Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-12-24
COMMUNICATED.

COMMUNICATED.
l. In the event Of result SO deplorable as n
dissolution of the Union of the United
States, it has been assumed that Virginia
will certainly attach herself to the Confede-
racy of Cotton States. Whilst Virginia
condemns in the strongest terms the fana-
ticism of the North; and whilst she knows
her rights, and will maintain them at all
hazards, in the Union If she can; out Of the
Union If she must; it is susceptible of the
most conclusive proof that neither her in
tercst. nor her honor will permit her to be-
come mere adjunct to Cotton Confedera-
ey; only Il 6reakwater to protect the Cotton
States from the incursions Of mad zealots;
whether armed with the powers of the press;
the pulpit; or the Presidency. The promi-
nent measures of policy of the Cotton States,
are cheap negro labor, either b. re-openng
the African slave trade; or by a reduction
of the price Of the native born negro; free
trade with all the world; and consequent
direct taxation for revenue; and Territorial
expansion By annexation; or aggression; az
the case may be, over the Southern portion
OF this continent with the adjacent islands;
Cuba included. As Virginia has larger
interest in the negro race than any other
State in the Union, a reduction in the price
Of negro labor is greatly prejudicial to her
interests. Her interests and those of a
CoEiederacy OF Cotton growing States are
on this point in direct collision. Virgin
! in consumes cotton, and therefore it ID
to her interest that cotton should be low in
price. 1t is the interest Of the cotton grow
ing States, Of course, that cotton should be
| high Virginia sells as staples, flour, meat,
mules, horses, and tobacco. She finds her
advantage in high prices for thesExrarticles.
| The Cotton States buy these same articles
for consumption. They consequently want
| them at low rates. Here again these inter-
adverse. Free trade and direct taxation for
revenue are features Of Southern policy
About a year since Virginia very wisely
made strenuous efforts to foster her own
manufactures. She determined to use some
of her abundant water power, metals, min
| erals, &c, for her own benefit, aud thus be-
! come independent Of the world. Free trade
and direct taxation are to incipient manu-
factories like those of Virginia, what joint
worm is to the wheat crop, or Asiatic Chole-
IA To the teeblest Of the human race. Here
again Southern policy and Virginia inter.
asts are Numerically opposed. Nor is the
| favorite Southern scheme of unbounded ter
ritorial expansion at all likely to conduce to
the welfare Of Virginia. 1t will create an
inevitable demand for cheap negro labor
Cotton lands will he unlimited in quantity
| 10 the Southern Coniederacy, either liz pre-
sent possession, or in immediate prospect;
and the supply ol negro labor will be the
| only measure Of The production of Cotton.
Cotton is gold and the Confederacy Of Cot
ton States will insist upon having negro la
| Dor cheap, either from Africa by direct i'm
! portatlDn, or from the border slave States,
! at prices but little, if at all, greater than
| those pail for the native African. Here
again the interests, the principles, and the
sympathics of Virginia, and the Cotton
States are irreconcilnbly antagonstic. The
policy of the Southern Confederacy as thus
exhibited. will, of course, lead to costly
wars. 70 these, Virginia will be expected
by her Southern associates to contribute
| freely Of her treasure. and Of the best blood
of her sons; whilst territory thus acquired
ny UET HSefLiOES ana Der Sacriuct5 Will only
tend BY giving the Cotton States still greater
preponderancn to make her but mere in
significant border member Of the Cotton
Confederacy.
Nor does the honor of Virginia at all more
than her interest demand adhesion to States,
which regardless OF her attachment TO the
Union, as clearly expressed in the recent
Presidential election; in utter defiance of
her long established and deeply cherished
conservative policy; have reckle>sly deter
mined to preclpisate a revolution; and to
destroy forever government consecrated in
her affections as eminently the work of her
lllustriOus sons, at once a monument of her
glory, and pledge Of her future prosperi-
~. The entire record Ct Virginia shows
that she has made great sacrifices in, and
for the Union. She will not now lightly
reverse shat record but SO long as she can
with honor to herself, and with justice to her
sisters, she Will sustain the Union.
AN UNIONIST.