Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-01-29
TttH AGtfATloNs AHEAD.

Even if the present were fair weather, we
should be bad political mariners If we did not keep
an eve to windward, and watch with unceaslng
vigilance all the indications of change. Unhappi'
w. restless and INSCRIPTIONS men i'll both sections
of the Union intent upon the qualification OF sell
fish purposes or criminal ambition, will not per-
nit the public mind to settle down in that condl-
ton of heathful quiet, which it covets as much
as it needs. Still we could readily "bear the ills
we have" and especially could we master the
chief present i'll of discomfort with the late meas
ures of Congress, if we could not descry others
in the future which threaten and alarm u.s. The
cause ofhe Union oih the Compromise would be
triumphantly maintained in all the States, except
hot Drained little South Carolina perhaps, if the
question concerned only the Union as it is, and
the legislation of Congress as it stands. But
there is unfortunately considerable party in each
section who will not be content with present issues.
| Southern Disunionists, having the definite object
of Disunion in view, constantly endeavour to ex-
aouerate and aggravate the causes of Southern
dissatisfaction. They prefer that the North should
| do US wrong in order that their arguments may
be strengthened Northern agitators on the 9TH
or hand, continue to uphold the princi pie of the
,hgher law," which has made Senator Seward so
notorious, and which in practice means that the
constitution may be cdorperverted at pleasure
to accomplish the ultimate end of the abolition Of
slavery in the States. The more honest Of this
faction Gf there be any honest among them) can
not be persuaded that the North is not responsible
for the existence Of slavery in the South, and they
accordingly, with as much zeal as the openly con-
stitution-hating bible-renouncing Abolitionists
advocate the policy of bringing the influence o.
the Federal Government by all indirect means to
bear against the Southern institution. The SEN
timent OF this sect is significantly ntimated in the
following remark of the New York Tribune, upor
Mr.. Claws argument in behalf of African Colon
zation:
We do not see as Mr.. Clay does the practical
biHty Of s,ppressing agitation respecting Slarer5
,ohiIe Slavery shall continue among us--,are dt
not concur aoith him in belieuing that the Nonl
=, has no part In nor no responsibility for the eriE
of Slarery-but we do most earnestly agree with
him in esteeming the Colonization of Africa by
her descendants on this Continent as the only
feasible means of suppressing the Slave-Trade.
In this false idea of the responsibility of the
North for slavery lies the germ Of all the troubles
we are likely to have from the slavery question
Northern editors and statesm n and clergymer
must learn to surrender it, or they will infallibly
bring Oh issues which the Union cannot survive
Ia debate last week. in which several members
made structures on the official qualifications OF Messrs
| Heath aud Gaaher
Mr.. Seldom said What has fallen from my col
league may perhaps justify me in the estimation o.
members OF this House, in making allusion to
the that have been cast upon the present Com
missioner of Pensions. Sir, he comes from my own
State, hence | know him we'll personally. He has
| many friends there, constituents OF mine, whom
highly esteem, and who know very well would re-
with sensbily any structure made in this House
in regard to his conduct 1t gives me much sasiac-
ton, although differ from that gentleman in political
partiates and opinions, bear witness the repula
ton which he enjoys, both in the community and in the
State to which he belongs not merely for integrity and
honour, but for capacity and ability, and high admins
| trative talent.
For long time he occupied the position of FRS,
Auditor oil the State of Virginia, and had the charge
serious aud important affairs. This believe, is Of
| the most important and arduous offices in the State
and at the time that came into his hands
| condition of comparative disorder and confusion. Ii
was brought, however, by the capacity and ability and
system OF this gentleman, into a state OF great eff
cheney anu puuctuay, tdt CoHiu not De eACelleu ny
any department in the government oil that or any
| other State OF the Union.
He has throughout the State of Virginia the repua.
ton, not merely OF being an accomplished gentleman
and OF great integrity, but he has also the repu
tation OF being able and efficient officer possessed
of high administrative talent. 1t was | believe, in
consequence OF this reputation that he called or
here and that ne installed by the Secretary Of the
Interior in The office, the duties Of which he so
suddenly called upon to perform.
Thus suddenly thrown into new Duties that he should
feel some embarrassInentth he should not imme-
daely respond to the functions he called upon to
ercise, for which he had previous preparation very
natural doubt but little that there is not a single
| gentleman on this floor, who if he were thus une x
pectedy called upon TO perform equally arduous and
novel duties, would feel quite ready to assume the
functions of his office.
Sir, think that every reasonable man will admit,
that under such peculiar circumstances indulgence ought
to be extended to this officer 1t must be borne in
mind that he placed in this office suddenly, unex
pectedy, Immediately before the last session of Con-
gress and that since he has thus entered the per-
| Torrance OF his novel and arduous almost unprece
dented abours, there have been forwarded to this Of
flee, almost daily, thousands OF applications.
1t was not IN human nature-it not in the capa-
city of any man, however able and ski.ful discharge
such an amount OF and novel duties without
reasonable man, to condemn an officer under such
ging hls duties.
FLORIDA SENATORIAL ELECTION.
From the Foridian andJoual Of the 18th inst we ex-
tract the following statement OF the three last baong.