Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-01-23
THE DECLINE OF VIRGINIA.


THE DECLINE OF VIRGINIA.
1t is not surprising that anti-slavery writers should
be perpetuay e1patiating on the decline Of Virginia.
They have purpose to serve, in the dsparagement
of slavery; and besides, it is quite natural that pas
sion and prejudice should corrupt their judgment, and
that ignorance should betray them into unnentiona
error. In these circumstances we find some apology
for the systematic detraotion of Virginia by Black
Republican papers; aud We no longer marvel at
their misrepresentation when we consider their mo-
| tive and their ignorance
| But, strange to say, it is uncommon thing tor
our own writers aud speakers indulge in the same
strain of critical complaint against Virginia and to
vex themselves with sorrowfu forebodnss OF her
speedy decay. II We attempt to account for so re-
markable an inclination to self abasement, We shall
not find the explanation in superabundance OF The
Christian virtue of humility; but We will discover
that the habit of lanenting the decline Of the State Is
imported from the North along with Lowell cot,ons
| and Boston shoes. Except We brace ourselves for
an exercise Of independent judgment, we are apt to
yield to~the prevailing current OF talk and opinion
In the before US, however there is just 80 much
of psusbility in the picture, as to deceive superb.
cial observer into recognition of its absolute aud
perfect fidelity.
1t depends upon the stand point from which we
view the subject, whether we shall aSsen, TO the vul
gar notion that Virginia lie sinking into premature
decay, or is tagging behind her sister States in the
progress Of development. If we assume the Ohio
standard of social elevation, und say that conmu.
nifty is prosperous in proportion to its production of
corn and fat hogs; if agree that Massachusetts s
TIE most enlightened State because her factory girls
read and write that New York is the most four
i.hipg because Of i,s commerce aud ra;lways-if We
suppose these things to be the only elements of civ
zaon, then must we confess that Virginia is Justly
obnoIiou, to the reproaches OF her enemies. But,
we take less gross conception of the power aud
glory Of nation, II we believe sometfing else 10 be
essential besides animal comfort and material de'el-
opment, if we assent 10 Sir William Jones definition
OF what constitutes state" and agree that the
personal virtues and individual dignity Of its people
are of more account than any exhibition cf physical
migh:-if this be philosophy, we will less READILY
acknowledge that Virginia s In any essential respect
inferior to the foremost free negro communities Of the
North. The argumen. employed to demonstrate the
deterioration of this State, in comparison with the
States of the North, just we'll to prove that
the cotemporaries OF Washington and the heroes OF
the revolution. And if we agree that the phy'i
cal development OF state asoertans :he degree of
its civilization. we must confess our inerority to
.eme ofthe countries Of Europe which We boast
great and decisive advantages.
The science of political economy is characteristic
menta out growth Of this material 6ge. 1t assumes
the dollar as measure wherewth to ascertain the
happiness of people and the grandeur of empires J
and u all its calculations it makes account Of pr
vate virtue and individual dignity. We submit to
no such judgment. Above all the factories of Mas,s-
chusetts, tue common school accomplishments OF
Connecticut, the populous cities and commerce of
New York, the fat fields and greasy swine Of Ohio
above all these elements aud symbols Of gross
corpulsncy of stste-of well fed social obesity
We pize the Traditional glory of Virginia-the vaor
OF her sons hs xiTqs 9f fss hsr Is
by her enemies. In the moral ascendancy which sue
maintains in the confederacy-in the political h.se
mony of which no rivalry rob her, she fnds aoun'
dan, compensation for her relative nferiority ir re-
spect OF material development.
A little more accuracy Of observation however,
will satisfy any impartial person that the decline OF
Virginia is malciously exaggerated by Its enemies
and inconsiderately admitted by its friends. The
Wig Of yesterday gives into that strain of d'parag
lug criticism touching the progress Of improv ement
in the State which we have often to correct in the
papers of the North. Indeed, we to accept the
Wigs picture perfectly accurate statement oil
the condition of Virginia, should conclude with
snti.savery writer's that its prosperity has really been
blasted by some wthering curse Yet, 1t we lest the
general fidelity of the Wigs representation by its
two specifcations, namely that the internal improve.
msnts of the State are feebly prosecuted, and ts n
situtons of learning and great interests Of education
are languishng for want Of support and encourage
nen,. we shall discover after all that Virginia is not
90 hopelessy sunk in the sough Of despond" and 80
incapable of favorable comparison with other States
of the sonfederacy. The census will sustain us IN
the assertion that, in proportion 20 the population OF
the square mile, the number Of miles OF railway and
canal completed and under construction IN Virginia
eouas if it doea not exeesd the number in any oher
State in the Uuon. The fact is that II there be er
ror at all it lies in the other directon-ln TOO pre-
oipitste committal of revenue and credit to asys
TEN of improvement beyond our resources. IL s not
with indifference or ndaence that we are to be re-
nroaohed but rather with an excessive zeal ana et-
fort Aud, indeed, the lWig testities 10 the fallacy
of its present argument in those articles in which the
indebtedness of the State was amented with 30 sim
sere sorrow. For, to complain that the State has
assumed loo heavy burden. is to acquit 1t OF the
other accusation of stupid and lazy neglect OF its
interests.
Neither will the charge that "institutions oil |
learning are anguiahiug for want OF support nho en-
couragement," bear the scrutiny OF an Impart'a '"
yes,gation 1t is just about twelve lnonths SINCE
in arguing this proposition with the New YORK ir'-
bune, we demonstrated that. In proportion to "hne
population Virginia ahead of any other State III
the number Of persons who receive collegiate eno'
cation. Unless the Wig means to maintain that
the New England free.school system OF little learn
ing" (which both poetry and philosophy condemn IN
the words Of Pope and Bacon. and which our
own experience shows to be pernicous in the last
degree ia superior TO that moro thorough and COM
plete instruction which Virginia initiated and is SO
mol bly, prosecuting, it mus: nhsnd the charge that
the interests Of education ne neglected in this State
The munihceut endowment, Of our University aud
Military Institute and the liberia, provision made for
the instruction Of INDECENT scholars prove the iujas
,ice of the accusation.
If the Wig will allow US, we would fain believe
that Il does not thuk badly in truth of thi. glori.
ous old Commonwealth as is implied 10 its article of
ve,,erday. We understand it.-Impaence of "loco.
foco msrule" and extreme anxiety TO put its own
n,rtv in power supply satisfactory explanation Of
.,o diana, view our ueighbor Is disposed to take Of
the condition and prospects Of Virginia. Besides us
the Wig calls Justify for aid from the Federal Gov:
ernmeut, it must needs make out a case ot sui
fering and de.titu.ion that will touch 'ne soul ot
pity. We doubt, however, if the people OF Inc
State can be persuaded to think themselves 80
-;h,o .. 20 consent in nero despair, to unite