Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-06-23

The Richmond Enquirer on tn. south
ern UItras and DiSunIOnIsis.
Our reference to a suppositious case of
disunon can be easily repeated. We do
say, that if tho Gulf States shall be induced
70 secede from the Union, for the sole pur-
pose of re-openihg the African slave trade,
Virginia may we'll hesitate before entering
into q Southern Confederate on under such
a condition. The suppression Of that infa-
nous traffic is part Of the governmental
policy, to which the people Of Virginia have
consistently adhered since the formation Of
the Union. When Mr. John \. Mason, our
present able representative at the Court Of!
France, placed his name, together with the
names Of Jane, Buchanan aud Pierre SouIe,
10 the solemn protest against the slave trade,
he gave faithful exposition Of Virginia SENT
ment. |! was the act OF true Virginia
statesman not less than Of an astute dlpIC-
matist acting in the namo Of the whole Con-
federation.
If then, n remuneration Of policy and prin-
ciple is to be made the condition OF a Southern
Confederation, we repeat, that We may well
hesitate before we give sanction tp revolt
ton Of ouc domestic institutious-and, on
the other hand if the N0rthera States Of
the Upion should otfer-not "Blick Re
publican Confederation"--hu terms of cou-
federation on the basis Of State equality,
guaranteeing to US the independent control CT
our own institutions, ard thus enabling Us
TO preserve in tact the institution OF slave
ry as II now eX ists 10 our midst--sCch au
offer, made 10 good faith, would undoubt-
edlg he entitled TO a mature and deliberate
consideration; and would be accepted or re-
jected purely for the sake of the bes; inter
ests Of Virginia and without reference 10 sec
tional prcjudiccs.
This indisputable view Of the matter we
found i; necessary to express, IN order to
administer a fitting rcbuke TO few lDdI-
viluns III tho South, who affect TO regard
virginia as q mere colonial dependency OF
TX ing Cottou;" and the people OF Virginia,
as bound soul and body, in obedience TO any
liue Of conduct which may DO dictated by
cur mere Southern associates, however de-
structivc such course may DO to our inter.
ests, or however repugnant to our long cher
ished sentiments. We are happy TO see that
our neighbor, "rhe SOUTH has, at length
found occasion to turn its own batteries
against tho insuferabe arrogance Of this
superciious clique.
BY precedcnt aud position, the course Of
this Commonwealth is definitely mapEed
out. She will adhere to the Union with un-
faltering loyalty. The bond Of affection
which binds her to the Siutb, binds her TO
the North. In the reciprocity of common
benefits ard social connections, sic owes q
duty alike to Pennsylvania aud louisiana.
Neither the similarity Of domestic iuS,itu-
tiJns, nor the community Of revolutionary
memories, on the one part or on the 9TH
er, will be allowed TO impair this bond OF
equal brotherhood. Whenever an irrerara-
bic wrong shall sever this bond, O just re-
sentiment against the wrong docr, Ii heart
Ieit sympathy with the ID uTed party, and
due regard TO her own great mora! mud
material interests, will determine the ultl-
mate course Of Virginia. Whatever new
connection she may then fern, by virtue of
Der position as al independent State, no
party and no section can righltully tax nor
with the betrayal oi common cause."-
SIe has never assumed the position OF sec
tiJnal partisan. When she makes common
cause with the North or with the South, It Is
purely for the sake Of justice and equality;
and the cause is always ended, whenever
these ends are attained.
This is fair expression Of the sentiment
of the people Of Firginia.--Rich Eng.