th such rapidity that it is almost time lost to discuss the
subject--immigration from Europe would stream in at an unprecedented
rate, and in a few years, all the old Southern system become entirely a
tradition of the past, like that of the feudal chivalry which the
present chivalry so fondly ape.
The enormous internal resources of Eastern Virginia, her proximity to
free soil, the arrogance and insubordination of her inhabitants, render
her peculiarly fitted for colonization. Not less attractive is Texas--a
State which, be it remembered, is capable of raising six times as much
cotton as is now raised in the whole South, and which, if only settled
and railroaded-ed, would, in a few years, become the wealthiest
agricultural State in America. But let our army once settle in the
South, there will be little danger of its not retaining its possessions.
He who can win can wear.
The country has thus far treated very gingerly the question of
confiscation, which is, however, destined to thrust itself very
prominently forward among the great issues of the day, and which is
closely allied to colonization. That the South, after forcing upon us
such a war as this, with its enormous losses and expenses, should be
subjected to no penalty, is preposterous. Confiscation there must
be--not urged inhumanly on a wholesale scale, but in such a manner as to
properly punish those who were forward in aiding rebellion. When this
war broke out, the South was unanimous in crying for plunder, in
speaking of wasting our commerce and our cities on a grand scale. But it
is needless to point out that punishment of the most guilty alone would
of itself half cover the expenses of the war.
It may be observed that already, since the decree of emancipation in the
District of Columbia, a fresh spirit of enterprise has manifested itself
there. Within a few days after the signature of the President to that
act, Northern men began to prepare for renewed industry and action in
the old slave field. The tide of free labor which will rush into
Virginia, after the chances of war or other action shall have
emancipated that State, will be incalculable. Its worn-out plantations
will become thriving farms, its mines and inexhaustible water-powers
will call into play the incessant demand and supply of vigorous industry
and active capital. We may hasten the movement or we may not, by direct
legislation. For the present, it seems advisable to await the rapidly
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