Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-11-03

,..n Union. against tie ALMOST ul.Ieu pIuice'otipuS VI
ths Virginia Democracy, Mr.. Hunter might vote lot
lne meusure, and consistently refer Z" h5 letter, 10
nrove his pledge TO support Mr.. Buchanan when
fright" Or, if MIR. Buchanan should
the ACQUISITION of CUBA, ard "nsEh fenthS' OF The De-
nnocracv agreed 10 the measure, Mr.. Hunter might
vote against il, and, with no less consistency, point 10
his promise 20 oppose Mr.. Buchanan when "rroag.'
VERBUH SAT.
For the En7u,rsr.
THE SENATORIAL ELECTION.
Messrs. Ed~ito.s:-Havipg always entertained the
highest admiration OF the profound ststsemanship
and lofty bearing OF Senator Hunter, l have read
With the best attention it was in my power 10 com
mand, and with tbs highest degree OF interest, bis
recent letter to the Hon. NJ. L5ake. In It's reading,
| have rndeavored 10 divest myself OF every preju-
dice against him, if, indeed, I ever entertained any,
(which know | have not and the productions IN
his favor which | have always entertained, and have
concluded from this careful ard impartial perueal Oft,
that il there were any doubts before oi the Necessity
Of the iuterrogatories you have put to him, this let.
Ter ought to remove them; and, indeed, We think, 50
far from his letter to Dir. Le8ke giving satisfaction 10
the friends Of the Administration in Virginia, it has
created the necessity for further explanations but ne
are a, the same time willing to admit that there is a
degree Of plsusbiIity in his reasons for not respond.
ing 10 the enquirer" So he thinks the culls made
upon him by that paper were accompanied with
threats or what were so considrred," or upon his pre-
sumea responsibility for certain newspaper edlto,
.ilb IA u nuClSOl Z >SNFSc eS Netiet V'f
no doubt il the minds of a great many admit OF a
doubt, but they were no doubt satisfactory ~ Ills
own mind, and we can readily excuse a gentleman Of
the ci.ivalrous bearing OF Senator Hunter for n seem
irg punctiliousness, when "aoror's at stuke."
The Democratic party ot Virginia would have been
highly graf lied at bearing from Mr.. Hunters own
mouth that Certain newspaper editorials which were
presumed to e1crees his sentiments were uCauthor.
lied, Il he had not, so Far s., hs has made hls senti.
ments known, 30 nearly agreed with them.
liam r. NC IN IDderafand tht following OuufnfiOu
FROM Mr.. Hunters letter: TO fulfil then the condi-
tions Of. this argument, II WA ali important that there
should be no interference gu the part ot the general
government, either through TIA legislative or e1 ecu
five influence. Any such Influence was calculated
20 ci.satisiy tho one section or III. other. Under such
circumstances it waa, in my opinion, Improper TOR The
highes, executive officer in the territory, the Govern
or Of Kansas, to a.. empt 10 influence the decision OF
the people Of that territory upon this question Of!
slavery. Sach an interference on the part of any
branch OF the federal government, was inconsistent
with the principles Of the kansas-Nebraska act
Neither do | recognise his authority to declare, that
it they tthe Conventionl do not appoint a fair aud
impartial mode, &C.
Does Mr.. Hunter mean by this to be- understood 10
say, that this supposed interference Of Mr.. Walker.
and which he so much condemns, was a /" Federal
Executive" act1 If 60, then. whatever Of federal
fuuclion Mr.. Walker possessed, WAS derived from the
President, and his argument amounts to a direct ar.
raigumeut Of MIR. Buchanan. Does MIR. Hunter
mean to contend, that Mr.. Walker is a purely Fede.
raj Executive officer, with no discretionary powers
as Territorial Governor rs a complete automaton in
the hands Of the Federal Executive, whose functions
are limited to acting in q Federal c~spacity7 If 90,
then the principles of the Kaueas- Nebraska act, as
explained by Mr.. Hunter, have been violated, and he
should attach blame both to Mr.. Buchanan. for this
violation, and also TO Mr.. Walker, for having allowed
bimaelf 10 be made IN instrument for such violation.
