Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-12-07
WHEELING, VA,.SATURDAY MORNING, DEC

brated Cumberland coal mines. Its popu-
lation is about %, 900, including some 600
slaves. Washington is great wheat
growing county, having an area of about
48O square miles. Its annual product of
wheat averages about n million bushels.
Its principal minerals are iron and lime
stone. There are several cotton factories
located on its streams. Its population is
some $4,000, of which over 1000 are
slaves. ....r-. .-.-.-
Mr. Cameron, in presenting this propo-
sition to Congress, simply puts it upon the
ground of propriety and expediencY, lie
suggests that this reconstruction of State
liues will withdraw from the Federal
capital the influence of State govern
ments, which have arrayed themselves
in rebellion against the Federal authori-
ty. And he adds, rs an additional rea-
son, that the lines proposed form great
national boundaries, which, for all time
to come, would serve to mark the
limits of these States. The real motive
which has induced the recommendation,
and which will commend it to the warm
approval of .he whole country, is not even
hinted at. 1t is kept sedulously out of
sight Why, we cannot say The SeCre.
tary should have strengthened the rensons
assigned with this one which he has not as
signed, but which is nevertheless the all
powerful one-namely, that Il dismember-
ment of the rebel State of Virginia, and
n partitioning of her territory among
States that have remained loyal to the
government, is the most effective, appro-
pirate and memorable punishment that can
be inflicted upon her. Faithless to her
federal duties, regardless of the memories
of her great men. false to her own and to
the national interests, she cast her lot in
with those wild, reckless, fanatic vision
aries OF the cotton States, and made her
soil the battle ground between civilization
and barbnrism. Having done so, she de-
serves no sort of commiSseration. The
sternest punishment that can be afflicted on
her is still far too mild for her crimes
But vet that one which is suggested in the
report of the Secrntary of War, is just the
one of all others that will most humble the
pride of her sons, and thnt will stand to
all future ages beacon light to warn 9TH
er States off the rocks on which she split,
There are constitutional difficulties III
the way of dismembering and pnrtitloning
States. The act must be acceeded to By
the States concerned, as well by the
Federal Congress. But Secretary Gamer
on, recognizing this. still sees how it can
be done without violating the Constitution.
He adduces precedeuts in the cases OF
Michigan and Ohio, Missouri and Iowa.
where State boundaries were changed by
mutual agreement; and he suggests that
the same can be done here. And SO it can.
The new State of KNnawha will readily
give its assent, receiving. as it WILL the
counties of Maryland and Washington, and
having its existence recognized and estnb-
lished by the General government. ltmay
even assume the Hppelntlon of the parent
State, so that the once hOnored name nt
Virginia, the mother of statesman and
Presidents, may not be effaced from the
national escutcheOn.
1t is not to be supposed that either Mary
land or Delaware will interpose objections
to the propositiOn-the former receiving
such large accession of rich and pOpuloUs
territory, and little Delaware being also
enlarged into something like a respectable
size. The condition precedent which Mr..
Cameron seeks:o have imposed upon Mary
land is, that in exchange for this boon she
should consent to modify her constitution
so as to limit the basis of her representa-
ton to her white population. In other
words, she must forgo her claim to have
her slave population rated on the three
fifths basis. That is a slight concession to
ask-a concession which, in fact Western
Virginia had all but wrung from Eastern
Virginia and the dispute about which was
one of the great causes of contention be-
tween the Two sections of tie State.
The wonderful change of sentiment that
has taken place in Maryland since April
last, and her present attitude of loynlty,
furnish proof that she can safely be calcu-
lated or to do her share in this NATTER
The message which the Governor of Mary
land sent Yesterday to the Legislature is
instructive on the score of her position
The Governor takes the ground boldly and
suuarely that the rebellion must be put
down, no matter at what cost, and that the
State must bear her full share of the bur-
cen of doing so. He urges the immediate
raising and equipping of the State quot"
of volunteers for the war, and the payment
of her portion of the n ational tax. In
other words, Maryland places herself, so
far as the position of her Governor can do
so, on as high stand point of loyalty as
any free State of the North.
OF course the proposition of the Secre-
tnry of War assumes no practical propOr-
tons unless Congress shall take it up and
act upon it. IfCongress do so, the prop
osition may undergo many important
changes and notifications. 1t will give
rise, if taken up at all, to very grave and
important discussions. We have no doubt
that the proposition, in its general features,
commends itself to the sanction and ap-
proval of the community at large, and the
best and fittest measure of retributive
instice that can be inflicted on rebellious
community. In that view there will be
few loval men that will regretits consum-
nation.
THE CONFRABAND QUESTION.