Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1855-03-28
HAhlrAr c. H March 22nd. 1855.

HAhIFAY C. H March 22nd. 1855.
Messrs Andrew e. Kennedy, George ID. Gray
and josiah Dabbs;
I Gentemen-l have just received your letter Of
the l4th, informing me of my nomination by Ihs
Convention at Winchester, for line oifice OF Sow
efnor Of this State, and requesting my accep-
lance.
Ii was well known TO all wbo communicated
with me upon the subject thar for reasans entire<
| ly personal to myself, had no desire 10 occupy
such position. As lar as it is above any merit
which possess, and as worthy as il is olihe am
billion OF any man, was unwilling 10 have my
attention Withdrawn from the qniet pursuits Of
private life. and earnestly hoped that the Conven-
ton would have selected some ere more suitable
in every respect than myself 10 represent tee A
merican party. But my entire confidence in, an
earnest desire for. the success OF the principles Of
that party. upon which. in my humble judgment,
depend the protection Of The rights of the States,
and the preservation of the Union, induce me 10
accept the nomibalion.
10 doing So, it is proper that shall express my
opinions upon The subjects which MIST interest
the people of the State.
am in favor Of a general system Unpopular cd
ucation.
am in favor of completing the leading lines Of
internal improvement, now under prosecution,
with as much dispatch as the financial condition
OF the State will justify. keeping always in view
the preservation of her faith and credit.
endorse fully the Basis Of Principles Of the
American party. believing them TO be The most
conservative presented 10 the consideration Of the
country since the establishment Of our indepen-
dence.
The rapid increase of Foreign immigration, is
well calculated 10 excite alarm, and the power Of
the Government both State and Federal, should
be exeried To check il. Ii seems almost impossi-
BILE to doubt that the influx Of between four and
five hundred thousand Foreigners into our coun-
try annually, will ultimately be subyersye Of
our Republican institutions. Washington, JEFF
ferson. Madison and jackson gave early W arnipg
TO the country Of the danger 10 be apprehended
from foreign influence. The naturalization laws
should either he repealed or 50 modified and such
restrictions imposed as 10 avert the evil.
II may be said that there are comparatively but
few Foreigners and Roman Catholics in Virginia.
She is not acting for herself alone. Size is lea
ding member Ut this great Sis-rhood of States,
and her actiOs will be felt for veal or woe, by
them all. Her destiny is identified with theirs,
and she cannot look with Indifference 10 the fact,
that tie great valley of the Mississippi, watered
The Immense and fertile Territories, stretching
b yond to the Pacific capable Of sustaining a
popul,tiou of one hundred millions. are rapidly
filling up with this class OF people.
will advert particularly 10 one other princi-
pie Of The American parly-lhe mon Intervention
oi The Federal and State government with tho
niunIcipal Affairs Of each other" The strict OBJ
srrvauce Of this principle VIII make the union Of
he States perpetual.
The Sauih is especially and deeply interested
IN this question this immense and annual addl- +
lion TO Cnr population settle in The Hon-slayehoId
ing States and ihe extensive TERRITORIES OF the
West aHd North West oui Of which Free States
will, in consequence. be nDrs speedily formed. in
crsasng with fearful rapidiiy the balance q pow
err against VS..
Intimately connected with this question of for
eign immigration. is the growth of the Roman
Catholic Church in our country. Despotic. pro-
scrpye and inioleran. It's s.cendancy SIS all his
tory teaches has ever been destructive OF freedom
Of opinion and while would uncomp romisngly
oppose any in; er,rrence with the rights Of lis
m-nbers as cltiz-us, by any legislative enact
ment yet by full and independent exercise Of
the riohl OF suffrage and the appointing power
they Should re excluded from the offices OF the
Government in ali lis departments
shall not have II ~ mj power TO meet The
people Of the STATE and discuss these questions
with them face 10 face. IL is about sixty
days To The election and if were to devote every
day to the CANVASS. should not bs able to visit
much mere han one third q. the counties. An
additional. and with lie an important reason, is,
that shall be fully occupied in preparation for,
and attendance upon The Courts in which prsc-
iice. until the election shall have passed.
If. with these opinions and this position. the
people of Virginia shall elect me to the disin-
gnished Office of Governor Of Inc Commonwealth,
| Will discharge its duties with fidelity and what
sbity possess. ! will endeavor To advance the
PR speriiy, guard The honor and project The inter
ests ard institutions of Virginia. by all the power
vested in me- and shall do all that | can consis-
tent with her interest aud honor for the prsserya-
ton OF the Union.
Very respectfully. your obedient serv't.
THOMAS :. FLOURNOY.