Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-10-30
SPEECH OF MR.. LEAKE.

We repubish the whole OF the comments OF
the Lynchburg Republican upon the address OF
MIR. Leake 10 The people of Amherst. His ex-
plantations breathe the true spirit. While upon
the Oregon question there was some difference oil
opinion among the Virginia Democrats il was
question of expediency, and all are now reloced
a, its satisfactory adjustment. Upon The great
poitical questions OF the day, the Democracy Of
Virginia is an unit, and, with proper harmony
and energy, will, when called upon, again roll
I'D its thousands for the permanent establishment
ofthe cherished principles of Virginia:
Hon. Shelton F. Leake addressed the people
Of Amherst on Monday last, that being court
day We had not the pleasure oil being IN al
tendance. but learn from the most reliable auho-
rity that his effort was an eloquent and iorciolc
one. giving entire satisfaction 10 his trends
He smoke some three fourths OF an hour, touch
ing briefly, bul poinledy, all the principal topics
which have eliciled public attention during The
present administration. In allusion 10 his course
on The Oregon question, he expressed his regret
that he was forced from convictions OF Judg-
ment and of public duty, 10 differ and act contra
nv to so large portion 81 his poiiiical lriehas'
Ii was a new queslion-involving principles
and consequences OF The highes, importance and
Of The most profound and intricate nature, and,
with the lights before him. he could but pursue
the course he did, though he knew il was in con-
nict with the wishes OF large body OF his con-
sl,uents. He believed however, that Inc course
OF the President in efecliDg The passage OF The no.
lice resolutions, brought about the amicaole SET
Element OF that vexed question, and thus termna-
led controversy which had existed Tor years,
battling the skill OF the wisesl diplomallsts OF The
Two governments interested, and which liked 10
have involved us in the disasters oi war.
He ably defended the administration IN us
treatment of our Mexican difficulties, giving The
wings some heavy hits with their own weapons
lie deplored, as every good citizen must the ca
lami,ies of war,-said it would entail upon US
heavy national debt, but Of this ne very justly
said. The wings could not complain without hrst
surrenderng Two cardinal articles OF their faith,
the frs, OF which was, the advocacy oil a large
and permanent naIoa debt Cat least $50 ,O00,O00
saws the leading wnis paper Of New YORK; IN
order tina, they may lolce upon The country
permanent system OF high protection; ana The
second because the payment vi Inc deot wouid not
devolve upon The people, but, according 10 wing
theory, would have 10 be paid nom Inc value "
The pauycr fator OF Europe; as the imp"icr, and
mol The consumer, say they, pans he dMy' These
are posers-hey cannot be evaded-lbey are III
umphant answers 10 the false and ridiculous cla-
mors of the Wings about The public debt KIM
Mr.. Leake's justification OF the war aud "i inc
public debt did not rest upon these aosuIu ieuei d.
theories He believed national debt Ia be
curse instead of blessing. and that our own peo-
nle and not those of England, will have 10 liqni-
date il but in this instance he believes II 10 be
necessary evil, forced upon US by the Ignorance,
and folly OF a corrupt and unhappy people, and
one in which every good citizen should cheerful
ly acquiesce.
Upon the subject of the tariff he was peculiar
" happy and pointed, throwing hot shots thick IN
10 the ranks OF the enemy. He referred TO The
many and convincing evidences OF the increased
prices OF and demand for American produce m
foreign ports occasoned altogether by The repeal
of the odous corn laws, in illustration OF The bles'
sings of free trade, and Of the folly OF protection,
and the home market" humbug OF the wings
Did the farmers and spectators in agricultural
products, asked Mr. L., watch with eagerness The
arrival OF every mail, for commercial intelligence.
from Massachusetts and other manufacturing
States, by which 10 determine the price and value
OF their produce2 No, no; they looked abroad
for this information When will The Great Yves
term The Caledonia, The Hibernia &c., arrive IS
the anxious inquiry upon every lip. we WISH 10
know how corn, -four, wheat, barley and other ag-
ricultura products are selling. Mr.. LeaRe re-
oced that he had been iavoured with Inc oppof-
UNITY of voting against the abominable tafin Of
1912 and declared that if he never had the oppor-
unily Of casting another vote, II, oil ilsell, would
he Glory enough