Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1861-01-25
rHE STATES, RIaHTs MEETING.
In these times Of excitement VIC want to

In these times OF excitement VIC sMan5 "
be cautious to say nothing that will give Of
fence, and pursue that course which will do
no injury ,toithe cause in which we have felt
compelled, by circumstances beyond human
control to enlist When it became apparent
to us that disruption of the Government
was unayoidable-and unavoidable because OF
the pertinacious obstinaey of Republcanisrn,
in refusing to suggest, or even accede to any
measures of reconciliation, we determined to
recommend such course of policy for our
own State, as to place her in position where
she might possibly become a mediator be-
tween the General Government and the Sc
ceding States, and at least present such an
attitude as to prevent the effusion Of blood.
We have heretofore tried to point out this
course, and we must have been singularly in.
felcitous in the selection of language to ex-
derstood before this. We regard Virginia as
a sovere;gn State-with all the rights privi-
lcgcs and immunities of sOvcrcgnty-free to
retain her connection with or for good cause
there was an observance otthe compact, which
gave to the Federal Government an existence,
and without which it could never have had any
power, we were in favor Of Virginia 'sadhernS
to the Union, and of continuing what she has
ever been, one of the most faithful and eff
Gent members Of the COntoderacy. But as
it must be evident to every rejecting mind,
that the rights guaranteed to US by the Con
stitution are no longer to be observed by the
ruthless and unthinking fanatics Of the North,
we think that the promptings Of true patri-
otism demands that Virginia should re-
sumo her vested sovereignty, and takcthe po-
stion held by her, prior TO becoming mem
Der of the Coniederaey.
And this is the position which We think is
held by those who participated in the meet
ing of the States Rights citizens Of the coun-
ty on Monday last. In using tile term
States Rights, We do not mean it in any Of
'fensive sense, or to imply that many Of those
who will not sanction the action Of thatmeet-
ing are not States Rights men. VIC partioi-
pated in the meeting because we approved OF
its object as explained to US before it assem-
bled. We approved its action in presenting
men who, in our judgment occupy correct pO-
sitions at this critical period.
OF the candidates recommended to the vo-
tiers Of the county, it is hardly necessary for
us to say one VOID. Their names are familiar
]. to every voter in the county. Their lives
have been spent among the people Of Jeffer-
son, and their social and property interests,
are all here. They are fully and entirely
identified with the community, aud whatever
coursethey may pursue, will be dictated by
motives of consideration of their own, as
well as the interests of the people of the
county. They are both men of experience,
and of enlightened public views, and we may
reasonably expect, that they will do nothing
tojeopard the interests of our people, orpur-
/ sue such a course as will have a tendency to
involve US in trouble. Rather may we ex-
. pect them to give an earnest support to every
measure which shall commend itself to their
judgments as being calculated to promote the
prosperity and well being of the Common
wealth of which they are both loyal and
trusted sons.