Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-04-15

act. Ifit became my place to speculate cen.
corning the probabilities oflegisiative action,
and if supposed il possible, which certain
ly do not, that any disposition existed in the
Legislature to repeal the act, should deem il
my duty to demonstrate against the measure.
Unwilling to leave any ground for an ex-
pectation, in regard to the Executive of this
State, that convictions Of duty which have
prevailed, notwithstanding the very elaborate
arguments presented by the Executive and
Legislature of Virginia, can be removed by
amy injurious measure adopted by that State.
deem il proper to report, in the most solemn
manner, tina, tho humble individuals who nro
pursued by the Governor Of Virginia as felons,
Tor the offence CT being seanen on board
ship In which negro secreted himselfin or
der TO escape from slavery, if they yet remain
IN this State, under the protection Of its
Constitution and laws, and cannot be surren-
dered TO the State of Virginia by Executive
authority, on the pretence set up Tor that pur-
pose, without deliberate violation Of both.
and that this conviction, adopted after most
ened by subsequent reflection, Is in no degree
Affected by the recent proceedings Of the au-
,horities Of Virginia.
Without intending any disrespsct to tn .
State Of Virginia, and cheerfully leaving ito
authorities to adopt all such proceedings as
may seem to them right and proper in regard
10 the subject, avail myself Of the occasion TO
declare that measures of retaliation, injury.
and reprisal, are deemed equally UNIV ortiiy the
dignity OF this State, and inconsistent with its
federal relations. The Executive of this State,
will not, although such course has
the sanction of the example OF his excellency
the Governor of Virginia, offer large rewards
to Induce persons to seize, within the juris-
dic,on and in violation of the laws of Virgin
Ia, iugitives from the justice Cf this State, re-
QUESTIONS for whose delivery to the authori-
ties of this State have been denied by the Ex-
ecutive of Virginia, but will be content to put
forth the legal powers with which he is en-
trusted. The Executive Of this State will not
appeal to supposed interests and sympathies
III other States, and attempt to combine ono
portion OF the Union against another, but will
cheerfrily abide for his cause the test of time
and free investigation. The constitutional de-
mands of the Executive of Virginia upon tho
Executive Oft this State will in all cases be al
lowed as fully as the Governor of Virginia
met his own obligations in the same manner,
nor will measures Of retaliatory legislation be
recommended. On the contrary, the Execu-
tive ofthis State, confding in the Constitution
and laws of the u. States as alIording ample
remedies for any injuries the citizeus Of this
State may suffer from unconstitutional pro-
ceedings on the part of the State of Virginia.
is satisfied that it may safely be left to tho
magnanimity ofVirginia, and her own cXpe-
rience OF the injurious consequences ofthose
proceedings, to secure an early rslinquish-
ment Of them and due ackrowl ed ement
and performance Of ell her constitutional OBJ
legations.
WILLIAM II. SEWARD.