Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1850-01-25
10 the Editors IF the Enqair0'

To the Editors Of the EHYHirtr:
CursrERFIEln CouSTr. l,SraIy Il. 1850
Gentlemen May Of the people be allowed small
space in the columns oi the Enquirer 10 say 4 few wo!s
upon a subject which, in is origin only excited The
tempt and Indignation the people. but which ha-. by
dual acquisition OF strength assumed phase which
ill., every patriot heart with dismay! The great question
which presents itself Ia the calm and serious considcr
ton the people is what shall the South pursuc
What stand shall she take 10 maintain her guaranteed rights
inyioae and yet the impending storm Of abolition
!sn which threatens IL sweep over the South with IN. be-
destruction and 10 grind into dust the golden pillars
Of this Republic which erected 10y the Iustrios
father o h country ana comcntcd with the be-, blood nj
the revolution! This is subject which makes irresistible
appeals every patriot East and West North and South
for his support his counsel in devising means by which
The SoS BE- preserved and Southern rights, which the
FEDERAL CONSTITUTIONS guarantees, maintained.
Asonc o the people whose rights and liberties nvolv
I'd in this grave and momcnous quesor-;is whose
rupaon is identified with the mass OF the people may be
allowed hope without being accused oncrneding with
what docs not concern me, the privilege ogyins my simple
views in regard 10 the stand think the Legislature alg; To
take in h matter. Thsi question found empire
but which when settled either pcrpetuac dismc
her Of the greatest Republics known the civilized
world. Then subject aught with consequences involving
the future destiny Of twenty five millions Of people, should
be met with that dignity camness and deiberaon which
wise Legislatures have all trying cmergcnces displayed
That Virginia will stand BY her resolutions. and will
maintain her rights al all hazards and To the last exem
~ | am fully persuaded.
But whether the time has arrived for appointing delegates
10 the Southern Convention, question that the people
have not had under considerations and they ought in nv
opinion bc consulted before our Legislature takes 60
heavy responsibility. The crisis which the virginia Rcso
buttons intended has Yet arrived and Nir-
gina Ought, in humble Judgment hold the position
that h has TAKEN without either advancing rccedng one
inch. Lei all the responsibility upon The North for all
the evil that anaticsm may bring upon beloved country
For the Legislature appoint delegates the Southern
Convention without contingency, would think 20 far
thor than the resolutions justify.
But ii the Legislature would appoint delegates repre-
sent Virginia in hc Convention IN the that Congress
should pass the Wmot Proyiso bill, another bill with
the object in view i, would my opinion be in ac-
cordanc with the object and spirit the resolutions and
would. doubt not. find and united response from
the people virginia has proclaimed 10 the world her fixed
determination maintain her rights every hazard an!
the last extremity. Then lit her remain in that position
without either advancing recedn inch, until the
which she d. she should appoint
deb rates the Southern Convention. without the contu
Gsncy above named in opinion Of OsE PEorLE.
From respect the writer and from desire let this
mighty question be fully discussed give place The
above While differ essentially the MANS have
the same end in view. We still solemnly believe that the
plan advocated in the Enquirer will potent and
beneficial influence, and proud believe thar
views have been universally sustained by the large number
Of persons from country and town. with whom have
versed Some few papers have opposed it, others silent
the subject and others warmly and zeaousy in favor
Southern Convention this time In carrying out that
personalities. The delegates the Nashville Convention
should 90 there only with the sanction OF the people but
Of the law and their expenses should be paid out of the pub
lie Treasury Maryland has appropriated money out of her
treasury pay for prosecuting the rights OF single citizen
assaed BY Northern fanaticsm Who believes that the
people OF Virginia will hesitate approve the appropriation
Of small ndcate the rights the whole South and
save ths unon2 strong additional why the ex-