Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1850-03-26
OHIO N VIRGINIA.

We entirely and cordially agree with the Rich
mond Wing and Richmond Enquirer in approx
ing the sensible and practical views of Gov.
FlOyds Message in relation TO the refusal of the
Governor Of Ohio 10 comply with the demand of
the Governor OF Virginia for the surrender of free
negroes charged with crime. BY the way, the
lower House Of the Ohio Legislature has passed
a law, which is expected to pass the Senate, max.
ing it n penal offence in any person TO interfere
for the purpose of afi"rding any aid III the arrest,
or detection, or surrender of fugitive slaves
The N. Y. Express Justly pronounces this "nulii-
cation" and asks, " How can men who swear to
support the Constitution of the United States
vote for such a law as this 2" The truth is, the
chief violations OF the Constitution have proceed
cd from the non slaveholding States, and the
Constitution is not regarded there with as mach
reverence as a mere majority of numbers. Yet
it is these States that profess to be the chief cham
pions Of that Union which only exists by the Con
sIitution! II is these States that are perpetuaIly
branding The whole South as %nulliliers and dis
unionists
We agree with the +" Whig'' in believing that
if the Legislature will authorize the immediate
construction of four ocean steamers to ply be.
tween Norfolk and some European port, il would
have the finest effect upon southern Irdepen-
dence. We have befurc expressed a simalar
opinion Depend upon il, all our wrongs NAV
be redressed in The Union. Let us make our
selves strong, and we are safe.
LRichmonl Republican.
The following is an extract from the Cover
hor's Message:
"lf the Federal Government fails to furnish
adequate protection 10 us touching our slaves,
and offenders against The law concerning them,
then we must take the remedy into onrown hands;
for our citizens are entitled 10 ample projection
in all their rights, whether of person or property.
The government which, from fear or weakness
fails TO accomplish this great end for :yIicII il
was instituted, is deserving oil neither the respect
nor the support of free and enlightened men.
81 am of the opinion, tlata system OF taxation
under the license law can be so arranged as to
transfer entirely the trade from those States
which have trampled under foot the Constitution
of the United States, to those which are still will
ing to abide by its compromises. and recognize
our rights under it. This would be a peaceful
and efficient remedy, doubIy recommended to us
under our own exclusive control and the work of
our own authorities.
"The present session is too far advanced to
perfect the details of the plan, and therefore |
only suggest it, that your minds may be turned
to the subject so as to enable YOU to act with
promptness and efficiency Immediately upon vonr
return next winter. a concerted and united ar
ton on the part of the South in this matter. will
either redress our grievances at once, or transfer
the direct European trade TO the Southern norris.
or build up manufactures of all sorts in our coun.
try, which would ultimately tend greatly 10 our
strength and independence.
We now tax n tin pedlar ten dollars A year
whilst a clock pedlar has to pay fifty. The ven.
ders of all articles manufactured in the recusant
States could be taxed one hundred per cent and
The vender be required to show where the articles
were made. Pains and penalties could be easily
attached 10 any evasion Of the law, which would
ensure the due enforcement Of it. The law de-
tails could be made 10 embrace live stock and he
products of the soil.'