Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-10-21

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the outzgrowth and protector Of the ter
rapin or armadiIlo. The shell grows with
the creatures growth, adapts itself to
its shape, serves its purposes of de-
tense and protection. and contrib
utes to its comfort, but never con-
fines it to stated proportions or inter
feres with its growth. That is regulated
by other influences. So in the benifcent
economy Of all things, governments grow
upon peoples, grow with them, and adapt
themselves to their wants. But they do
not and cannot mould the living mass,
but are thrown OF and reproduced, as the
serpent sheds its skin, when they no lon
ger serve the purpose for which they were
created.
So IN the inherent nature of things,
whenever the new State government of
Kanawha takes the place of the present re-
stored government Of Virginia in the
Northwest, that government is virtually al
an end because thus far it in reality ez-
tends. aud no farther; and while its juris-
diction takes in Eastern and Southwestern
Virgins, and the Valley, its authority ends
with the boundaries Of Kanavha- and
could not be practically asserted beyond,
even after restoration of peace. When
Virginia is conquered, new government
for the remainder OF the State will proba-
bly, be built somehow on the ruins of the
old one, and we know that one so extreme
ly offensive to the people of that part of
the State as this restored government
would be, will never be thrust down their
unwilling throats. When they give up and
submit meekly to the administration of the
national laws, the compliment will be paid
them Of allowing them to form State gov
eminent for themselves.
We conclude, therefore, that in the on
ward march of events, the governments in
this State will adapt themselves to the
wants of the people themselves, and not
be allowed to embarrass things serionslyi
and when the new State of Kanawha
is put into successful operation, the re-
stored and indicated government of Yir-
ginia will be supplanted and swallowed up
in better order of things.
WHAT ABOUT sLAvEaY2
There is another point that embarrasses
many in their ideas upon this subject. 1t
is, whether the Consultation of Kanawha is
to contain clause recognizing property in
slaves; in palmer words, whether Ka-
nawba is to be a slave State or free
State. This is question that will bear to
be divided as here stated. Whether the
Constitution will contain such clause, is
a matter for the Convention to determine,
and We doubt not they will deter
mine it wisely aud quietly. Whatever
their determination of this point may
be, it cannot affect the answer to
the other question of a free or slave
State for tthat Kanawha will be,
like Ohio and Pennsylvania, before many
years, none who haze read the language of
the great events sweeping over the country
can doubt, and very few in these bounda-
ries, we think, have any interest in wish
ing otherwise. This is one instance at
least where this institution may be trusted
for regulation to the laws of commerce aud
the directions of trade. So certain is the
result, and SO well and generally under
stood, that its consideration wouId not
weigh feather with Congress in consider
iEg our admission; or if it had any infu-
euce at all it would be in our favor.
If We are wise, we can settle this matter
in framing the new Constitution without
any dissensiOn whatever among ourselves,
and this is the only aspect in which its
consideration could embarrass us in the
least.
Kanawha belongs to the valley ofthe Ohio.
Her rivers flow in that direction, and she
has range of mountains in the rear. Cut
the ligature that fnstens us to the senile
East, and tree from the loathsome connec-
tion we spring naturally into the arms of
the great West II the Convention prefer
to make it for time slave State, they
will do so. hut for keeping it so they can
not, unless they can control natural laws
and stop the irresistible march Of events.
At least We cannot see that this matter
need occasion any embarrassment what
ever, as. in any event, we have entire con-
fidcnce that some expedient will be found
altogether satisfactory to all concerned.
SUMMING UP.
In view of all these considerations there
is no Law, there is no reason that We can
perceive, why we shall not move on to a
contamination most devoutly to be wished.
The times are distracting, but how soon
will they be better? Or if they were diff
ferent how would it aid us7 We find our
strength and opportunity now in the revo-
luton forced upon u.s. Shall dwelling
sympathy with those who have plotted aud
almost contaminated our ruin. influence
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