The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1878-03-15

virginia voluntarily assumed TO pay
an equitable proportion of the old debt.
That is the history of that job between
the Northern bondholders and West Vir-
ginia otice-seekers. The above is the
exact language of "G. II. NJ" in his last
communication. Ii is interesting 10 con-
trsst the sentiment contained IN 1t with
that expressed in the extract above quoted.
Inc rules of logic, if such term is ad-
missible IN speaking Q of sentiment, are sp-
parently ignored by the genial friend. Ii
he had been student OF the events which
trsnspired in his absence from the realm,
lie would not certainly have penned the
foregoing monstrosity. The clause as 1t
was proposed by Mr.. w. in the Conven-
OF 1872, was contained IN the Con-
stitution framed in Wheeling in 1862,
! and was in it when it was first
! introduced to the attention of Congress,
and was never altered or in any manner
changed until the Convention of 1872 81
! Charleston struck it out OF our present
! Constitution. And Is IN the precise
language of Mr.. W's resolution to
add it as an additional clause. 1t may
| DO necessary to give brief history Of
this to satisfy "G. Ii. NJ" of his error,
and also for his instruction. The con-
vention which assembled in Wheeling
on the 9th of August, 1861, by ordinance
provided for vote to be taken within
certain counties in West Virginia on
this question of forming new State,
and also for the election OF delegates to
convention to be assembled for the pur-
pose OF framing constitution for that
new State. This election was to be held
on the fourth Thursday Of October fol-
lowing. Among other provisions OF the
| ordnance was one that the new State
thus to be formed was to take upon itself
just proportion of the public debt of
Virginia, created prior 10 the first day OF
January, 1861, 10 be ascertsined by
charging to it all State expenditures
within its limits, and just
proportion OF the ordinary expenses
of the State government, since any part
OF it was contracted; and deducting
thereiron the moneys paid into the treas
ury Of the commonwealth from the coun-
lies included within the proposed new
State during the same period.
This ordinance, containing the absve
proposition, in full, was published and
circulated for distribution all over the
State, and was thoroughly discussed and
understood. The men engaged IN the
new State movement had nothing to
conceal from their own people, nor from
the world. Being men OF "Draye hands
and bold hearts," they protessed the
characteristic iDgenuousness OF brave
men. The convention BY vote OF the
people was called, and assembled on the
26lh day OF November, 1851, in Wheel
ing. 1t completed its lsbors on the 18th
day of February, 1862, and adjourned.
Among its provisions was q clause Tor
assuming an equitable proportion of the
Virginia debt created prior to January
|, 1861. This constitution was submitted
to the people for adoption ou the "rd day
of April, 1862, and WAS ratified by them.
The reorgsnized Legislature gave its
assent TO the separation, and the constltu-
tion was presented in the Senate Of the
United States on the 29th day of May,
1862 On the 3lst day Of December, 1862,
Congress passed the act admitting the
new State, upon condition OF changing the
seventh section OF the eleventh article,
which was the sections in relation to
slavery-and providing for a vote OF the
people of West Virginia on that subject
alone. The Convention reassemb b!ed and
made the proposed change on the sub
ject OF slavery, which provided for Its
gradual extinction, and submitted again
the Constitution amended in that behalf,
which was also ratified. And after the
result had been certified to the Presi-
dent of the United States, he issued his
proclamation, and in sixty days from the
date thereof West Virginia became q
State OF the Federal Union.
Now, where IS the "job of Northern
bondholders2' TIE wisdom of that sec.
ton Of our Constitution of 1863 has never
vet been appreciated by "G. d. NJ" and
his compeers. The men who engaged IN
the work of erecting the new Stste fully
comprehended tbe situation. They builded
wisely and well
Thus it appears that the charge OF H.
consistency or the stab of Brutus tails to
the ground. And whilst the writer here
of has not entered into this subject with
q view TO sgit.te any unpleasant theme,
he has thought 1t proper 10 check any un-
lust or unfair iniereuces from the Wild
and unheeding charges made against
per.onsl character. With the subject OF
the financial status OF Virginia and
West Virginis he does not propose to
intermeddle at present. He has made
his record in this matter and Is willing 10
abide the judgment of mankind.
As TO certain other items OF the COM
municstion OF the Sth inst, "VindeI" Is
wholly unconcerned. Gentlemen scarce
of arguments generally clothe them,
selves with the armor of the mud-pond
when their ability is bes, displayed. In
that species of warfare, friend IL. II.
NJ" can assume the entire prerogssive II
he desires. "VindeI" will not enter II;
but he will offer this item OF information
to "G. II. N, that the worst thing some
families can have Is q son.in-lsw, snd
that mono elections are entirely sufficient
10 satisfy the aspirations OF ordlnsry
mortsls-ir the regions OF the "lndian