The south-western. [volume] (Shreveport, La.) 1852-1870, 1861-05-01
What VIRGINIA viii DO.

The action Of Virginia is probably mor1 important,
the future OF this country than that Of any other
State There sa strong and inscriptions party within
her borders, which is determined upon forcing her to
join the southern conederaey. If they succeed, North
Carolina and Maryland, ut least viii probably do like
wise,and the chances are that in such contingency,
all the slave States would pursue the same course.
We have believed hitherto that the people ct
Virginia would take the course. BY wise precautOn,
the action Of the convention whatever may be must
be submitted to the popular vote and We have hitherto
had the utmost confidence that the intelligence and
lghtened sef-nerests Of the people would hold them
true to the Union
It is very clear, however, that Virginia is becoming
ambitious to play important role in political
affairs, than either remain in the Union, to join
the Confederacy. She aims to be umpire in this
sectional contest,-an to dictate TO the other
States the terms of the constitution which is hereafter
TO bind them.
The Richmond Wing, which has been, from the COM
mencement Of secession one OF the most conservative
Journals in the State the 10Th set forth the following
programme Of the course which the State is likely
pursue
w have eonversed freely with members of the con
venton, and persuaded that the action Of the
body will be eminently wise and conservative, and as
distant readers viii naturally desire know what
that action will be- venture for their satisfaction
state our impressions on the subject
We believe that after full debate and thorough eS-
animation the convention will indicate by resolutions
the constitutional amendments and guarantees which,
III the Judgment OF Virginia, necessary for the
curty of her rights and institutions When these are
agreed on, she will invite conference Of the nou-se-
coded States at Frankfort Nashville to consider our
propositions, and to make common cause with her,
She will not offer her propositions ultimatum but
merely her contribution 10 the general stock some
of suggestions on the subject OF her wisest and most
patriotic citizens will be sent by the convention to this
conference, and her propositions will there be consid
cred, and, it may be modified in some respects-though
not in any essential particulars. When harmony and
concurrence shall have been secured among the border
States the propositions, agreed by them will be
submitted ultimatum the northern States This
ultimatum feel assured will embrace no unreason
able features-nothing which is in strict conformity
with the principles OF the constitution as understood
and acted by the fathers of the republic If it should
be accepted by the north, the Union will be preserved
and harmony restored. If the other hand it be re-
ieUted then the border States will in BODY withdraw
from the uuion and unite with such States both slave
holding and non-saVehoding, as may be willing to
adopt them. In the event Of rejection believe that
New York, New Jersey Pennsylvania, Ohio Indiana
and Illinois viii unite with the border States The result
may be to throw off the New England States and the
extreme northwestern States. The gulf States will
soon find it their interest to rene themselves to
Conservative Confederacy and ultimately the exscnded
northern States having learned lesson of wisdom and
humility will knock at our doors for readmisson into
the family mansion.
Inns Is a NOME programme, ana 1t Is enc Which we
believe will lead to the restoration Of the Union to all
of its pristine glory and ample proportions We are
satisfied that the utmatum OF the border States will be
fair and just aud reasonable that it will be promptly
and gladly embraced by an overwhelming majority of
the northern States and that any which may feel tenn
porary dissatisfaction viii be compelled to acquicsce"
This seems to be just nov the policy which the con-
servatiTes Of Virginia propose to adopt. We need
scarcely say that it is not calculated in the least to re
assure the public mind Indeed tits in many respects
the most dangerous course which could possibly be
adopted. Its fundamental principles is that the Union
must be thoroughly destroyed split up completely into
its component and original elements before the process
Of reconstruction can be commenced.
Unless greatly mistaken this is the shape which
our next political contest viii assume. The democrats
of this and other free States are already making arrange
ments for such And if Virginia IS allowed
thus to make herself the arber Of the Union-if the
people permitted and are encouraged to look her
instead Of the government for reconstruction of the
Union, the issue presented to viii be formidable
than il now appears. \. \. Times