Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1858-01-05
nm RIrHM0ND ENQUIRER.
nv Richie g. DUNNAvANT.

THE RICHMOND ENQUIRER.
nv RITCHIE g. DUNNASAHi.
TUEsDAY MORNINH, JANUARY d
RESOLUTIONS IN THE LEGISLATURE RELATIVE
wa oo,,,onopp pauI.pINd'S ARREST OF GEN
ERAL WALKER.
u ,;, bs .sen from the proceedings Of the Legsla.
,ure Yesterday, that resolution strongly con-
aamnatorv Of the conduct Of Commodore Paulding-
- hi. arrest of General Walker was offered in the
Sanats. by Mr. Old Of Powhatan, and another OF the
. .s6a character in the House, by Mr.. kemper, OF
Madison. We commend this opportuue action, inde
nandent spir and fearless expression of opinion on
the part of these gentlemen. We also commend
them not less Tor what they have said, than for tho
pfomptness and emphasis with which they said 1t.
II is demanded as we'll by regard for our own ma
tional character. as by the comfy between separate
powers and the dictates Of fairness and duty that the
government Of the United States should discounte-
nance, and, by all legitimate means Illustrate, 1t pos
sble every effort the part of American citizens to
invade the territories of other nations for the purpose
Of overthrowing their institutions But It IL ALEC De
manded by the genius of republicanism, by our own
good faith in the legitimacy and utility OF the govern
ment which boast, by the spirit OF liberty whioh
snmates our peopeby the interests, not only OF the
South but Of the Union also, and by thoss
laws of nature which the hand of men cannot stay
that no other restraint should be imposed upon
the expansvenees Of institutions by the Govern
mept than an active vigilance for the prevention OF I'll
bustering expeditions, either in detecting and dsof
eanispg them before they set salrom our Shores or
in.srceptiue them within the waters over which
our jurisdiction may extend. Commodore Paulding
has done neither the one nor the other. He has
made the American dag the symbol Of sovereignty in
NICARAGUA. He has entered upon the territory OF
foreign power and arrested men who were as indie
pendent of bis authority as they were free from all
claim to his protection. He has assumed grave re-
possibility and subjected himself to severity OF con-
demnation from the people, which, If manifested by the
Administration also, WILL doubtless, lead TO close
scrutiny of all the circumstances that surrounded
him, and It may be to result by which captains
and commodores in the American Navy may be
taught that it 10 one thing to exercise the sway OF
sovereign on the quarterback, and quite another
thing to usurp the authority Of interfering in foreign
wars.
Had General Walker been arrested under those in
tructions of the President which were issued tor the
purpose of preventing his invasion OF Nicaragua the
officer discharging that duty would have been emit
tied 10 the Communications Of bis government. And
he who has gone beyond his authority, and renedied
AN evil which could not be prevented, by an outrage
doubly dsplorsble seems to US, to deserve the re-
proof of an Administration which must otherwise be
embarrassed by his unauthorized and unwarrantable
Dspl N
prompted by his own sense Of propriety and duty
But he mistook the end and was also unmindul OF
the means. He seems to have been oblivious of the
fact, that the Administration expressed desire only
that the expedition should not be allowed to proceed
against Nicaragua from our ports. There was no
mention of any disposition to interfere after it had
eluded the vigilance of officers and landed in an
other country. Naval officers, in command either Of
a single ship or squadron have it in their power to
embarrass the government, at any moment, by
an abuse of their authority. From the neoe''
sity of the case, it mus. be 30; and, there
fore. they should be obliged to act with
rigid regard for the instructions they re
ceiye. There are sometimes circumstances, it 10
true. rendering it impossible for them to avoid as
Stunning responsibility. And, as they are generally
gentlemen of judgment and intelligence, 1t 10 not
often that in such emergencies, they are not honored
with the appreciation of the government. But IN the
present instance, far as we are advised, the ex
trsmity of the circumstances can be urged with little
force. 10 justification OF the Comnodore's COURSE
We do not mean to impugn his motives, for we be-
leve him to have acted az he thought beat, nor do we
dssrs 10 see him removed from the service, but
Commodore Paulding deserves-to say the least-a
tha Arotpi afr
INAUGURATION OF WASHIN0TON's STATUE ON
THE TwENTY.sECoND OF FEBRUARY.
We are pleased to observe that timely action has
been taken in the Senate and House Of Delegates,
with reference to arrangements for the inauguration
OF Washington's equestrian statue on the 22d Of
February next.
The occasion will, indeed, be august and interest
ing. When the eloquent image of "the Father OF his
Country" is unveiled to the eager gaze OF the i'm.
mense multitude which will doubtless be assembled
all that appeals to the gratitude and patriotism and
pride Of the American people, through our colonial and
revolutionary history, will arise in the memory OF every
man, woman and child present. WAsHlsoroS on his
wsrhorse will be before them. The past, the present
and the future of our free and happy country will
each be brought up 10 the ''mind's eye." "The
times that tried mems souls" will be recoeced with
thrill of manly PRIDE while difficulties that now en-
eumber the country will be sadly suggestive Of those
through which We then passed. The retrospect and
the prospect will be witnessed at once-the one pre-
ssnting sublime spectacle of the triumph OF truth
and Justice over oppression, and at sacrifices that
should be warning to those who would now madly
destroy the prize then won-the other revealing
signs in the skies OF fearful significance, and remind
ing us to guard against the impending dangers.
That tens of thousands Of persons will be called TO-
ge,her cannot be doubted; and ample arrangements
should be made not only for their accommoda'
ton and comfort, but for their entertainment, on
scale commemorate with the occasion, and with the
high official position Of many of the distinguished
guests, who are expected to be present.
CHESAPEAKE FEMALE COLLEGE.
Being in the vicinsge Of this institution few days
ago. we made visit to it, and were quite astonshed
a, the extent and conmodiousness Of the building
lis not yet entirely finished but when completed, II
will be one of the most beautiful, as it is already one
OF the NEST commanding edifces in Tde.Water Vr-
ginia 1t has been recently opened under favorable
auspices with a corps of competent professors and
tutors, and promising number of pupils. The Col
lsge is charmingy located on Hampton Roads. The
view from il across the water IL enchantinR. Inc
whole building will soon be lighted with gas, and
wharf will be built almost within stones throw Of
the main entrance To add to the attractions Of this
institution the terms Of tuition are far below what
might be reasonably expected from the advantages it
offers
A MERITED COMPLIMENT.
The numerous friends Of +. j. Cridland, Esq, in
this city and in Norfolk, will doubtless be gratied to
e.rn-as we are to annouuce-that no has, without
application, been honored by Lord Clarendon with
the formal appointment Of vice.consul. Mr.. e. has,
,bod 70 he Pr;t;.