The daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1863-1864, 1863-09-12
UniOnism not AbOlitiOnism.

The Rltchle w. Val fTeSS IS very de-
cided supporter of the Administration and
its war policy, and, we believe, claims to be
"loyal," in the Administration sense of that
muck abused tenn. But its editor does not
seem to desire to be written down as an
ultra of the malignant school-of that type
which issues its DEGREES fir I'm certain Gov
eminent Offices in this city. In the last
number of the Press the editor makes the
following remarks:
1--WE noticed an assertion in West Vir-
GINA newspaper, not long since, that because
the people of our State had become tired of
the institution Of slavery, and had voted
for the gradual emancipation of slaves in
West Va.," they were, therefore, all "eman-
cipationists" alias "Abolitionists;;" and, fur
ther, that they were now, in consistency,
bound TO support radical Aboitionists for
Congress. We feel satisfied that on, people
Cannot see it" in that light. That a great
majority of them did vote to emancipate
the slaves of certain ages in West Virginia,
is matter of history; but that they desired
to interfere with tbs institution ina section
of country in which, by right, they had no
voice, is not true, and instead of being vir-
tual 'abolitionists," they have only carried
out the doctrine we have always held to-,
that slavery was local institution, and that
the States holding slavery had a perfect
right to adjust matters in reference to it, in
local way. We have abolished slavery in
West Virginia on the grounds that it was
Improbable, not because we loved the ne
gro less and the abolitionist more.
With us its adjustment had become a
virtual necessity; and we know that we
are better off without it, But it will be
said that we favored general emancipa-
ton when we approved of the Presidents
Emancipation Proclamation. Such is not
the case. We approved of that proclama-
ton as "military necessity" and Just so
soon as th" rebels lay down their arms and
return to their allegiance, just so soon that
''neceSSity ceases' and we have no Constitu-
tional or just right to interfere with the in
stitution farther.
"But, aisle from this theory, the strong
arm of the government has no right to in
terfere. If she fail to adopt this course,
she cannot (Constitutionally) give freedom
to one black man who is now or may be, by
reason of return to loyalty, the property
of her loyal citizens. But while this is
true, we have men here in W. Va. profess
ing to be Constitutional Union men, who
arc endeavoring to bring about aparty issue
and elect representatives to Congress who
shall stand "pledged to accept the Presi
dents Emancipation Proclamation as
tinality to slavery" Will this be done?-
We trust the good sense of the people will
lead them to see upon what footing these
gentlemen would wish to place them, ere
they give them their support. Are We
the radical Abolitionists' or are we Con.
Union men? That is the ques-
ton to be decided between now and the
coming election"
The editor then proceeds to advocate the
election to Congress, on this principle, of
Hon. JACOB B. BLAIR, to represent this
District
1t is clear the good people in the Richie
region can understand the difference
between Unionism and Abolitionism; and
hat they are much shrewder and more
intelligent people than their would be mas
:ers of Wheeling take them to be-