Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-12-08

of The finest spirits in our State, are Ia
so ..o nnder The disabilities OF our anti-duelling
Nu'''sa ALREADY. believe, some of them have been
Nv of5ccrs of our volunteer force; and s'hers
fes,ntins to enter the service OF their country
E,noh am fully convinced, that this law mas
A.nroiuctive OF The finest results, most re-
me.,ally recommend the passage OF law ex-
N.,;oe all those who may be engaged as volun-
sut IN our regiment, from the disabilities which
a. NAV have heretofore insured.
nI' am opposed 10 an aggressive war our
IN will be more efectually promoted BY the
g'u'J peace than by the force OF arms. But
ass,,l'sd as We have been into our existing war,
e s.sSe &C, OF the Republic Of Mexico" and ne
!.,r;y involved in heavy expenditure in its
fssscuiion, peace should not be made except up
gp,,oncsssions ofterriiory BY the offending pow
% Tbi, mode Of ending the war so unnecessa
o.. A,,neht upon US BY Mexico, is so obviously
ny ,S.,I am satisfied il will receive the decided
lls,.o ,rl OF tree and enlightened people. am
sPP,s II those who entertain fears for our in
MIN ..;nns from accessions of territory. Happi-
sNa" ard prosperity, not misery and calamity
nss .a,b no, weakness, followed the noble acqui-
s."s II The territory of Louisiana. Texas has
sE ur and happily taken her position in our
nd,a;i brotherhood. And, SO far, the elevation
lo','. .ai,rs.ment OF The arch Of our Union, has
aua In ,5und 10 weaken the noble edihce. So
=" ,seu ffom regarding our probable accessions
~, ,s.rory as dangerous TO our republic, consi-
,s extension as indispensable TO the pTeserva-
-. and maintenance of the pure principles Of
oor FEDERAL Union.
o. Tn. last Legislature, by act passed February
., 1876 having agreed 10 accept the recession OF
.ss ,ovn and county of Alexandria, so seon as
,ss Congress OF the United States shall BY law
s,y,lhei assent thereto; and it appearing that the
ss,ooress OF the United States has given such as.
..n, and ina, every preliminary condition and
|rmali,y has been strictly observed, nothing now
mmans 10 eIectuate the retro-cession OF the said
.onn,y bu, for you 10 provide by law for the ex-
ys,ion of our Jurisdiction over it. herewith
communicate The official papers connected win
his mPortan, acquisition, consisting oil Inc iet.
70, Of the commissioners 10 me, under date OF the
a sep,ember, 1916, communicating certain do
.Dm.a,s in relation thereto; also, upon the same
snh,cr. a letter from the President OF the United
S,a'.s. under date OF The 7lh September. 1916,
win a list Of accompanying papers, NUMBERED
10 s inclusive.
SINCE your last session the imposts oil the Fede-
"a, Government have been modified and reduced.
This reduction Of our taxes will afford very
..nsiNe relief TO our fellow-citizens; and, taken
!, Connection with the demand abroad for our
bread.,uH;, and especially for our Indian corn-a
demand which may te regarded as permanent
gives US strong assurance of solid and perma-
eent prosperity deem it OF the greatest conse.
onenee 10 our interests that We should cultivate
I liberal policy with foreign nations. Such
policy is the true road TO wealth, and is especially
important 10 the grain growing and planting
Saes.
have now performed my duty in the best
manner in my power. under The circumstances
rlbou, a hope, earnest and profound, that you
viii commence that great system Of improve
m.ul. whou, delay, which is SO essential TO The
wealth ana greatness OF our State, and which
would give 10 you, gentlemen, noble immor-
ra!i,y And now. may God. TO whose love we
owe our manifold blessings, enlighten your coun-
ellis and teach you the true way TO advance the
happiness and glory of our beloved Common
wealth. WILLIAM SMil n.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, December 7lh. lS46.