Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-10-30
TnE POSITION OBJ VIRGINIA.


ihe people Of Virginia. since The adjournment of
Congress, should be everywhere regarded as an ind-
sation of their independent spirit and devotion 10 the
Union Our two Senators and several Of our Repre-
ssnaliyes, together with some of our leading polt-
clans at home, have spared pains to make the i'm
preston that in case California should be admitted
into the Coufederacy, violent spirit of resistance
would be aroused in Virginia, which might result in
disunion, conflict and blood. These gentlemen even
went so far as 10 intimate that the honor Of the Old
Dominion was involved in the matter, and would, in
The contingency referred TO- require certain very dan
Eerous measures for its yindicaon. But now, since
California has been received and several other OBJ
noxous things perpetrated by Congress, we look in
vain for the promised tempest Unpopular indignation.
All is sunshine and peace throughout the vast extent
Of the Commonwealth. few Of the chiYary in
lower Virginia, and also in several counties in the
Valley, have attempted to get up some excitement;
but their efforts have oeen feeble, and ridculously
a6ortive. And now ask, what is the position oc-
eupied by these gentlemen towards the State herself?
Is it not that of second under the code of honor
Are they not bound to make their promise good, and
has not their Principal failed TO comply with the
terms of an engagement dictated bv themselves? 1t
seems to that according to the principles of code
which these gentlemen pride themselves in obeying,
they are bonnd to see 10 it that Virginia pindicaes
her honor. If!hey do not, she may justly hold them
guilty of impsaching that honor, by necessary mpli-
cation, and call them to strict account for their
duct.
If indeed Virginia is in danger OF surrendering her
Constitutional rights, why do not these gentlemen
take the stump Ike SAMUEL ADAMS, ana Patrick
HENRY, and urge the people by every halowed
collection to rise and vindcae their rights? Mr.
hAsoN has delivered addresses in Hampshire, Rock
ingham and Jefferson, on inritation Of few SYM
pa,hzers in each county, and some others who were
influenced simply by curiosity 10 hear what he had
TO say. He, however, coniented himself with reca-
pilulating the "wrongs of the South" and did not
"presums to advise the people" what they ought TO
do. Extremely modest truly, in one TO whom, on
account of his position, the people look for advice
But where is Mr.. HUNTER, who, with his colleague
10 the Senate, long resisted the admission Of CAL
iforna on Constitutional grounds1 Where is Mr..
SEpDoN, Of the Metropolitan district, who declared
his determination 10 take the field and make his APP
peal to the people' Echo answers, where We
must infer that they either wanting in revolution
arg spirit or in confidence in the spirit of the people
Of Virginia Il not their has been marked by
unparalleled assurance and braYado. They have as
sumed to speak for the State in tone which her peo
pie never intended to authorize, and have pledged
her to course which they almost UNANIMOUSLY regard
with adherence. They have maintained that it
would be dishonorable in her not to display her in
dignaion. She has manifested no such spirit, and
they, If they do not explain themselves, may be con-
siaered guilty of libel on her fair fame.
We are proud of Virginia, but feel mortified at the
manner in which she has been misrepresented Ills
craven fear that keeps her quiet but persuasion
that her rights have MOI been invaded. She no
nended insult in the recen, proceedings in Congress
\ II she did, the spirit Of '76 would again flush her
! cheeks and kindle in her eyes. 1t is due to herself
20 repuGiae The course of her rash representatives.
and hereafter con6de her interests TO more eonserva
live aud faithful hands
We do not wish to be understood as indulging in
any party spleen, whilst making these remarks
When the Union is the question, party must be left
out Of view, except far as one party displays more
patriotism than another
eve ask omen but our eountrys cause"
Just now, when portions Of both political parties are
INDUCING, in the extreme sections Of the country,
spiri. Of most alarming disaffection towards the u
nion, we feel il to be our duty and our choice 10
speak outloudy in its lavorand endeavor to strength
en- it's bonds by every legitimate means. We find
our own State in the line Of her principles, and of
her renown, and we will not encourage those who
would see her loosed from her moorings and carried
without an anchor or chart, wherever the winds
should drive her. Nor can we allow to pass unre-
buked the implied SANDER that her honor is already
forfeited. So far from being altogether governed by
party prcudices, would indulge the hope and ex-
psctalion that the day is coming when men of all
parties will be found raying to the defence of the
Uaion, and organizing great Union party-a party
which would be strong enough to set at defiance the
Abolitionists of the North, and the Dsunionlsts o
ahe South, with all their hosts combined.
O. We learn from the Albany Argus, that Mr.
CYRUs Fl. MCCORMICK, inventor Of the Reaping Ma
chine, and formerly of this County, has instituted
snii in the U. S. Court for the Northern District o
New York, at Albany, against w. Fl. SEYMOUR ant