The southern press., 1852-05-20
Tne Mob Spirit.

Under this caption the petersburg iHsipBe'|
Ger writes n very sensible and conservative
article suggested by the recent so called iad'g-
nation Aieetiag,held at Richmond on the 7lhinst'
in front Of the Governors Mansion, 10 pass
resolutions condemnatory Of the course oil the
executive of Virginia in committing the sentence
of the slave Jordan Hatcher convicted OF The
murder of Wm. p. Jackson. "We have always
feltn saws the Iaieliigencer, "a most decided
aversion TO all sorts OF popular outbreaks, by
which the peace of society and the stability
of settled principles were disturbed and endan-
gered.
at sometimes happens, however, that irregu.
} lar and excited demonstrations on the part of
the people against acts OF the established au-
thorites, peculiarly Improper aud obnoxious,
are susceptible of palaton by the circumstances
of the case--though even in this view OF the
matter we are far from signiiying any arproba-
ton of the spirit of such popular manifestations.
We live in an age of the highest civilization
which the world has ever known, aud IN The en-
ioyment Of all the blessings which free institu-
tons can confer We live under government
of laws, and te statute book constitutes the
shield of our safety and happiness.
"There is one great principle which lays at
the bottom Of the social fabric, and upon which
rests all its utility and prosperity. IL Is the
foundation of our liberties and rights' ana us
maintenance and preservation are indispensable.
We mean the absolute supremacy 81 me ia~s.
No man who has proper conception ana up
probation of his position as member OF society,
and of his diversified interests, as vitality and
nseparably incorporated in the social organiza-
ton. can for moment deny the truth of the
maxim we have Just laid down, and the necess-
ty of its observance. Everything, therefore,
which tends TO weaken, to Jeopardize or TO
DESTROY this universal safeguard, should be IN
dignantly rebuked and resisted. The frequency
of mobs in this country is one OF the most
alarming signs of the times--and is subject
Of most painful contemplation TO every friend
oflaw and lover of order Hitherto these dis
graceful exhibitions have been pretty much
confined to the free States. where the density Of
an extremely mixed population, and The preva.
lence of socialistic and agrarian doctrines IN
large masses of the community furnish, IN aoun-
dance, the elements of disturbance and riot.
ain Virginia we have been comparatively free
from public tumul!s, and we have often, IN see
ing the accounts of the turbulent acts OF the
rabble in Northern cities and neghborhoods,
congratulated our good old commonwealth upon
the favorable contrast in this respect, presented
in her limits But the Richmond affair has
lowered, if IT has not cancelled, our proud pre-
of shame and indignation that we notice such
an unexpected and disgraceful display of the
mob spirit so near us. Even if the complaint
against the governor had been ever so well
founded such conduct was wholly indefensibe.
He exercised power which was vested in him
by the laws Of the land, under an appeal which
was urged by large number OF the most re
spectacle and infuential citizens OF Richmond
men who it is impo, sible to suppose were actu,
ated on the occasion by any unworthy or i'm
proper motives. The governors c!emency was
invoked under circumstances which these gen.
tlemen fully stated to him, and which they hon
esty believed entitled the case to his favorable
consideration. He thought so too, and under
the express sanction of the code of the common
wealth. he commuted the punishment OF the
criminal, as he was petitioned to do. In all this.
we see nothing to excite the passions of the
Notwithstanding to expose him 10 the indig
mites TO which he was subjected. The whole
State we consider dishonored by those rtbble
excesses, representing, as the governor does in
his office, the dignity of The commonwealth.
awe hope that every step will be taken to
vindicate the majesty and supremacy OF the
laws which have been so scandalousy violated
by that so.caled Indignation meeting II. Rich
nIond, and that every effort will be made to pre-
vent any similar occurrence. We are known
to be politically opposed to the governor, but
this sh,ll rot prevent US from rebuking. in the
most unqualified terms, the unwarrantable and
urpardonable outrage with which he has been
visited We will never hesitate n sustain any
officer, whatever may be his political opinions
against the assaults and insults Of mob for the
exercise by him of power with which he Is
clothed by an existing law. Ia so doing, we are
not only showing respect for tho laws, but
regard for the dearest rights and interests o'
every man, woman and child in the common
wealth"