Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-01-21

it is to be hoped that the agitation OF hs suoJec
will hereafter be- avoded-that the restless spiri'
of ianatic;sm which kindled the flame VIII ne dis
countenanced, and peace and quiet restored 10 Inc
public mind fin this patriotic aud reasonable ex-
pectaton we shall be disappointed the most serious
anprehensions may well be entertained for the sale
ty of the Union, which has just passed through q
difficult and momentous crisis.
The series Of laws passed during the last Con-
nress, denominaed the Compromise" were une
quail and unjust to the South and constituted just
cause of compliant. But regarding them as .tat
and final settlement OF that dangerous and vexed
question, (and in that light ony,) The Southern
States very generally manifest willingness to &C.
quesce not because Of their justice or equality but
for the sake of that Union, 10 maintain which,
whilst under and controlled by the acritiea c0nstt
tutioR every patriot would ''pledge his fortune.hls
life, and his sacred houor;" but which, without
the constitution, is worthless and deserves not inc
veneraton Of any. hit b. true that those provIs
ions effect settlement of this question, be IL so
it is what we want. To let us and it alone ls all
we have commended ever for; and any effort 10 re-
open the wound or renew discussion upon The sub
ject should be lrnwnei upon by every patriot.
Whilst, therefore, a proper regard Tor seiiIe-
spect and the respect of the nation as we'll as Parl
otism and policy, dictate that Virginia should IN
ieXioly manain the position she has heretofore Ia
ken upon this question let rs do so calmly ana win
as little agitation as possible. II the law lot tne
rendition Of fugitive slaves, which but provides ihe
means for the exercise Of right secured 10 us oy
an express provision of the federal constitution ana
the only one Of the series calculated to be accepta
Die or beneficial to the South. should be made a
dead letter upon the statute book, either by open
~, .latiO
which shall prevent its faithful execution in the
non .savehuJing States, or should Congress repeal
OF materially modify its provisions, the last hope
entertained by the South for that justice and pro-
lection 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 cal
culated to excite our serious apprehensonS yet II
is To be hoped that those who have IT In their pow
er to avert so great calamity to us, to themselves
and to the world, wiz see the abyss npon which
we stand. and stay policy which if persisted in,
/ must precipilate us into irretrlevable 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 government.
| Surrounding circumstances everywhere adlnon-
sh US that these are revolutionary times. The
potent events passing before us indicate an ap
preaching crisis in the political affairs of all Euro
pean nations, and deem this fit occasion when
we should be admoaished to relgously observe the
| American doctrine of "non Intervention" and the
avoiding Of all 'entangling alliances" frs: taught
us by the "Fa,her of his country" and followed
by those patriotic statesmen who succeeded him,
until it has been regarded as the settled policy oil
| this government.
again beg leave to congratulate you, geRlle-
men, upon the favorable auspices under which you
have assembled to commence the honorable and re-
sponsibe duties incdent,to your first session under
the new constitution. Contrasting our prosperous
and happy condition with that ofmany other States
both foreign and domestic, there is much 10 call
forth expressions ofour profound gratitude to wise
and kind Providence. whose experimenting care
has been so peculiarly extended over us, as people
and nation.
JOS. JOHNSON.