Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1870-05-10
STATE POLITICS.

Under the direction of the proper author
tiles Convention of the Conservative party.
composed of delegates from the whole State,
will assemble at Charleston, Kanawha, on
the Sth day of june next. Our friends else
where have taken this subject in hand, and
have already called meetings for the purpose
of selecting their representatives in this body.
As yet nothing has been done by the people
of Jefferson looking to a compliance with the
request of the Central Committee. 1t is
should be made, especially when we consider
that our delegates, when appointed, will be
required to make a journey to the new Capital
Charleston, and there are but 90 days enter
vening between this and the meeting of the
convention. Most, if not all, this time will
be consumed in reaching the appointed place.
There should certainly be no failure on our
part 10 give this matter our earnest and prac-
teal attention. The interests involved are of
the most momentous character, and demand
our most thoughtful consideration. The ques-
tons which will be- brought into the delibe-
rations of the Convention affect directly the
personal, individual rights and privileges of
two thirds of the people of the State, who are
now excluded from any participation in the
affairs of its government, although bearing, as
they have always borne, the largest share of
its burdens, imposed upon them in the shape
of taxation for its maintenance and support.
Although the State of West Virginia has
been claimed as "the Child of the Revou-
tion," the peculiar offspring of Loyalty"
TERRITORY rescued from the Rebellion" and
by other and similar titles of endearment !;
yet in the restoration of, the most ordinary
privileges of freemen, it is far behind other
states who in defence of the cause of the South
in the late war, occupied the forefront of bat
tie when the blows Of the dreadful contest
were struck hardest and f4stest. The con-
federate soldier, if such there be, who shoul-
dered his muskct at the tap of the first drum
that called to arms the forces that assaulted
and captured Sumpter, and who laid down
''the weapon of his warfare" on the field Of
Appomattox, has long since been allowed to
deposit his vote as "restored citizen" of
South Carolina, whilstin the "loyal" State of
West Virginia, it is no rare thing that the man
who bore himself CALAMITY in the cause of the
Union who went through the trying ordeals
of Manassas the Wilderness, Antetam and
Gettysburg, under the folds and inspiration of
the "old flag" Is to-day suffering the odious
punishment of Acknowledgement, and disal-
lowed the. humble privilege of casting vote
for the constable of his township, because he
will not obey the beck and behests of perse-
cutting and proscriptive party.
1t is to consider and remedy crying wrongs
like these, that the Convention at Charleston
has been called together. Surely the best
ability Of the State should be called Tito
requisition and sent to minge their counsels
together, and devise some means for our
rescue. 1t is hoped that there will be no
further delay, but that prompt action will be
taken to elect delegates to the proposed con-
vent;ou.
P. S. Since the above was written we have
learned that one or two Intellectual efforts have
been made by the chairman of the County
Committee, Mr.. Beltzhoover, to get his cons
mittee together for e.purposo of taking ne
cessary actions on the subject above referred
to. This being the case we would respectfully
suggest that there be Mass Meeting or Con-
yention of the people of tie County at
CHARLESTOWN, on SATURDAY, the
21st inst, to elect delegates to tile State Con-
vention and take into consideration such other
matters as may be deemed of interest to the
Conservative party of the county in the COM
ing Fall campaign.