discussion have been borrowed from
Federal politics. They have had no system of
State policy upon which to organize.
In other States popular elections have made
State elections turn upon questions Of State
policy. Candidates for office have been obliged
to study the statistics of roads, canals, and
| schools. They must understand the subjects
of domestic taxation and expenditure. The
decision Of great State issues in New York, /,
| Pennsylvania, and Ohio, involve the question
which party is most fit TO be entrusted with
| the management Of the State itself, and the
| ascendancy in the State generally settles its
Federal position.
In Virginia, however, the issues have been
| antiquated, sometimes obsolete. Under their
new constitution they will be practical and
progressive. When parties shall be organized,
and the general tickets for the election of State
officers published, we predict success to that
party which shall pledge itself to speedy and
efficient development of the commercial, man
ufacturing, mining, and agricultural xinterests
! Of the State
We would give our support ito the railroad can
didate against him who expounds resolutions
| to the friend of canal against the foe of all
| improvements-to the advocate of popular
| education against those who, like governor of
| old, oppose public schools and newspapers.
The ambition of Virginia will take do
| mestic direction, and, after popular power shall
| have been brought to bear upon the Chinese
| policy which has so long retarded the progress
Of this great Commonwealth, few applicants
for popular favor will be bold enough to oppose
lines of internal communication which will
throw population and wealth into the interior,
and bring commerce TO her unrivalled ports; or
a system Of education which will bring know
| ledge to the hearts of her humblest citizen.
We anticipate, from the adoption of modern
constitution, a new era of progress and prosper
| ity for the Old Dominion.