New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-05-23
A FEW WORDS TO vIRGINIANS.
Of Tho N. Y. Tribune.

WAsHIsGTos, d. c., May 81, 1861.
The TRIBUNE has already given the benefit of its
wide circulation to the proceedings OF our Western
Virginia friends at Wheeling, and deservinely com.
meDded their spirit and patriotism.
The Wheeling Convention has adjourned until the
18th of June; and desire propose that they invite,
at their next meeting, the attendance OF Union men
from counties east of the mountains 1t seems to me
there il better course than divide the STATE The
authorities at Richmond, by forbddng the election OF
Congressman, and by transferring all their power TO
jeff Davis, have committed act Of eio de se-have
abdcated their powers, and left the State in
condition of anarchy 1t would seem to me, there
fore that the proper for the adjourned Conven-
ton will he 10 make declaration of these facts, form
Provisional Government for the whole State elect
Governor, two United States Senators, and thirteen
Members Of Congress TO during the extra session
and provide for future election Of these and all other
necessary officers by the people.
This action would undoubtedly be recognized and
sustained by the whole power of the General Govern
men and the Members of Congress thus elected would
be admitted to their seats on the 4th Of July. by this
course the very bad example Of secession set by the
rebel States would be avoided. The western part Of
the State would doubtless desire separate from the
clusively for improvements in the east But this rebel
hon will extinguish State debt, not by shameful
population, but by furnishing the of payment
toge her with ten twenty millions for fund 10 edu
cate children Of the State and also for equalza
ton Of STATE improvements enabling us 10 justice
tothe west IN rtion History full of example, OF for
feaure and escbeat Of the of rebels and traitors
The ate resuming her right Of eminent domain all
all
the double duty of Furnishing the highest crime known
among and Of relieving, in part, her loyal people
from the coes expenses, and Losses Of the rebellion.
1t is that macy Of the leaders in this most un
natural war are bankrupt 10 fortune as in character
But there many exceptions even among the arch
traitors such as my neighbor, John A. Washington,
whose grand speculation in bone-iust the ladies OF the
country have at east two hundred thousand real and
subss initial to remember, and Col NOW Gen.
eraD Lee Of Arlington, who, for the glory of being
Commander-in-C hef Of the Rebel forces IN Virginia.
will perhaps be willing TO surrender property, every
collar of which derived from the bounty Of Gov
eminent he now opposes in open war.
We shall have some thousands Of similar examples,
quite sufficient to relieve Ourselves from oppressive
taxation and place our good old Commonwealth on a
firm financial foundation. Let the rebel estates be sold
at public auction one half the purchase money to be
paid in State stocks par, and the other half in cash
on reasonable time. Let amend our Constitution
as to vote by ballot and adopting the policy Of the
Western States, give full citizenship and the elect
i've franchise after short residence, ard we will
have such flow Of we,th, and population skilled in
arts and education, shall sweep away old
emsscu ated and etete srstocracy, and adopting the
liberal policy recommended by Washington and Jeier-
an, MA will soon have the satisfaction of ing our
glorious State so richly endowed by nature, restored
to her normal and original preeminence among her
sisters Of the Union. Very respectfully,
JOHN c. UNDERWOOD.