Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1858-02-17
From the Richmond Wing.
Hon, Henry Winter Davis.

Hon. Henry winter DAVIS.
We cheertully give place to the following man
ly letter, written 10y Hon Henry Winter Davis
in reply tothe protest of the minority OF thu
Washington Society of the University of Va.
against the action of that Society in resembling
the invitation extended TO him, 10y joint com
mittee.) to address the literary societies of thu
University:
HALL OF REPRESENTATIVES.
ntlemen-A series of pressing engagement
have till COW prevented my response TO your Ia
vor of Goth ut. avail myself of my carries
leisure moment to express 10 ynu my apprecla
ton of the kind consideration which prompted 1t
1t conveys TO me the pleasing assurance tina
the high sense of courtesy which pervaded tina
generation of students of the University witt
whom it is my pride and pleasure to have beef
associated is not extinct in our successors; bu
that-wnaeyer the prevailing tone may be-
there are not few whose elevation OF mind en-
titles them TO aspire to the highest OF the hlsl
places, which so many Of the companions OF my
college life now fill and adorn.
| 1t was cot in my day supposed that the din
political strife could ever invade the republic O
letters, or that its neutrality would be compro
missed by courtesies TO either cOmbatant. NJ
one ever dreamed that political and sectiona
considerations could outlaw its citizens, or thai
within its sacred precincts any one was entitled
| to ask the creed or country Of any conner. IL
hold the same views about the republic had FROM
classic days been link OF friendship among
statesmen but different views about the repub
lie were never causes of exclusion from the nall.
of science and letters. 1t remained for gentle
men of the University in this day to win title
to the glory of Marius-Primus Tile eremptum
prescriptions lugenit. The correctness Or in
correctness of my political opinions is of small
moment to any one; but that the University
which Jefferson dedicated to freedom ol thought
should refuse to tolerate in one OF its alumni the
frnts OF that freedom which he learned under
its auspices, is of deplorable significance. 1t is
gentlemen, of sinister import that intolerance OF
political opinion even in this free republic has 81
perverted the generous Impulses of youth. It's
one of the signs of the times, that tue intensity
of political inflammation which has so long
fiercey burned in the minds OF public men has
caught the youth of the land and burst forth even
amid the studiouS calm ol University lie. Such
fever in youth portends madness in manhood
1t is temper alien to the genius OF our republic
whose lite is freedom of thought freely spoken-
u temper which tends to civil strife, the shock OF
extremes. sotlened BY no conciliatory counSels,
the tyrannica domination of local najort;es IL
the determination OF every protest, and the col
ision of those maiorities in arms when the kind
" memories OF the past ale only little more
obhterated by injurious recrimnatlunS.
They who now refuse 10 hear literary Grafton
from one they thought worthy 10 be their guest,
merely because of his political opinions, eau
hardly be expected hereafter TO meet, with calm
ness aud candor, political opponents in debate
We should rather expect them to break the
benches of the forum into weapons for the de-
cision of the controversy. We should not be
surprised if from their midst, a Clodius should
arise who will tear down the house of Cicero,
and dedicate its site to liberty. The prevalence
of such spirit in the public councils and among
the body OF the people, indicates the approach
Of that period in the cycle Of our history when
the Voice which pleads for the country will he
released by the clash OF factions between which
the patriot can pass no other judgement than de-
teriOrem fore 9uiSquiS CicisSet. IL is unspeaka
bly gratifying To find that amid the explosions al
these dangerous passions so many gentlemen,
from so many States, still cherish the free liberal
spirit of the Republic which Washington found
ed, and which must soon descend to you to be
preserved or to be destroyed.
lhe conduct Whlch you 80 justly uisapP'o'e
has occasioned me- gentlemen, no modification
that belongs elSewhere-but great sorrow. !
knew that the fathers had eaten sour grapes
had TO learn that the children's teeth We're set
on edge; but | confidently trust that such senti-
ments as You entertain, in common with the Co
Iumbia Society, pervadng large minority, viii
bring forth fruit nuhly in honor to You and in
blessing to our common country.
| remain, very truly,
Your fellow-citzen,
HENRY WINTER DAVIS.
Messrs. John p Fitzgerald, A. b. Cochran,