Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-04-02
STAUNTON SPECTATOR.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 1851.
THE UNION RESOLUTIONS.

DeleSateS, under the Legislative nedu III tHS pa
per. The Senate amended the first resolution so as
to make it read ''certan non-slaveholding States"
and struck out that part of the sixth which excerpts
Vermont from receiving copy of the resolutions
through the hands of the Executive. These "a
mendments seem to US decidedly proper, as all the
free States should not be included in the charge of
improper interference with the Institution of Sla-
very, and the clause relating to Vermont looked
rather pettish and undignifed. Altogether the
resolutions are such as we heartily approve of, and
they must serve to convince South Carolina of the
! hopelessness of the cause in which she has en-
barked.
| The history of these resolutions is interesting.
For some time past, 1t has been known that South
Carolina was looking to Virginia to lead off in the
project of secession. The reelection of Senator
Mason was calculated to encourage the expecta-
hon, yet the Legislature knowingly and wilfully
refased to say any thing on the subject. At COM
paratively early periods in the session. sets of u
MON resolutions were offered by two Wing men,
bers of the House, respectively, but the majority
unceremoniously voted to postpone the first series
indefinitely, and the second was laid the table.
1t is difficult to find motive for this course of pro-
ceeding, except in that kind of patriotism which
prefers to leave the Union in peril rather than risk
split in their party, Or secret approval Of the
course of South Carolina dsunionsts, which some
of the dominant party no doubt felt. But the ses-
sion was rapidly drawing to a close, and it was ne
cessary that the position of the State should be
defined so that factionists of all sections should
fully understand it. Accordingly Mr.. ScorT, of
Faaquier, prepared a set ofresolutions which were
approved of by the Wing members generally, and
offered to the House on the Goth ult. An ANNA
ted debate Immediately sprang up. The Demo
cratic leaders opposed the resolutions on one pre-
tence and another,-they did not like the way the
thing was done, although they were devoted to the
Union, of course,-seyeral of their own number
indeed had intended moving in the matter and
they insisted that the resolutions should be refer
red to a select committee that the subject might
be considered and regularly reported on, which
course was finally determined upon by party
vote.
The resolutions reported by the committee do
not differ materially from those offered by Mr..
ScoTT, and were adopted by the House almost
unanimously. Only one member, Mr.. BENoN1
HARRISON, of Prince William, had the courage to
vote against the third resolution. This gentleman,
whose influence fortunately is very SMALL gloried
in standing solitary and alone" in favour Of dis
union. Had he ability commensurate with his
will to commit the State to mad scheme of dis
union, Virginia might well feel that he was appro-
priately named BENoNI-'4he SON Of my sorrov."
Mr.. HARRISON. evidently aspires to be the Moloch
of the disunionists in Virginia.
"My sentence is for open war;"
His late compeers, however, though mot behind
in hate, have prudently preferred the part of Be-
lial, and while denouncing the Compromise as de-
grading to the South have like that fallen angel
co0nselled submission"
THE CENTRAL RANK.-The bill establishing an
Independent Bank in this place, upon the basis of
State Stocks passed the Legislature on Wednes-
day last. We have heretofore Published some
account of the general system, but as a number of
amendments were adopted, after the bill was first
introduced, we are unable at present give the
details of the plan. The minimum amount of cap
ital, we understand, is $4,000, aud the maxi
mum 100000. A bill establishing similar bank
at Portsmouth was also passed, and it is proposed
toestablsh others at Lynchburg, Wheeling Charles
ton and Alexandria. The Richmond Wing states
that the probable adoption of this policy has already
created a demand for State Stocks at an advance
upen its previous value
BROTHER AGAINST BRoFHER.-The Vindlcator
of Monday last says, "The Legislature adjowns to
day, after session Of four months. All the bust
ness might have been done in four 1SeekS by work.
ing men," True, no doubt, and very good COM
mentary the fidelity and capacity of the Demo-
cratic majority who of course control the proceed
ings, -..
! Of piece with the above we observe that the
Fincastle Democrat, speaking ofthe Convention,
which is largely Democratic also, says, "There
never was such an idle, unprincipled deliberative
body met in Virginia.
! NORFOLK CHURcH.--Prof, GEORGE D. ARM
STRONG. of Washington College has accepted
call to the pastoral charge of the Norfolk Presby-
terrain Church, vacated by the removal of Rev.
Mr.. ANDERSON to ST. Louis, Missouri. The Rich
nsond Whig errs in publishing Mr.. ARMSTRONG as
President Of Washington College. DR.. JuNK1N
presides.
S5- The indicator wants 70 see ''TRuE South
ern men elected to Congress" and seems to be
heartily sck the cry "The Union 1.-THE Union"
We would like to know if Gov. Mcdowell is
true enough for him or has his disgust been ex-
cited BY the Governors frequent and eloquent dis
courses on ''The Union"
The SOUTHERN PREss-It is said that the
Washington Southern Press" is on the eve of dis
solution. One of its editors recently visited South
Carolina, begging for funds to support its existence.