Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1853-12-14
STAUN.ION SPECTATOR.
-DSTAUNTON: aas..-
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER IA, 1851.
Presidents Message.

-''''~',' 'SS'>'N'''
is issued by us this week in extras which we have
had printed for the use of our readers. The style
and literary merits of the paper are commended by
some critics, and censured by others as too florid
and rhAtorical-we shall not undertake to decide
between these conflicting opinions In other re-
specs the Message is pretty much what we an
ticipatec it would be-extremely cautious, and
framed like the Baltimore Platform 80 as to meet,
as far as possible, the views of every faction of the
Democracy. Politicians of the Virginia school Of
strict constructionists are in eXtacies over the al
fusion to "the epoch of 1882; the men of ''pro-
gress" are pleased with the idea that our fedora
tive system admits Of unlimited expansion, while
the conservatives take comfort from the remark
that "we can place no secure reliance upon any
apparent progress, fit be not sustained by nation
al integrity" On the whole, however, the Mes
sage is conservative document, and gives no en-
enlargement to the wild schemes of young Amer
lea. The filibusters are distinctly warned against
engaging in any unlawful enterprise. A President
Of The U. s. could say no less than, "Should any
movement be manifested within our limits, all the
means at my command will be vigorously exerted
to repress it." This is promising no more than
President Fillmore did during his administration
The brief paragraph in the Message devoted
to Post Office affairs, is of special interest, the
subject comes more directed home to every indi-
vidual citizen than any other. 1t appears that the
gross receipts of the Department for the year end
ing June 30th, 1858, were $685., 734, and gross
expenditure 81 1882. 756; showing that the rev.
enue failed to meet the expenses by the sum of
2,042,0S Owing TO this deficiency, it has been
apprehended that Congress would undertake in
crease the rates of postage; but the vnice oithe
people should be raised against it. Let retrench-
mcnt be made in some other department AS sug-
gested by a contemporary, the amount paid from
the treasury for the transmission of the s,migh
readily be saved from the appropriations for public
printing. Thousands of expensive documents are
annually printed, which are of the least possible
interest to the people to whom they are sent.
The President treats of the Pacific Railroad
scheme at considerable length, and in this connec-
ton has a great deal 10 say about strict adher-
ence to the constitution. 1t is difficult to ascer-
tain his exact position, but we understand him as
favorng the project. He thinks the Government
should not undertake to administer work of the
kind; but, if an economical and practicable route
shall be found, should incidentally aid its construc
ton by all constitutional means. How aid should
be afforded dose not distinctly appear. The Presl-
dent however, gets upon the track Of Sec'y Davis
famous Crystal Palace speech, referring to the pow
er to make mtry roads ,as incidental 10 the power
to declare war &C., and remarks that no sound OBJ
lection can be raised to appropriations by Congress
for such objects. From this we would infer that
he contemplated an appropriation Of land or money.
President Pierce, refers to the the compromise
measures of 1850 in very dubious terms The GAG
quiescence of distinguished citizens" he says, has
restored sense of repuse and security to the pub
lie mind, and he pledges himself that this repose
shall not receive shock during his official term,
if he has power to arrest it. Thusit appears that
those who ''acquiesce" in the compromise, rather
than the champions of those measures. are entitled
to the credit Of the repose of the country. High
praise is bestowed upon the orgional opposers and
none at all upon the patriotic men who devised
the measures and carried them through Congress.
Such is the policy of the adminstrat on-Union
men generally are under the ban, and secession
lists and reesoilers are elevated to place and power