Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-01-28
THE SPECIAL MESSAGE OF CIV. FLOYD


The dangers which tic pcrpctuity OF our go
rous Union influenced patriotic Governor 10 suggest 10
the Legislature plan by which, in his opinion the Union
might BE- preserved feelings revived und peace and
quiet restored Distracted country This document
enanaiing from high source prompted by high sonse
of official duty, has wh that favor from the pco
pie which the spirit OF patriotism might have reasonably
cpacd Whilst few only have meied out TO the Cover
nor that audation which tie consunmu,on OF 50 glorious
object mcrled many others have found nothing in the
plan worthy of considerations but the contrary, have as
sailed il with unn1essurcd condemnation.
The privilege OF annadycng upon the acts 81 our pGo!ic
belongs 10 free government which makes democracy
preferable A.socnry or Monarchy II sa privilege guur
nned the citizen by great magma ehara and no man,
of men, deprive him o! II without Infringing upon
his just rights Were The citizen deprived OF the freedom
speech free government which nees out 10 him more civil
and religious liberty than other form Of government yet
tried might become odlous and oppressive than even
dcspots in NIL s hideous forms In FACT II would &c
nothing more less Than the very thing we Gerrecae In
der the ample folds ci t. boon if VIC may SO speak, be-
ocathed 10 man BY pure and insrous sire who un
like the politicians OF the present day sought not ihe own
apprandzenlent but with single TO the public good
sove throw around society those safeguards which would
proec from oppression and tyranny we now exercise the
privilege expressing humble views upon is message
Notwithstanding the message has received larger share
of ccnsurc auda,ion yet we will not be deferred from
expressing sentiments, oecau.c, perchance we dy VI
found in IA mcagre minority.
In the fret place then have sny that we have long
entertained the opinion that has been SO orcby ana beau
fuy expressed by patriotic Governor we nave long
thought that sectional Convention was not the panacea
for the evils of which South Justly complains bt mat IL
any good Ia 10 como out of Nazareth is TO bo brought
about through tho means Of grand National Convention
This ia the ONLY proper mode in opinion by which ms
great be consummatet II consuninaco nj
al though We free 10 say, that we entertain serious
doubts whether all the skill and patriotism OF the country
can devise remedy BY which the roots Of aboonsn so
deeply imbcdded in the body polite can be exrpaed But
if remedy be prepared 10 restore the Union 10 eah
and neac. il must be concoced In .Saon0t and not
Shern Convention. The Union must be brought together
through It's delegates In general Convention Let every
norton of country be represented that pubic sentiment
may be developed The South then how she STANDS
and then shape her meet her Destiny be a oes-
tiny veal or woe -, ,,
Then we give as deliberate Judgment the opinions
Of others to the contrary Notwithstanding mat The people
of The Union ought 10 hold grand National Convention
each State 10 send many delegates as she entitled 10
in Congress- tSenae excepe oacn district
IN sepd one delegate elected BY those qualed 10 Voe ior
members of Congress Each district IN the Tree states
should run two candidates, in favor oi Adjusting the
elm very question satisfactorily 10 the South the oter op-
nosed 10 IT, Upon oil important questions let the Ice
h hrou1hr 10 direct vote without the delegates rom me
al, vehodinp States voting al all which would deonstrae
without cav whether the free States intend 10 stand y Tue
Irnion and the Constitution or no Convention organ
zed mon such principles could not fall wn THINK 10 settle
this vnYed question either way or the other; and the
sooner il is settled if dsunion must come the oetter
should rho free reject the olive branch OF peace tncn
the south will have made the last appeal and ought ior-
Win 70 hold Southern Convention constituted In iSe
when The great question would have TO he decided
bnher we shn hold the free States we hold the rest o
mnnkind t'Enemics in war; in peace friends" ~