Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1841-01-14
NEW YoRK--Gov. sEwARD's MESSAGE,

4
/ The message Of Gov. Seward, 10 tie New York
Legislature. was delivered TO that assembly
TUESDAY; 9Th inst, and brought by private express,
to New York, by the editors Of The American Of
that eiiy, in whose paper Of Wednesday evening it
lis published.
/ TIE message is very long, occupying ten columns
of the American and is marked with great ability.
/ Gov. Seward reviews length, the various in,e-
rests Of the State. The New York american says
Off:
The message is in good tone and spirit. and full
Of encourss for all who desire the prosperity
and progress Of This great commonwealth.
| Its schools, its prisons, it. revenues, its public
works all prosperous wealth within its borders, ard
Righteousness wifhin It's gates,-well, indeed may
the Governor, reelected by the voice of its people
to his high trust exu in the prospects Of the noble
State, and spurn the miserable sophism which,
Washington and elsewhere, have been launched
against the policy whereby she has signally pros
I pered.
The controversy with Virginia Is thus referred to:
1 submit herewith the correspondence which has
passed between the Executive Of Virginia and my
self. the subject Of the demand made by the for.
for the delivery Of certain fDgitives from JUS
tice charged with stealing negro slave. In bring
ing the subject Of this espondence before your
predecessors observed that il fell within the prov
ince Of the Executive department, and that the du
ties Of that department under the Consttu
ton and laws of the United States, and not under
the Constitution laws Of this State Nevertheless
the respect owed to the Executive Of Virginia, and
to the Legislature Of this State, induced me TO sub
nit my action for the information Of the Legislature.
The Governor OF Virginia, by direction of the Lee
gslature Of that State, subsequently transmitted to
me certain resolutions of that body, with u request
that would lay them before the Legislature of this
State. was at the time requested by the
Executive of Virginia to review the position which
had takea Both these wishes complied
with. and with what results Ill appear in the |
respondence now submitted | have thought it
might not be unintercstDe to the Legislature to re-
ceive also copy of special message by the Gov
ernor of Virginia to the Legislature Of that State.
together with a copy of circular letter addressed
by that funrionary to the Governors Of the slave
holding States.
Gov. Seward at the conclusion Of bis message,
thus beautifully 0udes to the late Presidential! Elec-
ton, and what the tanehts which will result
from the election OF Gen. Harrison.
The people of the United S ates have, within the
last year, in prescribed by their laws,
in perfect tranquility, chosen by free suffrage, and
with universal acqniescence, the magistrates by
whom all the powers of government shall be exei-
cised under legal responsibilities, until those pow
Of government shall again to themselves
However may have differed concerning the ques-
tions which have been considered, all will agree
thar the peacefulDess and good order which have
attended the proceedings, furnish ample proof that
the people may safely be allowed TO discuss every
measure that their welfare; and that nei
Their force fraud is necessary submits
sion 20 rulers, where power is Emitted, en-
hghtened, and suffla age universal.
The Chief Magistrate OF the Union will enter up
on his trust with favorable auspices The public
good requires and the public mind consents to re-
pose. Fortunate in experience Of public services
in the Senate and the field. in executive and diplo
matte stations; fortunate in exemption from pteju
dice in favor of any erroneous policy hitherto pnrsu
ed fortunate in the enjoyment of his ctuntrys We
neration and gratitude, and especially fortunate in
having at defined and reached the boundary
of his ambition, the President can have no other OBJ
ects than the public welfare and an honorable fame
The people expect that he will preserve peace,
maintain the integrity OF our territory and the invo
liability of our flag cooperate with Christian nations
in suppressing piracy and the slave trade, avoid al
liances for every other purpose, conduct foreign
relations with hrmness AMI fairness; terminate our
controversies with the Indian tribes, regain their
couf lence and protect them against cupdy and
fraud con6ne the actions of the Executive Depart
men within constitutional bounds abstain from
interference with elections and the domestic con-
Of the States; defer 10 the wisdom of Con-
gress, and submit the will of the people; observe
equal and exact justice'to all men, and classes of
men, aud conduct public aff4lrs with sttadness,
that enterprise may not be disappointed; with
omy that labor may not be deprived of its rewards;
and with due accountability of public agents, that
republican institutions may suffer rcproach. Ii
he shall endeavor meet these expectations 10
discomfort affect-no opposition can embarrass
him for he will act in harmony with the spirit of
the CONSTITUTION, and with the sentiments of the
people, And when, like him whose fame is unap.
proachable but whose wisdom and moderation this
distinguished citizen has adopted ; his great ex
ample, he shall have healed his countrys wounds
and restored her happiness and prosperity, he will
enjoy the felicity of a retirement more honored
than even his distinguished station.