Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1872-01-13
The Constitutional Convention.


The members elect to the Constitutional
Convention and 90 The Legislature, from this
county have left for Charleston, where both
bodies convene on Tuesday next. The best
wishes Of the people Of jefferson accompany
them, and viii follow them in their careers Of
trust and responsibility. To the Constitutional
Convention especially are an eyes turned with
confidence aud with hope; from its careful
and considerate work must come orr per-
nansnt release from many Of the anuOyances
that have harassed us, and from many Of the
burdens that have oppressed US.
Let US understand and admit beforehand that
the task before it is beset with morethan ordi-
nary difficulties. To lay the foundations Of
free state, to provide safeguards for every right
Of person, and Of property, to rear a structure
amply cOmmodious for present and for future
use-all this is the task not Of politicians but
Of statesmen. But when we consider the char
actSr Of our state, severed by great mountain
ranges, made up not Of a single great commu-
nity, with identity Of interests, kindred views
and equality Of property, but Of several isola-
ted communities, having, as yet, but limited
communication and acquaintance with each
other; Of fertile and populous valleys, and Of
barren and almost unsettled mountains; Of
counties that deserve and can maintain a good
and thoroughly organized government aud Of
counties for which almoss any organization is
too expensive and impracticable; the difficulty
Of the work before our Convention can be par
tally realized, and it may safely be anticipa-
ted that no Constitution can be framed which
will not, in some point, be obnoxious to local
objection and local criticism. Let US not, there
fore, expect too much from the Convention
Our own position is among the most favored
in the State,-our lands are fertile, our popu-
lation comparatively dense and homogeneous,
our people prosperous andintelhgent; but our
lot is cast with a people who are generally
poor, with a State no small portion Of which
is as yet the undisputed domain Of the hunter
and the woodman, and we must be content for
the present to share their humble fortunes and
to give up some things we would like and even
some that we need, confidently trusting that
when our young State is freed from the shack
les and burdens which radiealism imposed up
on her. she viii start forth upon a career Of
vigorous growth and prosperity.
Our county viii act in the Convention
through delegates that well deserve our trust
and respect. Mr.. TRAvERs with bis large ex-
perieuce in deliberativs bodies, his ample learn
ing in law, his extensive research in political
studies, and his ability as a speaker, will, IN
doub.edly, command a wide influence in the
Convention. Mr.. OsBURN, by his thorough IA
miliarity with our history and wants, his clear
discernment and his independence Of character,
will not fail to exert those powers which have
so long made him a useful and prominent citi-
zen at home. COL MORGAN, though novice
in public councils, viii win the respect Of his
associates by his well balanced Judgment, his
practical views, and his integrity and frmness
Of purpose.