Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1847-12-07
THE ENQUIRER.
RICHMOND, VA.
Monday Morning. December G, is47.
TODAY,

We have not had The pleasure of seeing many
of the members the Legislature, but understan nd
tina. large number arrived on Saturday, and we
organized al - o'clock to-day. For several years
the opening OF the Legislature has been accom-
panied by cold and gloomy weaher-bnt present
indications 1--WE write on Saturday evening" au'
thorize Us 10 expect bright and delightful day.
May il be true augury OF pleasant and harmo'
NOUS session; and may The deliberations ofthe Le-
sslalure result benefcialy 10 the permanent safe
ty, honor and welfare OF the blessed old Common
wealth! But few questions are likely TO arise,
calculated TO elicit political Ieeing-and we may
therefore look for a session less marked Than
usual by party excitement Should, however, as
is not unlikely, the peculiar circumstances OF our
common country call for demonstration from The
representatives Of The people, we trust and be-
lieve that Virginia Legislature will not shrink
from their duty, but, as in times past, give their
cheering voice 10 the cause Of the coun!ly's no.
nor and rights. On one vital question, The con-
stitnIional rights OF The South, the lrumpe-words
o. The last Legislature OF Virginia have been re-
echoed by our sister States, and will doubtless
form The basis Of The policy of the whole Sonih.
Should il be necessary for Virginia 10 speak
again, we have no doubt that the present Lesis-
lature will reierate the declarations oil last win
ter, The truth and wisdom of which events have
but served to confirm. Two great questions
which will probably engage much OF the time
~ of ha cnosiDp Wl he
the revision of the Code and Internal improve.
ments. From what we can hear, the able re-
visers have faithfully done their duty-bul, in
matter of such deep moment, the Legislature
cannot exercise too much patience and Care
| The question Of Internal Improvements is
likely to give rise TO some knouy and inter.
esling points. A very large portion of The
State seems 10 feel the exciicmen,o oil the subject.
Whatever may be done, we sincerely trust that
the Legislature will consult The interests Of the
whole Stale, and guard especially against The re.
modest possibility OF placing The Old Common
wealth 10 situation mol 10 meet her liabilities.
| Virginia cannot be 100 highly honored for having
never faltered in faithfully meeting her engage.
ments, in the midst OF disc nurasirg crcumsan-
ces. May The policy of her Legislature always
be SO shaped as TO perpetuale this noble feature
in her history!
We presume that DR.. Scott, the courteous and
respected Senator from Greensvile, will b. once
more elected 10 the Office OF Speaker OF the Sc
nate, which he has SO long filled, 10 the salts
faction Of both parties. In regard 10 the
rf noleoafoc hoo hnorJ /c
movement as TO the election OF Speaker. We
trust that the successful candidate may imi-
lale I've know that he cannot eqaaD the ability
parliamentary skill, courtesy and dignity which
attracted TO the late Speaker, John Winston
JONES' the respect and devotion of both sides of
the House. Wea satisfied that the reelection
Of that gentleman would tend eminenlly 10 The de-
spaich Of public business, and to The harmony
and p.opIieiv 81 .iaI:s--..;c- D. "-"s '"a'
the health Of Mr.. Jones (Which, we regret 10 hear,
is seriously sfecled) would in itself preclude the
hope of such happy consummalion. On Thurs
day we learned that he was on a visit 10 Phila-
delphia for medical advice, and we fear that he
will NOT be present al the optning of The Legisla.
lure, and will be prevented from taking that ac-
tive participation in the proceedings, which his
sound judgment, talents and high character so
fully authorize.
With these hasly sentiments, we turn 10 an
other and far more exciting theatre OF ac!ion.-
We mean the Congress OF The United States
They now have in their hands the honor and the
destiny Of this great country. They will have 10
NEE, The issue, which forces itself upon Them,
| either of lowering the national character in The
eyes OF The world, by miserable retreat from the
advantageous position we occupy in Mexico, or OF
fastening and securing, by energetic measures, a
permanent peace, which shall reflect honor upon
our Republic, and furnish some satisfaction for
the blood shed and the treasure which we have
expended in just and righteous war. The
Wing majority cannon, II they would eyade the
responsibility whatever be their true senti-
mems, they will not dare 10 refuse the supplies
necessary 10 end the war with honor and advan-
tsgc. They will, OF course, Sc! on foo! every OK.
pedient to annoy and embarfass The Admnislra-
,icn by factious and harassing calls for infor.
malion-bui, unless We mistake the men al the
head Of affairs in Washington, such an insi.
dious game will but rebound 10 The further con.
fusion Of The opposition.
The Democratic policy Of finance has fully
vindicated itself in The eyes of The people
and we can scarcely believe that the Wings will
be bold enough 10 raise the banner Of "repea
which they once threatened. But, should they
attempt ii, the prosperity Of The country will ut
| all their N ihoortac of f,,.
,urc" mischief. Thrown back, then, upon the
Mexican War alone, every effor, to make capital
against the Administration will bat The more ir-
volve Them in difficulty. We'll may the rabid N
| York Tribune declare that "lhe position of the
Wing majority in the new House of Representa-
tives is undoubtedly one of great responsibility
and peril" and, in its agony Of distress, advise
them to ,ale The bull by the horns and refuse The
necessary supplies TO conduct this 'atrocious and
infamous war" Well may the Wing News Of
Fredericksburg exciaim-
1.-THE Wings have fearful responsibility 10
meet. We doubt whether they could have come
| into power al more inauspicious period. The
war itself, is question OF fear lul imports view il
as YOU may, it is beset with difficulty aud dan
ger"
We are not surprised, therefore, that in view
of the breakers ahead, The same paper should ex
press its willingness 10 blot ont The past, 10 sink
the issue, and invite its Wing associates 10 a
more liberal and patriotic policy, than has hith.
ero marked their conduct. That journal says
"Can it (,he war; be terminated abruptly, with
honor to the government, j, behoves Congress.
calmly to consider. Could Congress nnder sun
circumstances declare The ,car unjust and wlthdrau
our forest Ii may be just, and yet impolilic.-
None will deny that Mexico has done US injury
Yel that injury did not justify The bloody and
desoatng war which casts stain upon the char
acler OF christianity. The position Of Mr. Polk
in declaring war, and Of Congress (now lhatit is
declared) are essentially and vitality Different
The President declared there was cause OF war
Congress sustained hun in that declaration, and N.
,rar, dire,sd of ertrane0us and celebrating cir
cumstanees, is just and righteous. Can we now
undo what we have done4 Is it policy, after hay
ing settled these preliminary questions (unjustly
we believe) again 10 enter into an Investigation
Of them? These are questions beyond our power
| 10 answer The concentrated wisdom Of the ma