New-York tribune., 1868-11-06
OID VTREINT1.

We trust that the result just achieved IN the
election of Grant and Colfax insures the speedy
return of Virginia to self-goyernment and her
proper place in The councils of the Republic,
from which she has too long been estmnged.
As she went ont in frenzy IF madness pro-
dnced by falsehood, il was well that she should
take ample time for her return; but that time
has now been exceeded. She ought 10 have
returned Simultaneously with the Car
olnas; but il Was not her choice
TO do so. Her ancient aiistocracy
would wait and see whether they could
not come in with flying colors, tamplng on
the neck- of their late bondmen 10y virtue of
the triumph of Seymour and Blair. That hope
being now blasted, we are confident that she
will accept her new and truly democratic con
sttution and present herself at the doors OF
the Capitol impersonat,d in loyal delega-
ton. and that she will be welcomed to the
place sle once honored, and should never
have abandoned. Then let AL disiranchlse-
ments be speedily removed, and let her people
forget their past alterations in a new and last
ing devotion 10 that Union which was their
strength and shield until "viely cast away
A subject now hty commanding much atten-
ton in "thc Old Dominion and her promising
young daughter, West Virginia, is tho opening of
direct railway communication between the Ohio
| River and Chesapeake Bay. good portion OF
the distance was long since tIayersed 10y the
| Virginia Central while much grading has been
done, but 1--WE beieve) no rails laid, on the
| Covineton and Ohio Railroad, in West Virginia.
| Acts have passed the Legislatures Of both
Virginia and West Virginia providing Tor a
consolidation of the existing corporations aud
the completion Of Il through line on the route
M the KanaWha and down the James, which,
since the day OF George Washington. has been
! regarded by Nirgnians as not only the shOrtcs
and most direct bat tho easiest and mos;
natural channel OF artificial communication
between the Atlantic and the Great Valley.
! Negotiations looking to the legal consolida-
ton of the existing companies into one which
! shall be charged with the completion and opera
! ton of the Chesapeake and ono Railroad
| are now in progress, and some diYergonces oi
! views or Of interests baye been developed. One
| marty PROPOSES to cut the knot by the sword
| Gen. Stoneman, commanding the Military de
patment which includes Virginia, j. solicited
to issue an edct deciding that the TO
quired consolidation shall be effected II
a certain way and under certain aus
pices, and not otherwise. We presume
him incapable OF such al abuse OF authority
but we shall nevertheless record out protest
against it, Civil authority was rghtfuliy con
fered by Congress on the Military arm for NJ
such purpose as that here contemplated, but
for the protection of personal rights aud th'
preservation of order and peace. We trust al
necessity for such authority will soon cease
meantime, let il not be discredtcd 10y
elaring abuse. We understand tina
Northern capital stands ready to supply tn,
missing links in the proposed and much needed
chain so soon as the differences now existing
shall be finally adjusted. Leave business ar
rangements to business men, aud let tho Mill
tary power be satisfied with doing its whole
duty in protecting personal rights and pre-
| servn0 the public peace.