Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-05-24
lincCorIsie and Pocnhontns.

Governor MacCorkle, Of West Virginia,
makes himself heard quite often through
the newspapers, but he never chances TO
mention TIE fact that at the outset of
the difficulties at Poeahontas he proposed
TO Governor O'Ferrall that they should
act in unison In suppressing lawless-
mss In the Flat Top coal region.
This Is a matter which Governor Mac
Corkle always omits to mention. But
we can understand his hesitation on this
point. lie must feel embarrassed by the
recollection that after having made this
suggestion he rejected the only means
mat were possible to carry 1t into effect,
namely. a reciprocity arrangement by
watch the authorities of either State
might cross the line and command the
peace where violence was threatened.
However. it may he that Governor
NacCoIkle fiatters himself that the West
Virginia miners are going TO do no vio-
lcnce Ia that State that their plans for
mischief contemplate law-breakIng In
Virginia only. This really seems to be
o., situation. Virginia is in danger OF
an incurslon from West Virginia West
Virginia is IN no danger Of an incursion
from Virginia. While this selhshly
practical view may be very agreeable TO
Governor MacCorkle, IL shows Virginia
people how necessary it IS for our Gov
ernor TO protect our borders. 1t is stated
that the expense Of our military
force at Pocahontas is about six
hundred dollars per day. but con-
siderable as this charge is upon
our treasury, We would better stand It
than to have our laws spat upon and de
fed by a mob OF Hungarians Poles and
negroes from West Virginia. Yes we
have got TO fight It out--or rather be
ready to fight IL out-on the Pocahontas
line If II takes all the summer. A with
drawal of our troops now would be an
invitation 20 the Hungarians and Poles
TO cross the line and drive out of the
Southwest and Browning mines every
man who is now engaged at work in
them.
We never had any doubt that the law
authorized the sending of troops TO Po-
cahontas we never doubted that II was
good policy FOR the Governor 10 place
them at Graham where the Sheriff
could make use of them when needed !;
we never doubted that 1t was well that
the Sheriff called upon the military to
come from Graham to Pocahontas, and
we cannot but believe that, great as the
expense is, we would better suffer IL
than arlal1 IN fpn 10 hn faf,
the peace Of this Commonwealth. Gov
ernor OFerrall means TO hold a military
force at Pocahontas until he has assu-
rance that no man who wishes to work
In Virginia mine is prevented from do
ing so. And letters which come to him
from taxpayers of all sections of the
Commonwealth assure him that his de-
termination 10 save Virginia from in
vasion and his purpose TO protect all
miners who wish 60 work are appre-
siated and approved.
Moreover the cheerfulness, not 10 say
alaerity. with which employers have
borne the absence Of their clerks and
other employees who arc In the military
service shows that the Governors course
meets with hearty approval from busi-
ness-men generally. We know OF no
case where a Richmond soldier-employee
has recsiyed from his employer any init.
nation that his connection with the milf
larry service was disapproved. our BUSH
ness-men have shown real patriotism in
iealing with their soldier-employees and
we doubt not that the like has been the
Ease IN every city and town in Virginia
which has been drawn upon for troops
for duty at Pocahontas.
Il is our belief that the promptness
With which the Governor assembled
.roops az Graham. and the quickness
With which the Sheriff IA Republican. by
the wayl removed them from Graham 10
Pocahontas. have been the means or
saving many lives. II was better that
he troops should have been sent to Po-
sahontas before any outbreak occurred.
nan after lives and property had been