Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-08-14
Tt1E RAFTsMAN's JOURNAL. :
RErRIRuTIoN IN VIRGINIA.

:
at present out of the Union, is responsible for
the heresies which underlie the present re-
belhon, and it is but just retribution that
the chief weight of its chastisement should
fall upon her. The tendency of the extreme
doctrines of Virginia on the subject OF State
rights has been everywhere, and especially at
the South, Instrumental in weak eniDg the SEN
timent OF loyalty to the National Government,
and paving the way to revolt against its au-
thority. The idea OF superior allegiance to
the State has for many years been peculiar
feature of Virginia radicalsm. Jefferson,
Madison, MoDroe-all her early statesmen de-
nounced it as fatal heresy, destructive to
the harmony and prosperity of the Union.
But on the demise of these patriotic men,
Democracy ran wild in Virginia, and under
the influence of her new political leaders 1t
became fundamental article of democratic
faith, that the allegiance OF every citizen was
due first to his State, and that the residum of
fealty only belonged to the Union.
Upon this extreme doctrine of State Rights,
originated in Virginia. so far as it has any
pretence of foundation in principle, the pres
ent rebellion is based, and its leaders turn to
it as an excuse for their treason and ajustifi-
cation for their revolt. Though hundred
times rejected and denounced by almost every
distinguished statesman and patriot OF the
country, it has come to be recognized as a
cardinal political truth by the demagogues
and leaders all over the South, and they use
it ae cloak for their ambitious and criminai ]
schemes for the destruction of the Govern
ment.
There is something almost romantic in the
retrbution which has overtaken Virginia
She is made the first sufferer, as she will also
be the last, In conflict which her folly aided
so largely in initiating, but which, neither
from her position nor her interests, legiti-
mately belongs to her. Her fields are tram
pied over by hostile Armies-her homes are
disturbed by dread of outrage, and her soil IS
being moistened by human blood. Her ln-
dustry is paralyzed, her commerce and her
trade ruined. She is made the battlefield of a
terrific struggle, in which, let who will tri-
umph, she can only be a loser. One-half of
her territory has repudiated the authority OF
the rebel leaders, and organized a loyal State
Government in their stead. She is trampled
over by her treacherous and false allies from
the South, and by the loyal forces from the
North. Her finances are utterly ruined, and
her credit destroyed, by being compelled to
bear the brunt of the rebellion. The debt un-
der which she was staggering at the COM
mencemcnt of the revolt was all that the bent
backs of her people could bear, and the ad
ditional burdens, with the impoverishment
consequent upon her treason, will inevitably
force her into the infamy of reputation. Her
distinguished men are over-slaughed by her
Southern allies, and her leaders, whose am
biton hurried them into revolt are thrust into
voiceless retirement. Gov. Letcher is cast
in the shadow Of JEFF. Davis, and Lee is eXtin-
guished in the superior glOries of Beauregard.
Pigmy South Carolina and repudiating Mis-
sissippi monopolize the honors which Mason
and Hunter thirsted to enjoy, while Virginia
is made the dray-horse to bear the burdens
and receive the blows of the great rebellion.