The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-01-02

virot~s, il c,,nceyhcd, 10 restore tho former
,rn of good feeling and re.establtsh the two
STATES in their old unity OF government,
We arc better able, however, to speak of the
sentiments of Virginia than OF West Virginia
upop the proposed re union. One of the sreaf-
ers IN the House, MIR. PRSpLEroN, of Giles, said
that he livea within six miles of the line diri'
ding the two States, and knew of no one along
line Of u hundred miles opposed TO the re-
union of Virginia. There are, however,
conflicting accounts. Whilst we hear from
some quarters that the state Of sentiment
which has cous under Mr.. PESpLRroS's OBJ
servation 10 general throughout West VIZ
.inia, we hear from others that the majority
Of the people do not desire reunion vi
,ourse no other union than that which was
the cordial choice and desire of both par
,ies conld no wished for here. We might re-
gret deeply that members OF the same house
aold should be perpetually separated p"'
even If we had the power 10 compel them I"
live again under the same roof, We would
never consent TO its exercise for family
that cannot agree will live more harmohl-
ops,v and hanpilv apart Asthe older mem
her of the household-as the mother oh the
tamily-if we may SO spcak-it becomes East
Western offspring to the old hearthstone;
but if they do not wish ii, there is, OF course,
IN end of the matter. Only we hope 1t will
be understood that, in any event, we shall desire
their prosperity ms we'll as our own, and that
we shall exercise the right OF kinsmen TO be
moud of their success and good fortune,
whether it is achieved under their present
State organization or in the sane State go
rernment with ourselves
We will not believe however, until we see
more satisfactory testimony than has yet been
offered that the asperities and alterations OF
he past will be permitted to become chronic,
md that the hearts OF divided brethren do not
ycarn for a reconciliation. 1t is true that VIZ
have been separated by war, and that among
the most determined and gallant enemies
whom Eastern Virginia met in the field were
the men of her own flesh and blood i'll the West.
But that war has ended, and it has ended with
The triumph Of the cause which West Virginia
espoused Surely, in the hour OF victory, her
people can afford 10 forget the past, and 10 dis
miss the antagonism which the contest ensen-
iered for fraternal and generous sentiments
II is true that, before the war, there existed
cause OF alienation which had prepared the
way for the formal separation which has since
occurred. But that cause-slavcry-ha been
since removed, and the two Commonwealth
arenow identical in their institutions as in their
lineage and character. What reason can now
,xist to entail upon the people of East and
West Virginia the expenses of two state 60
vernments when one would suffice, where the
advantages of a union are reciprocal and when
IL must be the natural desire Of all men OF
Virsinian descent, living on the old Virginia
soil TO share the past renoWn and the future
glory of this great Commonwealth
II. in former days, Western Virginia was not
equally benefited with the East by the system
OF internal improvements IL ought TO be borne
in mind that the State was steadily urging that
system to completion, which would have en-
oraced all sections, aud left no cause anywhere
If complaint. We do not deny that eXpendi-
lures have been made upon public works in the
East which might have been more justly and
iudciously expended in the West, but the
State was exhibiting purpose to Tectify It's
omissions and 10 give the West the full enjoy
ment of those public works 60 which II was
Untitled not only BY its common CONTRIBUTORS
10 the public treasury, but by the interests OF
one and all of the East not less than the West.
IN regard 10 those political inequalities which
had once been theme of contention, there had
been gradual and great reforms; the East,
which had the power, parted with ii, and nc
corded 10 the West the white basis aud the
preponderance i'll the House OF Delegates,
whilst the Senate, ia its practical workings,
proved more disposed than the House to eX-
pend money upon public works. The tendency
was constantly increasing TO remove all causes
If alienation and if the process was slow,
still il was active and progressive, and was
certain of eventual accomplishment. But the
Past, whatever may have been its errors mas
zone forever: ii is with the ages before the
nood and there is now nothing to be feared,
and everything 10 be gained, for the mutual IN
terests of the two States by becoming one In
name rs they are in tradition, race, laws and
institutions.
We therefore, hope sincerely that the fra
ternal oyerturcs Of this State will be met IN
like spirit by our Western brethren. To-
gether, East and West Virginia will become the
most enterprising, wealthy and populous State
of the American Union. No country possesses
I more hardy, gallant and energetic popula-
ton than that of Western Virginia. The mo-
mentum which the progress of the State Will
receive from their enterprsing and active
spirit would be felt in every department OF I'M
provement whilst our system Of public works
the peculiar products of our soil, and fine sea
board harbors and rivers, would present great
commercial advantages which they ought not
10 lose,
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