The republic., 1851-02-15


was not unmindful of the obligation of the oath
which he had taken to support the Constitution
Of the United States and it is now the province
of the historian to record with what fearlessness
and fidelity he performed his duty on that me-
morable occasion.
In the North every effort which disappointed
fanaticsm and bitter malevoence could sug-
down his Administration; old party ties have
been sundered; new and unhallowed--nay, cor
rupt coalitions between Wings and Democrats,
have been formed, to send men here to frus-
trate his efforts to save the Constitution and the
Union.
With resolute courage, and truly national
spirit, he has made known to the world, in his
annual communication To Congress, his firm de-
termination to uphold the principles of the fed
erative compact, and to see that the laws are
faithfully executed. To this determination he
still adheres; and in the fulflment of his
pledge he will know no North and no South, no
East and no West, but will employ all his
official powers to ensure the prompt execution
Of the laws everywhere throughout the broad
limits Of the Union.
The firm stand which the PRESIDENT has
taken has already produced the happiest results.
The voice of agitation is hushed in the halls OF
Congress, and the agitators stand rebuked be-
fore the dread tribunal of public opinion. 1t
may be, and it probably is, deceitful calm
which precedes storm. But come what may
the people now know where the PRESIDENT
will be found. He has planted himself on the
Constitution, and there he will stand or fall.
1t is under circumstances like these that the
people of VIRGINIA are called to pass upon the
Administration of President FILLMORE. AT
the coming election they will render their ver-
dict Of approval or condemnation. The issue
is distinctly presented to them, and they cannot
avoid it. Was he right in signing the Fugitive
Slave law. and declaring his purpose to see to
its execution in common with all other laws, or
not2 IL their answer is in the negative, let
them send men to Congress ready and willing
to pronounce their sentence Of condemnation,
and to oppose his Administration. If on the
contrary they approve his course, let them cheer
him by the plaudt swell done good and faith
ful servant"--and elect Representatives to Con-
gress prepared to yield a cordial support to his
measures.
This, we repeat, is the true issue. De-
signing men will try to draw off the minds of
the people from it. But it will be in vain.
They may talk of old issues and old party names;
but the intelligent people of VIRGINIA have
only to look to MASSACHUSETTS to see how far
old party ties restrain the enemies of the Admi-
nistration from combining and conspiring to
overthrow it.
What then will be the response of yiRGINIA9
Her voice will be potential throughout the
South and the Union. If she takes the flag Of
the Union in her hands, and places her proud
foot upon the neck of the conspirators, more to
be abhorred than tyrants, where is the southern
State which will refuse to follow her lead2 Is il
to be wondered, then, that deep interest is felt
in the result of an election involving such
Consequences 1t will show not only whether
her people can appreciate the services of public
servants, but it will enable northern men to see
whether the South will stand by those who
stand by her. In every point of view, therefore,
it is an election of transcendant interest. We
hope that it will be so regarded throughout the
State, and that the patriotic spirit Of the people
will be stirred up anda victory achieved which
will place the great measures of Compromise on a
firm basis, and enable the Government to main
tain inviolate the principles Of the Constitution
and the faith of federative obligations.