The southern press., 1852-01-15

/ GOf. JOhroOp uIoS5a6o "oS SSA' ''-@~ -
legislature OH Tuesday last The greater por-
ton of it is devoted TO the internal interests OF
the State, and towards the conclusion, he thus
briefly, but pointedly, lays down his platform IN
relation to federal politics;
Since the adjournment of the last Legislature
nothing has transpired particularly calculated TO
disturb our federal relations. The excitement
growing out of an unwarrantable and uuconsti-
tutional interference by the general government
with the subject slavery, has partially
and il is to be hoped that the agitation OF this
subject will hereafter be avoided--that the
restless spirit of fanaticism which kindled the
flame will be discountenanced, and peace and
quiet restored to the public mind II in this
patriotic and reasonable expectation we shall be
disappointed, the most serious approximations
may well be entertained for the safety of the
Union, which has just passed through difficult
and momentous crisis.
The series Of laws passed during the last
Congress, denominated the " compromise were
UNEQUAL and unjust to the South, and consti-
tuted just cause for complaint. But regarding
them as full and final settlement OF that dan
gerous and vexed question, (and in that light
only,) the Southern States manifest willing
ness to acauiesce; not because Of their justice OF
equality, but for the sake of that Union to main
| tain which, whilst under and controlled by the
,oriien Constitution, every patriot would pledge
his fortune, his life, and his sacred honor; but
which, without the Constitution, is worthless.
and deserves not the veneration of any. Ii II
be true that those provisions effect settlement
Of the question:, be it SO; it is what we want.
To let us and. it alone is all we have ever con-
tended for; aud any effort to re open the wound
or renew discussion upon the subject should be
frowned upon by every patriot.
i Whilst, therefore, proper regard for self
respect and the respect Of the nation, as well as
patriotism and policy, dictate that Virginia
should infexibly maintain the position she has
heretofore taken upon this question, let us do SO
calmly, aud with as 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, should be made dead letter upon
the statute book either by open resistance OIL
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,
lis well calculated to excite our serious appre-
tensions, yet it is to be hoped that those who
have il in their power to avert 30 great calar-
/ 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 precipitate us
into irretrievable ruin.
cannot close without awaiting 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 religiously
observe the American doctrine of non-inter-
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 ofhis opinions:
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
This important document is published in thi:
DAYS issue. IL is an instructive and well digest
ed State paper, creditabe to its distinguished
author, and Astounding in judcious and catholic
recommendations. No sectionalism appears in
| its sentiments An enlarged and liberal atten.
ton TO the great, general interests of the com.
monwealth characterizes the document.
Il may be regarded as the first State paper is
suing from the new government although the
old is scarcely expired. II is the first OF series
of messages that will emanate from the first
governor of the State elected by popular suf.
frage. II 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, 10 increase the efficiency of our edu-
cational system, and TO strengthen the finances
of the commonwealth by confding appropria.
tons 10 the completion Of productive works
leaving others less important in respect TO the
time of completion and 10 the wants Of the com.
munity, for a season Of less embarrassment e
4 the treasury.
The opening portion Of the message, which is
devoted to an appropriate train of reflections
upon the organization Of the new government
is felicitous and eloquent The conclusion
which discusses in brief terms the recent I" 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
politics. Virginia has said enough upon this
subject Of late. Her silence henceforth, in 8
prudent degree, will be more significant than q
multitude Of words. The governor displays
proper taste in contenting himself with briei
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.
dations, on a careful examination Of them here
after Meantime, we invite our readers 10 ar
impartial study Of its contents, assuring then
that their pains will not be unattended witt
profit 10 themselves.
international Copyright.
A treaty has been entered into between Grea
Britain and France, by which the sale of pirate,