State Convention.
The general current of public opinion in
Virginia, so far as we can judge from its manifestations in the public press and in conversation, is in favor of a State Convention, to decide upon the best course for the
State to pursue in the present critical emergency.
Let the wisest and best men of
Virginia, without distinction of party, be assembled in Convention, and come together prepared to consider the whole subject without prejudice, passion or political bias, and solely with reference to the best interests of
Virginia, the
South and the
Confederacy.
We adhere to the opinion, often expressed in this paper, that now is the time to settle up finally and forever the slavery question — in the
Union, if it can be done; otherwise, out of it. We have little doubt that by presenting a bold and united front, the
South can obtain from the
North every just demand; but, divided and quarreling among ourselves, we shall only secure some inconsiderable concessions, enough to quiet us for the present, and postpone the evil day, only to come at last when we are unprepared for it, and shall become easy victims to the accumulating strength of our enemies.
We are fully of opinion, as we have often said, that a respectable and powerful minority in the
Northern States will be true to the
South if the
South will be true to itself, and stand together in a compact phalanx.
This minority, with a united South, can easily demoralize and break up the
Black Republican phalanx, which is composed of materials as incongruous as those of the image in Nebuchadnezzar's vision.
Already, the fear of losing the fleshpots at
Washington has caused some of them to renounce their run-mad abolitionism, and whole droves will follow in the same track as soon as their eyes are opened to the dangers which threaten their interests.--Now, while their ranks are shaking, the
Southern column, if it were consolidated as one man, could split them like a wedge, and scatter them, never to be re-united.
Let the voice of
Virginia be heard — not in anger nor in menace — but asking only what is right, and declaring that she will no longer submit to the continuance of the slightest wrong.
Let the
Southern States meet the border slave States in council, and agree upon what their safety and honor require.
The fact that
South Carolina will be out by the time that such a Convention can assemble, need not prevent her from uniting in that council.
Perhaps, in the end, the measure recommended a year ago by
Gov. Letcher may also be necessary, a National Convention, in which all the States shall be represented, and a final effort made to adjust existing difficulties and prevent the possibility of their recurrence.
Of one thing we feel certain — Permanence, in some form, must be soon obtained; life, property and order must be secured upon an immutable basis; the
American people intend to have a government in which their dearest rights and interests — the rewards of honest labor and the peace of their homes — shall be beyond the reach of corrupt and villainous demagogues.
We trust and believe that these objects can be attained in the
Union; at any rate, while we prepare for the worst, let us still hold out the olive branch till the last hope is extinguished.
