Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1855-12-08

.tsrs
tamely submit to deprivation o! their
rights are unworthey CT the appelation Of
freemen. ~
Virginia contributed with her hearts,
blood to establish this Union. She cher
ishes It's halIowrG OBJECT, aud would SIC
iificc much TO maintain it. But there IS
point WHEN submission to injustice aud
gross wong is degradation and iniar'f
In thc hope OF preserving .hr legaeY o.
eur fathers, aud holding up these indrpen-
den, States TO the admiration Of the word
as exam pies of the glorious results Of liber-
ty restraihed by wholesome laws, virgin.
ia has yielded much; borne much il pa
Hence; permitted repeated and improper
Interference with her domestic relations
endangcring her peace: witnessed the vio-
Iation of solemn obligations aud eompacts;
and finally, understandable assaults upon
the constitutions.
We have warned our northern beth
rem ct the evt tendency OF their 1cts, rot
only III the dires assault upon our rights
but by the inevitable effect of such u
course TO destroy friendly relationship -
We have reminded them Of our former
harpy intercotr.e and unqualified broth
erly Affection. We have demonstrated,
protested, appealed TO them. They, toe.
have been dtafto tie voice Of justice and
consauguinity.' 1t becomes us. then, to
enquire soirnniy what course we shall
pursue' sIany suggestions have occupied
the public mind
By some it has been suggested to odopt
a systrm Of retaliaioh by taking posses-
sion Of their vessels ard other property
whep without GU; jurisdiction, and b. ac-
ting towards their owners, when attempt
ing to assei, tbeir tights, precisely as they
act iosa,eis master attempting 10 seenie
his slave. passIag isws similar to theirs,
and harreSsing aud ammo, ing them with
Criminal prosecutions, penalties ahc Tor
textures. BY others i! has bsen thought
9est to discriminate against the states
hich cxnibit hostility to our institutions,
by imposing rigid commercial restrictions.
laying taves upon their goods, and obstfuc-
:iug their entercoufse by every means
sanctioned by the constitution Some
would appeal 10 our sister States who sui
fer similar lis with us ard recommend
the call OF southern convention to coh-
! euit tOSttitl !Ot Jul 5diCtN uutt W. S"N"'i
y OF our property aud if need be. resume
| those sovereign powers how delegated to
the general OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES others
would al once rush into the alternative OF
| dIssoiging the Union, and refuse TO submit
to constitutional provisions which are vio-
lated 1f>h iGpub:ty. under the sanction
OF State authority.
Such propositions, grayc!y mooted by
Legislative bodies, by executive functional
res and by the people i'll their primary
assemblies, are solemn warnings OF immi-
uent danger History teaches TO what
they lead. Wien men begia to talk Of
p!eigias their !iv IS, their fortunes and
their sacred honor to preserve their rights
we need rot be told that the spirit of the
fathers OF the revolution is re- u mated
fbe subject is enc for deep reflection and
wise counsel. Threats and menaccs are
useless. leave 1t to the AIN considera-
ton and dignitled action of the general
assembly. confidently believing that DO
fash stsp viii &c taken, but that when az
tea is decided Oh, i. will be sach that will
vlndeate our rights, respound to the hon
OF Of the commonwealth and 10 the glory
| oil the Union.
taye tius frankly exhibited to the
general assembly my views Of The condi-
ton OF the commonwealth, OF her great
works, Institutions and interests, recon-
mended such action akmy mind saggs sted
and invoked your aid in raising Virginia
to st.e elnnence she ought 10 occupy. -
Iy term Is about TO expire by constitution
al limit. My successor has been appoin-
ted by an overwhelming majority. dpmon.
straiing that he Possesses as he deserves,
the Confidence 81 the people. shall. re-
| lire 10 private lie with the con seriousness
Of having discharged my duty to the beS,
Of my ability, locking TO Nirginia'a ae-
.anceBieut with longing rye, and trus-
| ting with the most periee, reliance 10 you
and to my successor, 10 protect her inter
csis, guard her sights and her honor and
| pe'peluate her ianc.
Ueeembog 3, 1853. Jos. JOHNSON.