Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-12-11

, heen received of the action of the General Assembly
ihereon it may, however, be very soon expected as py
the terms the propositions submitted, they were to nave
been acted upon or before the first day of the Plese'
month.
1t hardly to have been expected that the series
measures passed at your last session WIN e saeG VI
healing the sectional differences when ha9 puus iol
the slavery and territorial questions, shouu a.
realized their benefcent purpose ;, ~
in the nature Of a compromise inuS' h.Oe'u'y % u
,oIooro 70 MO-, &c lame opinions. And though with
,scb co.,sa; 49, r Prostitution could not have been
formed and cannot be permanent! "'
seen them made the subject oil oi''er controversy IN oon
sectono f tho Republic 1t required many months OF
! d;.; J Elaboration to secure the concurrence of
onrress in their favor. 1t would be strange
;F 80 had been received with immediate appreciation by
neone and Sates preudlced and heated by the exciting
controversies Of their representatives. believe those
measures TO have been required by the circumstances and
condition of the country. believe they necessary
to aay asperites and animoses that rapidly alien
ang one section of the country from another and destroy
inc those faerna sentiments which the strongest sup
ports Of the Constitution. They were adopted in the
spirit cancellations and for the purpose OF conclaon
believe that great majority of our fellow cltIzens sym
pahise in that spirit aud that purpose. and IN the main
approve and prepared in all respects TO sustain these
enacments | cannot doubt that the American people,
bound together by kindred blood and common traditions
still cherish paramount regard for the Union of their
fathers and that they are ready rebuke any attempt to
violate It's integrity, todisJurb the compromises which
it is based, resist the laws which have been enacted
under its authority.
The series of measures 10 which l have alluded are
regarded by as settlement in principal and substance
final settlement of the dangerous and exciting subjects
which they embraced Most of these Subjects indeed,
are beyond our reach, the legislation which disposed
of them was, in its character, final and rrevocable
may be presumed from the opposition which they all en-
cOuntered that none of those measures was tree from I'M
perlectons but IN their mutual dependence and conneX-
ION they formed system Of compromise the most conci
aory and best for the entire country, that could be OBJ
tanned from conflicting sectional interests and opinions.
For this reason recommend your adherence to the add
ustmen established by those measures, until time and
experience shall demonstrate the necessity of further leg
islaton to guard against evasion or abuse.
BY that adjustment we have been rescued from the
wide and boundess agitation that surrounded us, and
have firm distinct aud legal ground to rest upon And
the OCCASION trust will Justify me in eXhorng my coun-
vmen to rally upon and maintain that ground the best
fno the only means, of restoring peace and quiet to the
country, and maintaining nyloate the integrity OF the
Union
And now feow-cilizens, | cannot bring this commu-
ncaon to d close without invoking you to Join me in
humble and devout thanks the Great Ruler of nations,
for the multiplied blessings which he has graciousy be-
slowed upon us. His hand often visible in rpreser-
vation has stayed the pestence, saved from foreign
wars and domestic disturbances, and scattered plenty
throughout the land.
Our liberties religious and civil have been maintained;
the fountains Of knowledge have all been kept open, and
means Of happiness widely spread and generally enjoyed
greater than have fallen the lot of any other nation.
And while deeply penetrated with gratitude for the past
let us hope that his a-wise Providence will guide our
counses that they shall result i! giving satisfaction
to our constituents securing the peace of the country and
adding new strength 10 the united Government under
which we live WILLARD FILLMORE.
WASHINGTON, DEC. Cd, 1850.