Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-12-18
MIR. MASON.

becomes every day more the captive and the victim
Of lis errors. We hope the day is not very dis
tant when equalized representation will break up
the train of its associations and enable the Common
wealth to put herself right before the world
We aude to the erroneous policy SO long pur-
sued by our Legislatures towards the Northern States
and the General Government. For many years The
Democratic majoriles in them have thought it wise
10 select the Senators of the Slate from the CALHOUN
School OF politicians, for the purpose of discoune-
nancing the alleged3 encroachments, of the Federal
Power There have been exceptions; but such has
been the general rule, in spite of the undenable truth
that the great mass of the population, Wings and
Democrats, differ most materially from that school
in their political principles, and would be much more
properly represented in The Senate by cn.who re-
jec their peculiar opinions. The reason for this
singular fact is easily recognized. spirit of sec
tiona jealousy has dictated the policy of maintaining
in the Senate front Of defiance towards The spirit of
Northern fanaticsm, and the South Carolina School
has always furnished men of the requisite spirit and
temper, who have signalized themselves by the most
uncompromsing hostility towards the policy and in
erests of the North. 1t has been thought necessary
to fight fire with fire, fanaticiSm with chipazry and
for every expression of Northern insult to return an
equivalent OF Southern gasconade. The election of
! Mr.. MASON is only continuance Of this course
The action Of the Vermont Legislature multiplying the
fugitive slave law, came us time 10 put it beyond
dispute, and to induce several waverng Wings TO sup
port ii by their speeches and their votes The argu
ment that seems TO exert the greatest influence, is
that here is moral force in these appointments OF
ultra Southern men which must have its effect Gpon
the North. The theory seems to be that the two
sections are playing desperate game, and it is ne
cessary 10 watch each others hands with the utmost
vigilance; vindclive glances must be exchanged and
the finger must be kept playing upon the hit Of the
dagger. Such still the policy pursued by the Leg
islature of Virginia, although her population at large
are known 10 be as devouy loyal 10 the Union as
any 10 be found within lis borders.
Virginia needs in the Senate men, who true 10 the
Union as the needle is to the pole will, long as
hope remains, continue to point steadily in that d-
recon, and who when hope is lost, will point as
steadily in the other. She does not want men whose
DOtUUy Is UHueCIutus Ollc lcCuS SCHatOio WI" VIII
cordially stand by the present Administration and
consistently counenance it in its patriotic deermin-
alton TO enforce the law against every form Of oppo-
sion. But her Legislature has acted otherwise, aud
appointed for another term, Mr.. JAMES NJ. MASON,
who will most probably, from his affinity with the
South Carolina faction, embarass more than he will
assist the exerlons OF the Executive. Both Mr.. Ma
SON and Mr. HUNTER entertain such profound respect
for State sovereignty, and so much forgving tender
ness for notification, that they could not consistently
support Mr.. FILLMORE, il he should find necessary
10 employ the military arm against Vermont or Con-
nectlcut. And yet we believe the general sentiment
of Virginia would require them to do so: if they
should practically nullily the fugitive slave law.
An effort is now being made TO organize, all over
the Country, great Union Party, en- the basis Of
the Compromise. Our existence depends upon the
success Of the attempt 1t must be cenented with
the faith and The friendship Of the parties. Mr. Ma
SON and Mr. HUNTER are not men Of the rg ht spirit
10 form and rati(y the compact. They cannot shake
hands with CLAY, CAss, WEBSTER and DICKINSON,
upon whose influence in the North hangs suspended
The fate of the Country. They will continue more
and more to 1ciden the breach between the Conserva
!ives of the North and the Conservatives ofthe South
and thus play indirectly into the hands of our deci-
ded enemies
These views Of the case have caused us 10 regret
The recent appointment; but whilst we thus speak,
we most cheerluy add our opinion that Mr.. MASON
gentleman in whose general Eectitude OF purpose,
and sincere patriotism, every confidence may be re-
posed. As to the objects at which we aim, there is
no difference between him and ourselves The safe
ty of tie South is not less dear 10 us than to him,
and we only regret that he should err in his judg-
ment as TO the best means OF securing it.
/ WHAT NEXT ?-The State Of Vermont, borrowing
bolt of South Carolina thunder has proceeded to the en-
tremiy of multiplying the law passed by Congress for the
recovery of fugitive slaves These lille States like little
men, are evidently anxious make themselves seen and
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