The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-03-29
More Pictures of Virginia.

When a mans portrait is to be painted, he
would like TO choose the painter We, mere
in Virginia, have no such opportunity, ana
are condemned TO be terribly drawn, and to
behold our portraits with IL limited right even
to express our opinions upon them
The telegraph dispatches in our paper yes
tardav gave an abstract of the testimony of
the Federal officers III this State touching the
sentiments and dispositions of Nirsiniahs. we
ara renresautpd to have been "humble' when
General LEE surrendered. We conjecture
that most Nirginians would move to strike out
that word "ht,lgJle." 1t is not sentiment III
the Nirginian heart that we are aware OF,
save with reference to the ALMIGHTY ana HIS
Providence Nirginians are MEN, anu ever
will be- Even in adversely they can deport
themselves as becomes men-paylhg all respect
TO power and 10 Law-but never losing sense
of their own dignity and manhood HUMBLE
indeed.
The world should understand Virginia.
She ought to have some character beyond hel
own limits When the war ended adversely
to the South, Virginia acknowledged her ooty
of obedience to the authority, the consul
tution. and laws of the United States. She
took the oath through her people; ana from
that moment she was prepared 10 maintain
M State in the Union could have been more
implicitly confded in. IL was great mistake
that she was not so trusted. 1t Is alleged tiia'
since then she is less tractable and more Eek
actinp., If there is Il change in the feeling
of the people, let those who have heapco upon
them insult and outrage blame themselves
for it, Let those who questioned the sincerity
of a truthful and sensitive community, take
inGI
they aroused.
We speak upon the representation OF the VIII
nesses. We do not believe the true state OF the
public mind is represented by them. We believe
the people are disappointed-that they expect
ed somewhat more of respect for their demon
STATIONS of acquiescencc in the national
authority; their solemn pledges of duty to
il. They expected more liberal treatment,
and are surprised at the vast number and the
strange character of the conditions precedent
to their restoration to their civil and political
rights, that have been proposed in Congress.
They are disturbed at all this. They were at
first indignant; but they have relapsed into
something like indifference, and will not suf.
fer themselves to be troubled with the extra
ordinary maneuvres at Washington. 1t rests
with the Government when and how they
shall be aroused from this species of torpor.
1t is very hurtful to their energies and their
industry. 1t not only hurts Them but it hurts
the nation even more
1t is reported, too, that we desire TO repudi-
ate the public debt. Now, how that is made
known to gentlemen with whom the people
would hardly hold intercourse on that subject
we do not know. One thing we do know, and
that is We see as much of the people as any
other men, and the public debt is thing
which seldom enters into their discussions.
We can say, moreover, that If the public debt
isnever repudiated until il is done by schemes
OF the South, IL will be paid 70 the last far
thing IL unleashing for the hunt after repu-
diators, there is game nearer home.
The question raised by these witnesses is
whether IL 1t better 10 keep out the Southern
states upon a mere suspicion that they wish
TO repudiate the public debt, or 10 let them in
and let them help 10 pay itr That Is the ques-
ton.
Another grave charge against W. poor sin
nersis, that II we were set AT liberty we would
oisaaiaiiy maitreat Union men and negroes
~ may be-taking the DISTINGUISHING laws and
prosecutions OF Maryland, West Virginia and
Mlksonri as exampies-that this is meant ms a
covert compliment; bad ~ we are, IL seems
thus 70 be confessed that we will he ms good AS
the deyout l0yalists in Maryland, West yir-
ginia. and Missouri! We ars not prond OF the
compliment DO the witnesses believe that
the people OF this State could bring themselves
IN 20 cowardly and ignobls . manner, In .
tims Of profound peace, 70 psrsscsn AUD hs'