But if we regard Mr.. Walker ne a Territorial Go.
vernon, whose functions are somewhat territorial,
who ought TO fee! a congenielity and community OF
interest with tie people of the Territory, whoee po!iti'
cal principles naturally assimilated with the most con-
~servative national men in the Territory land no one
who could not entertain those feelings and principles
would be a competent Governor of Inc Territory j
and to whom, from this, aud hs domicil:ation in the
Territory euures the right of u free conference with
the people of the Territory as ~ their mutual interest,
then neither Mr.. Buchanan or Mr.. Walker are CEN
surable, neither having i%n!erfered in the capacity Of
Federal Executive" in the internal affairs OF the
Territory, Mr.. Mtlker, rs Territorial Governor,
being competent 20 do what Mr.. Buchanan, as a
purely Federal Executive, could not do without vi0-
iatiDe the principles OF the Kansns.N Nebraska act, as
explained by Mr.. Hunter; and MIR. Hunter and the
whole South ought 10 be satisfied with cir. Walker
in his cooperation with such true Southern inen as
Whitfield, Stringfelow, Wuodson, Elnore and DOM
phan; and should feel endeared to MIR. Buchanan for
appointing a man with the anticedents of Mr.. Walk.
or; and who, since his appointment, has stood on the
saine platform with these true Southern spirits.
Either one or the other Of tho above explanations
must 6ppIg U ING prov lnCe Vi Ihr. w EIker. 10 accept
either Of them, We are at n loss 10 zee hov MIR.
Hunter can attach blame exclusively 10 Mr.. Walker,
10 accept The former, we can readily conceive how
MIR. Hunter might attach blans 10 Mr. Buchanani
as according TO this Mr. Buchanan has violated the
PRINCIPLES of th- Kansas Nebraska bill, as explained
by himself through Mr.. Walker. II the interference
of Mr.. Walker was federal, why, rs a matter OF
course. deriving his powers from, aud being hinena.
BILE TO MIR. Buchanan, Mr.. Walker cannot bn blamed
without also attaching blame to Mr. buchanan for
continuing him in office; or, NJ lenst, the same blame
ought TO attach to MIR. Buchanan for conniviGg az, a.
10 Mr.. Walker for committing the offence.
To uc"spt the latter explanation and admit that Mr..
Walkers functions were both territorial aud federal,
and that rs territorial Governor he has the right 10
co operate with the citizens Of the territory in secu-
ring what they conceive TO be the best interest OF the
country. and not purely q federal office holder, put
there 10 exercise L species of espionage over them,
and no blame can attack 10 either OF these fuuclions-
rice.
As 10 ;;s being no: only the right, but the duty OF
q Governor OF q territory 10 give his countenance
and support TO such measures as he deems conducive
10 it's best interests, it seems 10 US admits Of no doubt;
and if he believes il to be the just right of the people
10 reject or accept n Constitution formed for their
government, hs should not be blamed for endesvor.
ing 10 eruure this right for them.
"a 10 the ''abstrac' ~proprie'y OF the particular re.
commentators of Gov. Walker Senator Hunter
says: Il do not feel called upon 10 speak" He Gays
further: As to which course would conduct most ~
their peace and a iair settlement OF The question, |
oboulN lCAuh u coz ~ Lie ~
stale of affrirs in that territory 10 e;Sbe me TO de.
eide" Mr.. Walker ard his co.laborers, Whitfield.
more, &C, from their residence there, have this greater
knowledge OF The actual state Of affairs in that terri
tory, and consequently are better judges according 10 |
Mr.. Hunters own admission.
Mr.. Hunter saye further, But should he tMr. Blu.
chanan) differ with lie upon these matters, tMr.
Wslker's course) | do not s-a Low any practical i.
ere can srise between him ana thoss OF his friends
who entertain other opinions in regard to Governor
Walkers course" Now the writer can See how ors
practical Issue" may arise between Mr.. Hunter and
Mr. Buchanan, when Mr. Walkers name Is brought
for conhrmaf:on by the Senate, and it is very
probable "ther ''pra ,ticai Issues" may arise.
Upon this question Of conf the Democrats
Of Virginia would like to know whether Mr.. Hunter
intends TO forgive Mr.. Walker for what liz conceives
TO De his mt administration, and vote for his con-
6rmation-and as Mr. Hunters letter contains al
awful tquinrng tow, IDS q conder nation Of Mr. Blu.
chsnar. az We have already explained, they would.
no DOUBT, ike 10 know whether hs approves OF the
general policy of Mr.. Buchansn's Administration, so
far as il has already been developed. They would, no
doubt, like alec to be- informed whether or NOT, in the
present state OF his mind. he can cordially cooperate
with the National Democratic party, as organized in
the last Presidential election with whatever develop.
made. In this latter We know the Democrats OF Vir.
sinia ieel a deep and absorbing interest, as they will
-ecoil from the idea OF severing their party relations
with Douglas. Dickinson, Bright and c;he, National
OF the North, SO long as they occupy the
rational State Rights grounds they have heretofore
Those men Who have stood up to Us in the