Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-02-05
conREsposDnsCE OF THE SPECTATOR.
WAsulseros, JAN. IS. 81.

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE SFGCTAVOH4
WASHINGTON, JAN. 26, 81
There are various opinions here with regard to the po-
Ii teal test which you will have in the Newspapers
and which Messrs Clay & Foote defended in the Senate
Some think that it has originated in purely patriotic mo-
ves, and for public utility, and to aay agitation O.
theirs fear it will excite agitation. Some think it the
nucleus for the formation of a compromise party, and
looks mainly to the Presidency Cui BONO they do not
say. But whatever may be the views of various men,
with motives various views, the sutectmrttcr of
the resolution is good and thousands will subscribe to
the sentiment and avow it, and act on it, who would not
put their pen to paper Public opioion is forming and
has been forming, and hope will continue to be formed
correctly on that subject. But, whether it wise or
polite, or udicous to accelerate that opinion, by such
paper may be doubted
would not give such document as Fillmore's Mes.
sage clear firm, American, patriotic and mild for all
such papers the resolution in question. The paper
implies sort of political ostracism for opinion Those
who oppose the Compromise are bad enough. But they
have ghlto their opinion, and certain kind of oppo
ston gives vitality, and currency to very bad o.
pinions. But we will see hoto the matter will end
would impugn the motives Of no one, certainly moi
of Mr. Clay or Mr.. Foote, with whom the paper orgina-
ted Mr. Clay has certainly dropped all aspirations for
the Presidency, and his counymen feel that the acqui-
ston of that Office could not add one inch to his world
wide reputation.
could but admire the patriotic old man in his great
effort few evenings ago at the Colonization society,"
Real humanity and benevoence bea med from every fea-
ture, and beahed in every word If he has faults and
who has not. his grateful country will cast over them
the mantle of oblivion, and Clays deeds and name will
live as long as Patriotism has votary.
You will see that Hale is out against Colonization.
He is evidently afraid that the results of that glorious
institution will be to deprive him of some of bis gas,
inAamuabe though it be-.
Twas pleased to the President of the United States
and several members of his Cabinet at the Colonization
meeting believe all are warm friends. The venera.
Bile editor Of the Union too was there, who is warm
friend. feel confident the Administration has firm
hold the confidence of the moderate men of all par.
ties. How could it be otherwise Time and reflection
must deepen the impression. 49,
SOUTH CAROLINA AND GREAT BRITANNIA sim
gular correspondence has recently taken place be-
tween the British Consul at Charleston and the Go.
vernon of South Carolina, which looks little as if
that State regarded herself, and was regarded BY o.
hers as sovereign, competent TO carry on diploma
tic correspondence with other nations. There is
Law in South Carolina which subjects all coloured
persons going to Charleston on board Of vessels 10
Imprisonment while the vessel remains in port
The Consul represents that ga class of Her Britain
mic Majesty's subjects, entering the guarantee of
national treaty, the ports of South Carolina IN ira
a i'm. in, > E.
lection of the British flag, and imprisoned IN the
common jails until the moment Of their chips de-
parture," and asks that The law may be repealed or
amended He expresses the good will of his Go
vernment towards South Carolina, and mentions Sc
veral reasons why the State should desire to cult
vate friendly relations. The Governor replies very
courteously and promises TO transmit the Consus
communication to the Legislature a! his earliest pos
sible convenience
This is said TO be the first time in the history of
our Government that an official of foreign Govern
men, has addressed such communication TO State
Of the Union. Under the Constitution no State has
right 10 carry correspondence Of The kind all
our foreign relations being in the hands of the Gene
raj Government. But, while no serious difficulty Is
likely 10 arise out of the affair, useful lesson NAV
be drawn from i, of the value of the Union to the
States of which South Carolina is particularly obi
vous. The Richmond Wig appropriately remarks:
What if the State Of South Carolina does moi repeal the
obnoxious law, and the English Government insists upon
The obligations of the treaty, the last extremity
with what party would the war be- waged2 Not with
Carolina alone, with her overwhelming negro population
but with the great and powerful Government of the Union
If an Engsh fleet dispatched TO bomad Charleston,
or English Amy TO invade her Cotton fields the Navy
and the Army If The Uninn would be sent for her defence
and the most rahid disciple Of Garr Smith would DO
PEELED 10 subscribe his money, and possibly lay down his
life, TO protect the slave institutions Of South Carolina
gans the negro sodies and negro sailors Of England
So important is that Union, which she is prepared to
throw to the welfare IF South Carolina. 1t would be
lesson fraught with utility. ifrhs rebelious and dsuyaI
State the first to call for federal aid against that pow
er, under whose protecting wing she is ready place her
SELF she is emanc paed from her federal obga
tons.
g. On the outside will be found an interesting
sketch Of The Convention, furnished by the editor
of the fredericksburg News" to the readers of his
paper. We have little of their doings to re cord
thai it may be well enough to glance at the men,
bers themselves.
CENTRAL RAILRoAD.-It will be seen by refer
ence to the Legislative proceedings Friday, that
the bill for the extension of the Central Railroad to
the Ohio River has been defeated in the House of
Delegates.
The TARIFF.-While the deficiency bill under
consideration in Committee of the Whole, of the House
Of Representatives, on thu % ult, Mr.. Strong Demo-
cratic member from Pennsylvania, offered several reso-
ons embodying the result of conferences between the
friends Of protection. The chair decided the amendment
10 be out of order, and was sustained by the Committee.
The Richmond Times Of Friday, says: