The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1871-04-20
Notes on West Virginia.
ny REV. /. c. CLINE.

doubtless many OF your bu'hS'ON' =.
crs would DO interested in a short article
or two from West Virginia.
The State entered the Union less than
ten years sgo, amidst revolution blood
shed and death. 1t is surprising fact
that there was large class Of our own
people who opposed the formation Of a new
State, Notwithstanding The people Of this
portion of Virginia, formerly known as
Western Virginia, were subjected TO a
series of most unjust taxation relative to
the difference between certain classes Of
taxable property. The Legislature Of
Of Virginia always had the advantage, in
point Of representation, over this portion
Of this State; and and twas merely mat
ter Of courtesy that an act was passed
fayoriug the citizens Of this portion of
Virginia
Again, to be more specific, slaves held
os property, under u years of age, by law
we're exempt from taxation and those
above that age, though they we're often
sold at the auction block from $1,000 to
S1,aOO. by statute were valued at $500
cach-no more nor no less. These slaves
were held by the wealthy, and though it
seems hard, yet as an honest chronicler,
it must be said the law making power look
ed more to the interest of the class Of citi-
zeus Just mentioned than to the good Of all
the people. Here were people held and
recognized by law as property, and as such
were bought and sold duily in the market;
yet all under that age by law werG free
from being taxed, but $500 could readily
have been obtained as an average price
for these slaves. Thus thousands Of dol
lars of recognized property were freed from
direct taxation. Western Virginians saw
all this, and for years, asked themselves
the questions, is it fair? Is it right? On
the contrary, the poor man was not ez-
empt from paying tax on any property
He paid on his head down to the knives
and forks on his table.
West Virginia saw this. They felt it
for years. They demonstrated. They
elected good men from each county TO
represent their interests; but what availed
that? They were outvoted two to one
A man travelling through West Virginia
before tho war would have been struck at
lack of pnbiic improvements, while
across the mountains. in the Eastern aud
middle portions of the State, railroads,
plank roads, navy.yards, arsenals canals
aud every public improvement calculated
to enhance both the happiness and pros
perity Of its people, were everywhere seen,
aud our money went to build up all this
vast wealth. We were taxed down, and
drained Of that which Justly belonged to
the people Of this section Of the State.
Yet with all this array Of truth rs ap-
parent to every man who may desire to be
made acquainted with the situation" as
the sun at MONDAY in the cloudless heav-
ems. We had class of persons who siren
uOusly opposed the formation of n new
State, aud who used likewise all of their
influence to defeat it. But the result SO
earnestly desired By the abettors of free.
dom and good law was accomplished, and
tho blessings of God have been poured
upon us in rich measure. | have known,
and in fact il was a general rule. the poor
mans wages were guaged by the price set
upon the colored mans; aud So. $40, aud
$12 per month we're called good wages fol
farm hands before the war. All thi:
sounds strange enough to Northern men
aud it sounds singular even to to many OIL
US in West Virginia, when we institute q
comparison between the rich present and
period anterior to the war.
Now the poor man, though poor, is free
aud by the blessing of God can soon secure
home of bis own, where his children may
grow up around him to bless and enjoy
that dearest of spots-homc. - Cincinnati
Chronicle.
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