Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-02-16
The Commonwealth of Virginia.

We give the following extract from the
recent speech of Mr.. McCreery of Kentucky,
delivered in the Senate-a speech which at
once placed him in the front rank of that body,
and which attracted SO much attention when
it was made, and since:
"0f the situation of the Southern people I
know little from actual observation. Since
the war have been no further South than
Gordonsville, in Virginia. Manassas, which
has risen from the ashes, reminds us of the
opening scene in the civil strife. / passed
Cedar Mountain, or Slaughters Mountain, as.
the people of the country call it, in whose
shade Jackson narshaled his forces, and from
whose summit swept the charge that never
failed of victory. crossed the Rapidan.
where Grant aud Lee, the great masters Of
military science. for seven long months con-
fronted each other from opposing banks
bitches and earthworks may be seen on all
sides, but where are the farms, the orchards.
and the gardens, the corn. the fruit aud the
flowers? These rich valleys, like Western
praiIies, spread out before you, but DO fence
obstructs the view, and no sound breaks the
solemn silence that reigns around. There
remain, however, some evidences of a bauished
civilization. Now and then single chimney,
like monumental column, points you to the
past. 1t bears no lettered scroll but still it
speaks of happiness and home. Its warmth
has been comfort to age, and sparkling eyes
and ruddy faces have reflected its light. But
the scene was changed. The thunder cloud
of war drew near and more near until its angry
flashes gave fearful warning of approaching
doom. The mother knees at the family altar,
invokes the blessing of Elija's God, and goes
forth with her children a fugitive in the land.
Everything that will burn is given to the
flames, and the chimney stands as landmark,
u starting point for the surveyor in his work
of re establishing meets and boundary lines.
"Other portions of Virginia may have suf-
fered less, but l honestly believe that the
people of that State are not prepared for
specie payments. and that any great contrac-
tiun OF currency would involve them in ruin.
They could endure Il gentle imitation, but they
will scarcely survive further contraction.
l know not how others may feel, but as for
my SINGLE self | confess weakness for the
old Commonwealth of Virginia. If she las
siDued in the sight of heaven, heaven and
earth have witnessed the terrible retribution.
When we speak of Virginia the long past
rises before us, and We are associated with the
heroes, the statesmen, and the philosophers OF
other days. The sword Of ner Washington
hangs in the Patent Office, and there, too is
MS camp anu camp 1uruture5 even ooWn 10
his pewter plates, held as the sacred memo.
rial Of patriotism which endured all things
for his country's sake. Jefferson and the
Declaration, Madison and the Constitution.
the eloquence of Henry, the learning of Mar
shall, all protest against the divorce which
sewers the bonds of the Union and degrades
Virginia from her position of equality in the
family of States. DSmembered and divided,
sn,lrned and insulted suffering and bleeding
the frail aud tottering emblem of her former
self, if we cannot alleviate, let do nothing
to increase the calamities which overwhelm
her already. Neither the ricissitudes
through which she has passed, nor the fur
mace of affection in which she walks at pres
ent, have ever been able to drive her from
her honor. 1t is believed that she can be
driven or persuaded to profession of the
Radical creed, it is mistake; she will live
and die in the faith that has been handed
down from the fathers"