The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1866-12-25

ton in the Tide Water, increased 8 per
cent; In the Piedmont, per cent; in
the Valley, 7per cent; In the Southwest,
II per cent; and in the Northwest 1t
decreased "a per cent. During thes same
period, the slave population In the Tide
Water increased A per cent; in the
Piedmont, per cent; in the Valley, It
decreased per cent; in the Southwest,
1t increased 10 per cent; and in the
Northwest, 1t decreased 10 per cent. In
West Virginia, since 1850, the aggregate
colored population has decreased rs
por cent.
One thing at least these facts show
conclusivoly, and that is that West
Virginia Is not a congenial home for
the negro. For some reason he does
not flourish on this soil, and leaves II as
soon us he can find some other place. For
many years before the rebellion, while
in state OF slavery, the number stead
lily diminished. It might be argued
that proximity to the free States
of Ohio and Pennsylvania was the
cause; butthat argument is overthrown
by the accelerated rate of decrease
since the rebellion made them free.
The extraordinary circumstances of
the war will account for that accelera-
ton in part, but only in part. Other
and deeper causes are at work and
long have been; and we may not un-
reasonably suppose that at no distant
period this class Of population will
have almost disappeared from West
Virginia soil. With all liberal minded
and thoughtful men, this exodus will
be no matter for congratulation. Our
State needs labor so badly to develop
Its natural wealth that 1t must be a
matter OF regret to lose any class of
sober, industrious and loyal cltizens,as
these blacks all are. The fact 10 thatin
these respectsthey shame many whites,
who have infinitely greater advantages.
They are almost universally self-sup-
porting, and very rarely found in
courts or jails-and that is more than
can be said of a great many whites-as
the poor houses and criminal dockets
Of the State abundantly show.
If comforting upon these men the
elective franchise would keep them
here, we can understand that 1t would
be practical question whether 1t
should not be done. Yet we imagine
very few of thOm at present feel any
interest themselves In the subject. We
are sure none are driven away for want
OF the franchise. Comparatively few
are up to the standard ofintelllgeuce
that would make them safe repositories
ofpolitical power. And let it be remem-
bered 1t is much more easy to give men
votes thnn 1t is to take them away
again, II 1t should be found not to work
well. 1t is as u practical question we
have regarded this matter here In West
Virginia. AS an abstract proposition
we suppose very few of our people, will
deny that every person of mature age,
amenable to law, and not disqualified
by crime, should have voice In the
Government. But this reasoning ap.
plies TO women rs well rs men. five
are comforting suffrage upon everybody,
onprinciple, why not upon women rs
well us menH They are, In nearly all
cases rs capable and often much more
capable of exercising tho privilege, than
their husbands III they have any. Els.
pecially those who own property in
their own names, and pay taxes, have
good ground TO claim the franchise.
We do not conceive our loyal people
will be thrown into spasms IL it be
deemed necessary for the pacihcation
and security OF the country, to enfran-
chise the black men in the South. We
simply object TO attempting to raise
local issue Of that kind here in West
Virginiu, when there is no necessity or
even proper occasion for 1t. Many men
may be in favor of negro suffrage for
South Carolina, who do not want II for
West Virginia, because the cases are
essentially different. The necessity
for 1t may exist there. 1t docs not ex-
list here.
When our people como to enlarging
the suffrage here on abstract principle,
there Is rs much to DO said In behalf of
female suiTrageas colored male suf rrage.
But thus far the theory aud practlce in
this country have been that suffrage is
not natural right, but n political priv
ilege, 10 DO vested In limited number
OF tho body polite, and once vested in
them, to be regulated by them for the
supposed good OF tho whole. Whether
1t DO nota faulty theory and practice,
we have not space now to consider.
We only desire TO say to the courageous
editor Of the Hcdettc TINT II may DO
worth his while to consider whether no
has yet taken broad enough ground.
We remind him That tho question OF
suffrage for females il just now exciting
profound Interest throughout tho coun.
try. But recently 1t was the topic Of a
most able md Interesting debate in the
Senate of the United States, in connec.
tlon with the bill extending suffrage in
lhe District OF Columbia. II this qucs-
ton Is 10 DO discussed on abstract prln-
clple, rather than nero expedIoncy, he
must widen his scope and take In the
whole field.
JoHN a, DOUGLASS, Jr., n young man
OF IIannibal, who for some time past
has been lntemperatoly throwing his
life away, personally appeared before
Justice and made oath that "for tho
space of ono year, from the 14th day Of
/ tDnn - A.. talt-