Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1856-10-10
Dissolution Of the Union.

We wished to avoid saying single word on thi.
subject We will not discuss it. The necessity foi
doing may not-we believe will not soon--w,
trust never, in our dav, willarse. Ii certainly has
not yet arisen. But the theme has been thrust
upon the public from influential quarters to call
perhaps for few words from us. Why say that in
our devotion to the honor rights and interests OF
Virginia, we yield to none? What is il but to say
that we love most Of all that which is dearest to us
that where our treasures are, there is heart!
For IN the fate OF Virginia is involved for veal OF
for woe fate and that of friends; and in the
preservation of her honor, rights and interests,
and theirs When these shall be indeed assaulted
and other evidence than words be needed of our loy
atty, We do not fear that shall be found behind
those who more impatiently and continually are pro-
testing their iealty, and prematurely, think
are (Seen of all mem furnishing up their arpor.
In our view, that honor, those rights and inter
ests not only do not require a discussion in advance
OF apprehended assaults either, but such IA dis
cussion Is in our opinion more calculated to invite
than to avert them Still less these consulted by
threats of what will do If the occasion shall arise
We hope we would not be back ward to resent an al
front in proper case; but we have never been adj
mrers of the chivalry that procaims a thrashing to
whomsoeyer shall knock a chip off heads put
there as a defiance. or the hat which we have the
right to wear without offence to any.
IL Is because we think proper regard to the in
terests OF the whole country and TO the character.
as well as the interests, of the South, recommends
abstinence from the present entertainment of the
question of observation-disclosures we think we thus
best consult our present duty loyal citizens of Viz
GINA aud the UnIon-lnd not because we adopt or
agree with the hasty and pernicious views put forth
in the quarters referred to, looking to or recon.
mending present measures preparatory to a dssolu-
ton OF the Union, that we have waived, and expect
10 continue to waive, premature, unwise and un-
seasonable discussion Of this topic We have never
been backward TO repsl aud denouuce assaults from
parties 1r from individuals, whoever and wherever
they might be, aimed at the rights Of the Southern
States, their people their institutions By those
rights, that people, and those institutions we stand
or fall But the government Of the Union has never
yet seriously assailed them. il has performed in
the main, its duty to them upholding and defending
them according TO the Constitution # is aou in
the liue Of its duty While it shall continue to dis
charge it, duty faithfully by Us, no party, no man.
or set Of men, shall drive vs. from performing our
duty faithfully to it-sha deprive Us of our interest
IN Is strength and it, glory our right to demand
from II, II necessary, the protection Of its whole
power against all aggression from within or from
without
That Government is Government. and we he.
leve IN its power and It's will to control any party
or any nan,-to punish any man or set Of men tina,
shall dare attempt 10 assa the rights or Just equality
OF any Of the States any Of the people Of any State
There Is meme so high strong that we have not
given IN the Government the power to put down. II
need be, and TO punish. We claim and have conf
dence Il the occasion arises in the exertion Of that
power-thc whole power Of the Government Of IN q
United States 70 whom II conflict for the very
purpose,-to prevent the injustice or to crush the
treason. Is It wise or proper-have We the right in.
deed to reclaim the power we spontaneously and
eolemny gave that Government, by the same autho
rity "a convention OF the people Of the StateJ OF
which the les. and limited powers Of the Stat
Government also rests, before there has been refl
sal or incompetency b exert it-befJre q case ha
arisen for ~ exercisey
The election Of Fremont might result in presen
log the case The hatred and avowed hostility O
many Of hIs supporters TO the whole people Of th
Scutl, j. ful Of dangers TO the preservation Of tn
UniOn. should their spirit animate his counsels-