The southern press., 1852-01-15
virsiaia.

the State and towards the conclusion, he thu
briefly, but pointedly, lays down his platform il
relation to federal politics:
Since the adjournment Of the last Legislature
nothing has transpired particularly calculated tt
disturb our federal relations. The excitement
growing out of all unwarrantable and uuconst
tutonai interference by the general government
withthe subject of slavery, has partially ysubslded
and il is to be hoped that the agitation OF tni'
subject will hereafter be avoided-tnat tht
restless spirit of fanatcism which kindied tht
flame will be dscountenanced, aud peace ant
quiet restored to the public mind. IL in thi'
patriotic and reasonable expectation We shall b,
disappointed, the most serious apprehension
may well be entertained for the safety Of tn,
Union, which has just passed through Difficult
and momenous crisis.
The series of laws passed during the las
Congress- denominated the" compromise" wer.
unequal and unjust to the South, and consti
tuted just cause for complaint. But regarding
them aa q full and final settlement of that dan
gerous and vexed queetior, (and in that ligh
Only,) the Southern States manifest n willing
ness to acquesce; not because of their justice O
equality, but for the sake of that Union, to main
tain which, whilst under and controlled by the
Uriuen Constitution every patriot would pledge
his fortune, his life, and his sacred honor; bu
which, without the Constitution, is worthless
and deserves not the veneration of any. If il
be true that those provisions effect settlement
of the question, be it SO il is what we want
To let us and it alone is all we have ever con.
tended for; and any effort to re open the wound
or renew discussion upon the subject should be
frowned upon by every patriot.
! Whilst, therefore, IA proper regard for self
respect and the respect of the nation, as we'll as
patriotism and policy, dictate that Virginia
should infexibly maintain the position she has
heretofore taken upon this question, let us do 80
calmly, and with rs little agitation as possible.
If the law for the rendition of fugitive slaves,
which but provides the means for the exercise OF
right secured to us by an express provision of
the federal Constitution and the only one of the
series calculated to be acceptable or beneficial
to the South, shonld be made Il dead letter upon
the statute book, either by open resistance, or
| by evasive legislation or other devices which
shall prevent its faithful execution in the non
slaveholding States, or should Congress repeal
or materially modify its provisions, the last hope
entertained by the South for that justice and
protection, guaranteed to her by the written
compact under which she entered into the Union,
will be lost. Though the spirit in which this
law has been received in the Northern States,
is well calculated to excite our serious appre-
tensions, yet it is to be hoped that those who
have it in their power to avert so great a calan-
| ity to us, to themselves and to the world, will
see the abyss upon which we stand and stay a
policy which, if persisted in, must precpitate us
into rretrievable ruin.
cannot close without availing myself Of this
opportunity to call your attention to those great
political landmarks which have and should ever
characterize the foreign policy of this govern
ment. Surrounding circumstances every where
admonish us that these are revolutionary times
The potent events passing before us indicate an
approaching crisis in the political affairs of all
European nations, and deem this fit occasion
when we should be admonished to religously
observe the American doctrine of "noninter-
vention," and the avoiding of all entangling
alliances" first taught us by the father of his
country" and followed by those patriotic states
men who succeeded him, until it has been re-
garded as the settled policy of this government.
The Richmond Examiner thus refers to the
Governors expression his opinions:
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
| This important document is published in this
days issue. 1t is an instructive and well digest
ed State paper, creditable to its distinguished
recommended No sectionalism appears in
| its sentiments. An enlarged and liberal Atten-
ton to the great, general interests Of the CON-
monwealth characterizes the document.
| 1t may be regarded as the first State paper is
suing from the new government, although the
old is scarcely expired. 1t is the first Of series
| of messages that will emanate from the first
governor of the State elected by popular suf-
! frage. 1t recommends a policy to the new
! legislature which must meet the hearty support
of all good citizens. In brief, that policy is to
| encourage agriculture as the primary interest of
the State, to increase the efficiency of our edu-
cational system, and TO strengthen the finances
of the commonwealth by con6ding appropria-
tons TO the completion of productive works,
leaving others less important in respect to the
time of completion and to the wants of the COM
munity, for q season of less embarrassment to
the treasury.
The opening portion of the message, which is
devoted to nm appropriate train of reflections
upon the organization of the new government,
| is felicitous and eloquent. The conclusion,
| which discusses in brief terms the recent /" Com
promises" of Congress, announces the true sen.
timent of Virginia and the united voice ofSouth-
ern States Rights men.
| The message is appropriately brief on federal
| pOItcS. flIpuIh ms sAlu enough upon lulS
subject of late. Her silence henceforth, in a
prudent degree, will be more significant than a
multitude of words. The governor displays
proper taste in contentiDg himself with brief
announcement of the determinations of Virginia
upon those grave subjects
In the general policy of the message upon
internal improvements, we heartily concur. II
is possible, however, that we shall differ with
that document in regard to specific recommen-
datons, on careful examination Of them here.
after. Meantime, we invite our readers to al
impartial study of its contents, assuring them
that their pains will not be unattended with
profit to themselves.
International Copyright.
A treaty has been entered into between Grea
Britain and France, by which the sale of piratet
works, whether from England or France, or any
| IL, tod I'D all