The national Republican., 1861-06-01
RESCUE OF VIRGINIA FROM THE
CSTRPERS

in the early part Of May, the prevailing idea OF
its members seemed to be the separation Of
Western Virginia from the tide water region.
This was natural, from many causes, some of
which still exist. But the impression that the
secession Of Eastern Virginia was on accom-.
plished fact, and that Western Virginia could
only remain in the Union by division Of the
State, mast now have yielded to the clear mani.
testations that the nation will not permit the
secession of any part of'the State.
Assuming that the whole Of Virginia is TO
remain in the Union, which cannot now admit
Of question, its division requires the assent,
not only of Virginia, but Of Congress, and it
is not certain that the proposition can be made
acceptable to either. And at any rate, it in.
wolves a complication Of considerations, which
would preclude action upon it just at present,
and until the smoke clears away, so as to give
better view of the field. 1t can be done just
as well hereafter as now, and if Western Vir.
ginia finally persists in desiring it, its con.
summation must, Of COURSE be postponed until
the necessary assent Of other parties can be
obtained.
The present policy of Western Virginia, is
not to attempt to cut loose from the region
temporarily subjected 10 the Richmond con.
sprators, who reign by the traitorous introduc-
ton of armed legions from the Gulf, but to
head a rally of the people Of Virginia, to rescue
the whole State from so odious despotsm.
In the actual state Of the case, as we said on
the Sd Of May, "the Western Virginans must
organize a provisional government for the
whole State, the late Government having, in
law and in fact, abdicated, by selling out to
foreign conspirators. A provisional govern
ment, so formed, would be the only legitimate
State authority existing in Virginia, and would
furnish the nucleus Of healthy organization
of the people, by which the Richmond usurpers
aud traitors could either be driven into exile,
or brought to condign punishment"
So far as Western Virginians are inclined to
prefer division Of the State, by a fresh recol
lection of the expressions in local affairs, which
they have endured from the oigarchs, they
should remember that the good fortune Of
events has now placed it in their power, to wipe
out all the machinery and appliances, by which
the old tyranny was maintained. 1t is only
necessary to prepare Republican Constitution
for Virginia, apportioning representation among
the counties upon the numbers of the free peo.
pie, Just as is already done in many Of the
Southern States.
This would reduce the political power Of
Eastern Virginia to its proper proportions, and
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old thraldom.
The forty million debt of Virginia, is un.
doubtedly a thing which it is desirable to es.
cape from, but separation hardly accomplishes
that object The collection of that debt not
being enforceable, the debt rests upon obliga-
tions OF honor, morals, and enlightened interest,
and those obligations would still attach to sep
arate Western Virginia, unless the creditors
discharged her, or unless she assumed fair
proportion OF the burden. And as that fair
proportion is all which is upon her now, she
can gain nothing in that respect by separation.
1t is understood here, to be the tendency Of
the public mind in Virginia. to extinguish por-
ton of this debt, by selling the confscated es.
tates of the traitors, for State stocks. We pre-.
sumo, from what we hear, that this will be
done, aud it is certainly just.
On this point, however, it is proper to he
said in the national interest, and by way of
caution, that the United States may assert a
priority, in indemnifying themselves for de-
structions Of property at Harper's Ferry and at
Norfolk, out of the estates Of the persons COLI
cerned in those acts, either as principals, or
accessories before the fact.
The gallant men on the other side of the
Alleghanies may have q New Virginia" with.
out dividing the old Commonwealth, of which
they have so many reasons to be proud, in its
ancient glory, in its vast capacities, and in the
great future which is possible for her. They
may have New Virginia by regeneration,
and without amputation. Virginia may be-
come new, by being born again, and if that
was only possible by a second birth, it must
not be complained Of if it is attended by the
convulsons which are inseparable from that
struggle Of nature.
The Union men of Western Virginia have
freed themselves, but they must not and will
not selfshly forget their brethren in the Valley
and in the East who are still in chains. To dc
so, is neither generous, nor wise. 1t is thei
prerogative and privilege, not less than thei
duty, to rescue their State, as well as them
selves, from degrading bondage, and by th'
expulsion Of the Richmond cabal, to give
new illustration Of the ancient motto Of Vir
ginia - Sic semper tyrannis."
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