Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1849-01-29
For THE INDICATOR.
WILMOT PROVISO.

! JWessrs. Eolitors--A discussion of some days has
been had in the Virginia Legislature, relative to
the right of Congress to pass any laws touching
the subject of Slavery in the District or the Ter
ritories. A series of resolutions were reported to
the Legislature, embracing what the Committee,
which reported them, believed to be the opinions
of the people Of Virginia and on these resolutions
the discussion arose. 1t is not my purpose to pur-
sue that discussion, but simply to call the atten-
ton of your readers, and of the people of Augusta,
to the fact, that these resolutions were voted for
on the goth inst, and strange to say, the dele
gates from Augusta, and the Senator from this
district, voted against them--the vote in the
House being | II FOR the resolutions to Is A.
GAINsT in the Senate q FOR to 3 AGAINST =
most crushing majorlty--sutlicient, one would
suppose, to inform the immortal sirteen that their
Weights moi felt, and that their influence, altho'
thrown against their native State and native ooun-
lty, is not potent for evil The whole vote is l44
to l6!-just 3 to 1.-The delegates from the coun-
fy OF Augusta county in this magnificent minority
Now, Messrs. Editors, | say Augusta has been
misrepresented- Rockbrdge has been misrepre-
|sented-and, ask the question, Will the free
people Of Augusta and Rockbridge submit to this
action of their delegates and Senator? viii they
not call them to account? For, be it known to
the good people of Augusta, that on former oc-
caslon, lsome 10 or l6years ago, when the dele
gates from this county, voted in the Legislature,
that Congress had the power to pass law a5of-
ishng Slavery in the District, the indignation of
the people was so aroused that the delegates dared
not offer for reelection. What will be done now?
Will the people permit themselves to be guilty of
the gross inconsistency of allowing one sett of del
egates TO do that which they absolutely refused an
other sett to do? 81 speak unto ayise men, judge
ye."
The only reason assigned to justify the course
OF our delegates is that the resolutions were un-
necessary and meant nothing incline to the
opinion that the people will think otherwise. Ev-
cry Southern State is taking similar action to that
OF Vrginia-that is, they are giving expression to
their opinions and determination on this question
of Slavery in the District or the Territories-here
must be danger ahead. notwithstanding the three
.ac1se men" from Augusta, and their fen support
ers, may think differently But, unfortunately, for
the argument of these gentlemen, these identical
resolutions passed the House of Delegates in l847,
and one OF our Delegates, lN1r. SHEFFEY,9 voted
FOR them. Why did he not raise his voice against
the passage of the resolutions, then There Ger
tainly, is much reason noav, for the adoption of
these resolutions, as there was in 1917. But, a.
yer that there necessity for the resolutions
they shew the state of feeling on the subject and
they tell our Northern foes what Virginia will do,
if they interfere with our property, or disturb the
compromises of the Constitution Are we to wait
until the assassin strikes before we attempt to de-
fend !? When we know the incendary will apply
the torch to our dwellings, must we use no en-
deavor to prevent him Must we wait until our
property is stolen before we adopt any measures
for its security? "Ispeak unto avise men, judge
IISye" Would it not be well enough for the people
of Augusta to select persons more suitable to repre-
sent them in the Legislature, and who WILL re-
fleet their wishes. A VOTER.