Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-05-13
Wheeling and hcrIntercsts.

wheeling
We are delighted to observe the devotion to Virginia
which pervades the greater portion OF the Northwest III
sne Of the das;ardv couue which have sought to mis-
lead its people.
We cannot, however acknowledge the logic by which
some Of the merchants of Wheeling threaten to repudi
the State taxes because they still consider their aeg-
ance due to the Federal Government We are glad to
believe that this sentiment is confined to few, and that
the city Of Wheeling continues true to the cause of Nir
GINA Indeed it would be act of the deepest ngrat
tude, were Wheeling to do otherwise.
1t was long known that Baltimore wished to obtain
the most direct line of communication with Cincinnati
through the territory of Virginia and also, that she de-
sired line far South of Wheeling. This route was ult
maelv granted but the location restricted to enter
the ravine of the Ohio river near Wheeling and the ter
minus was saved to that city by stringent conditions
In compliance with the permission Baltimore made
road passing around the Of Pennsylvania and as
cending the Ohio to Wheeling. 1t was route rough
indirect and only chosen in default of being allowed to
occupy a better ore.
Subsequent to the passage Of this act an effort was
made to procure for certain counties in Northwestern
Virginia the right to construct railroad from Parkers-
burg to junction with the Baltimore and Ohio Road, at
their own expense Faithful her pledges to Wheeling,
the State of Virginia refused 10 grant such right
of way to her citizens, 50 long as it might pre-
vent Baltimore from complying with her engagement to
make a road to Wheeling.
When this road, however, had been provided and
Wheeling made in good faith the Ohio terminus of the
road the State consented that another branch of the Bal
,more road should be made, passing through cer;ain
counties in the Northwest and terminating at Parkers-
burg on the Ohio river. To this route it is believed that
Wheeling gave her assent.
From all the representations made by Wheeling during
this trying period of her fortunes her safety and exist
ence as manufacturing town depended upon her trade
with the lower river. All her manufactures of iron,
wood, aud cloth were sent the Southern market If
! Virginia should abandon her she was ruined.
We cannot imsgnc upon what principle the interests
/ Of Wheeling are now said to be with Pennsylvania.
Size is the only city of Western Virginia. As city of
the Southern Coucderacy she will be protected by what
ever import duties the Conederecy may impose from the
competition Of Pittsburg and other Western rivals viii
she not prefer the monopoly of this home market to be-
ing compelled to pay duties for admission intoit:
Rutsuppcse Wheeling should suffer hersefto be cejoCd
b7 those who rather wish to distract Virginia than to
benefit her Let her consider what would be her posi-
ton ms an appcndage 10 Pennsylvania Instead Of being
the net city of Virginia in the West she would be con-
peed to fight for her own interests against those town
of wanna which have been her rivals Has Wheel
,g 10 gotten the bridge case, in which Pttsburg made
such strenuous efforts cut of her connection with
Olos Is she willing TO rerounce the strong arm oi
Virginia which brought her through all her troubles,
aud rely upon those ever raised against her
We make no threats but may he well for the citi-
z,as of wheeling 70 consider the impocy Of separating
that city from Virginia whilst that State controls her
best right of way to the Ocean Baltimore bound by
the law of Virginia to comply in good faith with her en-
aagemen, TO make aud nliuain Wheeling a terminus
/ Of the railroad Suppose Baltimore should prefer to
keep up the Northwestern Railroad to Parkersourg as
her sole route 10 Cincinnati Where is the power ex-
cop. under the law OF Virginia to compel heg to comply
with her original engagement
The charter for the construction of the Wheeling sec
ton Of the B. o. Railroad granted subject to the
right Of the Legislature to alter modify the same upon
p.ymcn, f-aoy works property injured by such egsa-
ton Tu.sycw,r viii certainly never be exercised except
u-ou high OeraaOus o. SAFE .hts Still the power
exist, and the annexation Of Wheelr. to Pennsylvania
would diminish Tue reluctance With wli-h rginia would
| sen, to any such measure Of policy.
win j. not be better for wheeling to preserve her cons
,.,'oa rih Stat, which bs projected ler from out
side all domestic enemies and which guarantees her
commerce for M =c safe conjuc. to the ocean, than
To- hermit herself to be tol fon her native associations
ssl stuck Gu TO great State where igol nter,s may
control and imp0ycrsa her