The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-04-23
.yirginia-The Danger and the Hope
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or all the subtle and sensitive things in
shisworid confidence is the most remark
able. AZ one time we find 1t frank, unre-
eeryed, and courageous. 1t ia, moreover,
full Of warm sympathies and generous
emotions. 1t is intrepid in succoring the
embarrassed, and helping on humble merit
and enterprise struggling against misfor-
tune. Anon, upon the occurrence Of few
reverses in commerce, it shripks within
itself, and withdraws from observation,
hugging to it's breast the means which 1t
had dispensed 30 recently with generous
hand.
In the times when there has been pro-
found peace, when the resources Of the
country we're updiminished, when industry
and order were systematized and perfect,
we have seen confidence suddenly flee from
the walks Of commerce, and trade and en-
terprises Of ell sorts, brought to o stand
still. What wonder is it then, that we
here, in the present condition of this State,
should suffer from the almost complete dis
appearance of this subtle principle which
Ia the life Of the business intercourse OF
society? s
Our Government is one in which no trust
can DO placed. 1t is mixed affair-part
military and part civil but the civil is OIL
most chaos. While this is the present
situation" the future is uncertain. There
is danger that We may have constitution
fastened upon us which will give the Co.
vornment over to strangers and place the
legislation Of the State in the hands Of in
competent and non-tax-paying persons.
How can it be expected that capitalists will
place their property at the mercy of such
persona? The men who are placed before
the country to be elected along with this
constitution are VIGOROUSLY untrustworthy.
They will not hesitate to avail themselves
Of any opportunity that may occur to fill
their pockets at the public expense and to
the public injury. They are well known
to be ready for brides to sell out the most
important interests of the State, and hand
her over, bound hand and foot, to the mercy
of remorseless corporations.
Who will invest their money in Virginia
with the present paralysis of all her inter-
ests, or in view of the disastrous fate with
with which she is threatened No one.
Men from oil quarters, Of all shades of po-
litcal opinion, have come amongst US.
They have been pleased with the State,
with its lands, minerals, and water power
but with barely enough exceptions to esta.
blish the general rule, they depart without
investing dollar. They declare that they
cannot risk money in the present uncertain
political condition, and with the future
prospects Of Virginia. They promise to
come down again when civil order is re-
stored, and the Government is entrusted to
men of integrity and judgment. But they
cannot venture now.
This is entirely reasonable and natural.
1t could not be otherwise, nor can it be
until Virginia is possessed Of the direction
of her own affairs, and confdes her Offices
of trust to men of capacity and known
honesty.
When We know all this what q powerful
motive inpels us to exert all our strength
in one grand harmonious effort to free our
selves and our State from the misrule Of
men having no sympathy with us-whose
only object is plunder-and under whom
there can be no confidence, no relief from
utter proBtration and despair. Once re-
lieyed, confidence will return from her
long Punishment, bringing healing on her
white wings. There will be an immediate
revival Of the dropping spirits of the State,
a healthy and vigorous enterprise will
spring up everywhere, labor will be re-
warded and multiply the products of in
dustry, the faltering and staggering citi-
zens who are about to fall under the press
ure Of debt will be saved from ruin and
restored to activity, hope, and thrift, and
public wealth will again rapidly accumu-
late through increase Of population and re-
sources.
A few weeks will present the opportunity
for this devoted struggle. Who, then, will
be recreanti
The Convention.
There can be no dispute as to the propo-