Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1849-12-12
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WEDNEsDAY, DECEMBER ne. 1915.
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

With the general tone aud spirit of the Message
we are highly pleased. There is patriotic glow
pervading it, which bespeaks generous and noble
nature-a warm heartedness, candour and ndepen-
dence, which will procure for it more readers than
usually fall to the lot of such documents BIOS, of
ehe pubic interests have been reviewed by Gov
FLOYD with minuteness which evinces careful
examination and industry becoming public officer
and at the same time, without that laborous and
tedious discussion which would tend to render il on
ly the less acceptable 10 the public. We must con-
Tess, however, that we felt some surprise that mo
notice whatever has been taken by the Governor OF
the important Institutions of the State located n,
Staun,on and Williamsburg, Notwithstanding the
interest the Legislature has heretofore taken in their
prosperity.
we have been especially gratifcd with the Gov
ernor's earnest advocacy of liberal system OF in
,ernai Improvement, guided by judgmen, and pru-
dence in fair comparison of the wants of the State
with the means of meeting them. The presen,
debts and Liabilities of the State, in view of lis re-
sources, exhibit more favorable condition than we
mad anticipated, or the public supposed.
L he Recommendation of an appropriation for the
encouragement of a State Agricultural Society, we
hope will receive the kind regards of the Legisla-
ture as we believe it will the approval Glhose most
deeply interested.
we are prepared TO second The Governors views
IN regard TO tho call of Convention. because we
think the present Constitution materially defective.
but might differ with him as TO the extent Of re-
form. Confidng, however, in the virtue and intel
ligence OF the people, and their capability of self
government, we should be very far from opposinr
The call OF Convention, from any difference with
more ardent reformers as to the extent Of necdfnI
REFORM The people must rule-under God. thew
nave right 70 seIf-goyernment, the very corner
stone OF our free institutions
Upon the great question so liercely agi,ated be-
tween the North and South, the Governor is elo.
quent' Upon the main point, we think with him
That The time has come, when full and final adj
Justment between the parties should take place -
This would be better for both, under any and eve
ry view ofthe subject. While seeing, as we think.
fanaticsm on both Sides there is far greater ration
al cause OF excitement South than North The
south has much 10 lose, the North little to pain.-
While steadily opposed, as we ever have been, to
dissolution of The Union, or resort to open vio
lence upon an issue practical, we are tired of the
argument from precedent-tired of taunt and insult
Tired OF The spirit of aggression, and believe lust
now the line should be drawn, beyond which, North
ern fanacism should not proceed with impunty.-
Profound wisdom will be required for this. Let us
be reasonable and sure we right, but draw the
line.
The constitutional question has always been
subordinate one with us because constitutional po,c
er Is privilege, which if unrighteousy and ininri-
ousy used for fanaical ends, and to the oppression
of large sectional minority by an irresponsible ma
jority, ought to be resisted.