Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-01-27
speech of Hon. c. ]. Faulkner.

iminary 90 the permanent organization OF this
body, vet as I have been designated to this
place by the special action Of large majority
Of ihe individuals who compose this Conven-
lion. il has beeu suggested to the that it would
not be in violation Of good taste, but on the
contrary. that It was expected Of me, 70 make
some reinarks touching the very interesting
occasion " hich hes brought us together. rs
an uudoulteG fact that this is the first full and
perfect representation Of the people Of West
Virginia tLat has occurred within our history.
DO not allude IN this in any spirit Of com
plant or reproach upon the past, but simply
To cali your minds 10 an acknowledged fact,
that il may the more impress You with the i'm
portauce aud the dignity OF the high duties
which now deyolve upon YOU.
IL has not vet been nine years since that Peo-
pie whom we have the honor to represent IN
this assembly, acquired the rights Of a distinct
and separate political community. Our exist
ence as a State Is connected with events OF
trarsceudaut interest in the life Of this nation.
Tracing it's origin to the commissions ofthe hate
civil war. the close Of that remarkable strus-
Ole cave permaueucy and stability to the as
serti.n of our right to seli-governmeut.
Whatever differences Of opinion may have
existed no one time in the minds Of some men
rs 10 the regularity of our admission into the
sister-hood of States, no such question exists
now. West Virginia stands at the present day
recognized. without controversy or dispute Al
home aud beyond her limits, as one Of the free
equal sovereign members Of that great confed-
eracy of republics whose associated power
commands the respect alike Of the civilized and
barbarouS world.
Gentlemen, this lofty position which our
State has attained. as one Of the acknowledged
members Of the Federal Union, imposes high
and corresponding obligation upon all her citi-
zens to realize the dignity Of her destiny, and
TO speed her onward in the march Of material
moral and political advancement.
The competition for pre-eminence in all the
industrial pursuits Of life throug bout this great
republic is eager. earnest and active. Jules:
we shape our policy and apply our energies tC
the same results, We shall TAIL to perform that
duty which the relation which we now bear &c
the political system Of this country demand;
Of us.
In territory aud population we are not
among the largest Of our sister States. NeithC
are We among the smallest. We are blessed
with advantages that may well excite our graft
tude and thanks. Our lot is cast in a tempe
rate latitude. We enjoy an inyigOrating at
mospLere, and our territorial surface is graudy
diversified by mountain aud vale. Such Of oui
lands as are not adapted for tillage are suited
for pasturase. Our population is hardy, brave
enterprisiug, incorrupt We have abundant
water power. Our boUudless forests bear upor
& cir virgin bosoms tue accumulated wealth o.
centuries. Nature las bene6cently scattered
throughout our highlands the most attractive
resorts Of health and PLEASURE. Our mineral
treasure in quantity and quality is not surpasS
ed by any area of equal extent upon this cou'
tiueut and we are SO happily situated between
the valleys Of the Ohio aud Mississippi and th'
Atlantic seaboard, as to compel the coustrUc'
ton through cur territory Of the great high
WAYS Of commerce without the imposition U
any burdens upon our people.
These physical advantages, striking as they
undoubtedly are, would IN t enSeyeS be- fruit
less without civil government that viii give
cOntentment TO our people and invite lop1la-
ton and capital from abroad To attain this
end. the preparation of Constitution suIteC
10 this State. Is the object for which you hav,
been called together upon this occasion. IL
accomplish this result YOU have been selected
from the great mass of your iellow-citizeuS by
a generous and discriminating constituency
No more mOmentUuS, no more honorable duty
could have deyolyed upon you. You are uU
here To- pass upon any temporary measure o
public policy, nor upon any ordinary act o.
legis.a tiye relief. You are here to lay brUaC
aud deep the foundation of the social compact
70 place upon an imperiShable basis the rights
ofan entire people ; to provide Tor the coutln'
gent and ever recurring wants OF a whole com
muuity; TO assign 10 the different department:
u administration the functions and duties pt.
Cuilr 10 cash aud So 90 balance aud adjust
the complex machiuery Of your State Govern
meut. that ITS parts shall work in harmony
and contribute 10 the welfare and happiness o.
all the people. Gentlemen, these are labor
worthy of statesmen.
Aud gentlemen, when yen shall have pro,
ceeded 10 make a permanent organization o.
your body by the election Of upright, compe-
tent aud energetic officers; when you IN
have performed that task, which has been ru-
trusted 20 You by the people, aud which | an
sure You will discharge with fidelity 10 tbos,
who sent YOU here when You shall have
framed an organic law under which all, with
out distinction, shall be secured IN those lunda-
mental privileges which of right belong to the
citizens of all free governments when every
creyice shall he closed through which the sui
de spirit Of prescription may hereafter reach
It's victim VIXEN YOU have placed the pubic
faith of this State upon the high and lofty ba-
sis OF integrity aud honor when you have dis
ir.Juted the different departments Of your GO
yerument 50 as % secure wise laws aud pure
and faithful administration Of justice; when
your county organizations shall be 50 devised
as 90 render cheap, easy AID familiar to ia pc .
people the administration OF their concerns
when the blessings OF free education, like the
dews Of heaven, shall be made to descend alike
upon all who are born aud reared upon your
soil then We may all reasonably and naturally
expect to see peace and couteutueut dwell il
every cottage; foreign labor aud capital seek
ing fresh fields OF enterprise within our limits
population impartiug hie and beauty 10 our
rugged wiidS aud uuOrUken forests; o1r terri
tory now separated by mountain barriers,
brought into easy and convenient intercourse
by well constructed lines of iuterconmunica-
ton our coal and iron deposits pouring out
IN rich abundance those substantial elements
Of national wealth which far transcend in eco
nOmical value the golden treasures Of Calilor-
mia OF the gllttering gems Of South Africa and
our State marching steadily to that cheering
aud hopeful destiny which we have every rea-
sou 20 believe that Providence, aided by the
energies Of man, has in reserve for her.
Gentlemen, ! DO not doubt from what have
snan Ii tla c,rn rnsitinn md On. ,rtnr q IL.