Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1851-12-10
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE.

1t is document Of considerable length but
no one who enters upon its perusal, can fail
to finish, and none can read it attentiyely
without pronouncing it a Message OF unusu-
al merit, replete with useful information
and wise recommendations, and breathing
throughout a spirit of the loftiest patriotism.
We cannot better express our high appre-
citation of its value than to say, that our col
umns are occupied with matter far more
useful, instructive and entertaining than any
we could have selected for them, and are
yielded with willingness that we have sell
dom felt on like occasions.
Every reader of the Message will be
struck with the absence of that narrow and
contracted spirit of party, that has charac-
terized too many of its predecessors. In
stead Of long, dull and labored argument
in behalf of peculiar and favorite political
theories and party measures, we are pre-
sented with condensed but comprehensive
and interesting narrative of the condition
of the country, in all its relations, accom-
panied with suggestions for the promotion
of ITS growth and grandeur SO manitestly
candid and sincere, that rejecting men OF
all parties must award to 1t the highest need
of praise. All the great interests OF the
country have been reviewed by MIR. FILL
MORE with a minuteness which evinces
careful examination and industry becoming
a public officer, and, at the same time, with
ont that laborious and tedious discussion,
which would tend 10 render it unacceptable
to the public. Although emphatically bu-
siness message, we find it teeming with the
liberal and enlarged views Of its patriotic
author, who is taking a stronger hold eve
nv day upon the hearts Of the great Amer
lean people. We earnestly bespeak for it
the careful perusal of all our readers.
The President details in the commence
ment of his message, the circumstances OF
the late Cuban invasion, and while condemn
ing in the strongest terms the wicked and
interested originators Of the illegal project
expresses the sincerest sympathy for those
deluded men who have suffered the conse-
ouences of their rash and misguided enthu'
siasm. His views of foreign policy are en-
inentlv conservative, and will meet the cor
dial appreciation of all who are disposed tc
"cultivate friendly relations with all nations
-entangling alliances with hone" The
affair of the Spanish Consul at New Orleans,
is alluded to in terms Of strong reprobatlon,
and the United States Attorney has been
directed to prosecute the parties
A modification of the Tariff is again re-
commended. Low duties have failed &c
protect the farmer. Notwithstanding the
repeal of the Corn Laws IN England the
demand for breadstufs has steadily declln'
ed. Unless some check is given to the ex-
cessive importation of foreign goods the
most disastrous monetary crisis may be an
ticipated. The most monstrous frauds are
committed under cover of the present al
valorem system, and return to specific du'
ties is recommended. All this, however
is casting pearl before swine
The President concludes by reiteratlor
of his former views in reference to the final
ty of the Compromise measures 4 expresses
his fixed determination to MAINTAIN at al
hazards the supremacy of the law for th'
recovering of fugitive slaves. The firm
stand taken by MIR. FILLMORE in reference
to these great measures of adjustment ha
won for him universal admiration and gl'el
him strong hold upon the confidence an'
affection of all true friends of the Union.
We may recur hereafter to some OF TIT
prominent topics ofthe message. Just no "
we can scarcely think of any thing but TIT
election which took place last Monday II
the issue of which we feel an all-absorbinl
interest.