Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1836-12-15


adopt measures eiitctually TO suppress
Abolition Societies. and arrest all publ
cations dangerous TO our peace. With
out concert, but from similar views C
the evil aud of the remedy, the South
ern States, all about the same period u
dopted similar course. The States o.
New York, Maine aud Ohio, have a
lone, up to this date. responded 10 the
reques; addressed to them, in communi
cations, which have now the honor to
lay before you. No opportunity has, as
yet, il is believed, been afforded TO the
legislatures Of the other States TO ari
upon the subject. The views OF the
two former are so far, satisfactory as
they recognize, in effect, the right on
our part, to demand, end on theirs, 10
grant, when the case shall arise, Legis-
lative protection against all acts of their
ciiizrus tending TO disturb our peace, o.
assail our institutions. Ohio, admitting
that Interference by the people of one
State, with "the internal regulations of
another is improper and dangerous" yet
declares she has "no power TO restrain
the publication Of private opinion on any
subject whatever" But all so far con-
cur Us TO decline, at this time, to grant
us that legislative protection demanded
al their hands.
Exposed more Immediately, as we are
10 the disastrous consequences Of Adolf
ionism. and alone possessed, from posi- :
ton, OF the means OF correctly esiimat-
ing them. or Of Judging how they might
best be obyiated, it was difficult for us,
with our clear view Of the mischief and
the remedy, as well as of the imperious
necessity for applying it, to suppose that
a request so just and reasonable, could
be refused. Yet, the indisposition to
comply with it manifested by the States
referred 10, and such other means as we
have OF understanding the present state
OF public opinion at the North, Justify
the conclusion, that the opinion is for
the most part aveIse TO adopting the on
!y course that can give contentment TO
the South, because the only one com
pati5le with lis safety.
1t is impossible that this aversion could
exist, except from an inadequate appre-
citation of the indiSpensableness to our
tranquility of the course recommended
TO their adoption, or from some delusion
they labour under, as to their right TO
pursue it. The twofold prejudice which
the States appealed TO have 10 encounter
IN adopting any measure that may seem,
in the least degree, to countenance the
system OF slavery, or abridge the free
dom OF the press-as well as the sincere
desire we cherish to preserve our pre-
sent happy relations, recommend TO us
undoubtedly in urging or them the per-
Torrance of what we consider as their
plain duty, patience and lorbearance to
the uttermost point, compatible with
those overriding obligations. which de.
mand Of us to protect the public peace
and fires:de security of our citizens, and
to vindcate the respect due to US as an
independent State, against all agrees
sion. and at whatever hazard.
In pursuance of !his respectful and
conciIiatory policy, it behooyes us to use
every means in our power TO acGuaint
them with our true condition, TO possess
them OF the real posture Of the question
between US, and to remove delusion
pregnant with consequences which no
friend Of his country can contemplate
without shuddering. Now, while opin-
ions are unsettled. and when it may be
easier TO impress truth OH the mind. than
hereafter to convert it from error, -wheD
the late absorbing political contest being
terminated, no disturbing cause, it may
be hoped, exists at home, to affect that
singleness Of purpose and harmony of
action which the welfare Of Virginia
imPerously demands-now seems the
proper time 10 make the endeavor.
To this end, and believing as | do,
| that this question, more than any that
! ever has come, or ever can come before
the American people, is fraught with
/ the drest calamitieS 10 the country-in-
deed, that OIL its wise and just determin-
alton hangs out destiny as a free, happy
and united or distracted and harrassed
people, | respectfully submit to your con-
slderation, the expedency Of addressing
without delay, 10 the non laveholdiug
states, q solemn memorial and remon-
STRANGE, exhibiting the high and invIo-
! liable character Of the rights which are
invaded-tbe evil effects of informed
ding with them, both on the master and
the slave-tbe peril into which it bring:
the UnioD-thc necessity that exists fol
the adoption by them of the measures
requested to be tahen-their intrinsic
propriety and especially djsabusing the
public mind Of the fatal error, that pow
er is wanting in any government to pun
ish injuries inflicted by its citizens Of
l innsr of annthnr-anA nnnnalinn 70 he n