The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-01-17
THE VIRGINIA RESOLVES.

We published on Friday in connection with the
letter of Governor Wise to the Tammany Committee,
the resolutions of tho of the democratic
bers of the Virginia Legislature in favor of tho prompt
and unconditional admission of Kansas into the
Union under the Lecompton constitution These
resolutions have been almost unanimously adopted
by both branches Of the Virginia legislature and the
voice of the Old Dominion on this subject has thus
been heard in tones Of no doubtful character 1t is
nothing new for the good mother of States thus to
render important service to the national democracy
and the federal Union. Her political course has
been steadfast and straightforward from the begin
ming, and never been seriously interrupted either
by her regard for distinguished merit in her sons
by the force of any circumstances whatever Quick
to see the right and fearless to pursue it, neither fed
eralism, nor know-nothingism, nor Topekasm, nor
any other ism, either ancient modern, has been
able to secure her confidence and control her action
Her record is bright with examples not only Of de-
votion to sound principles, but of resistance to I'M
sound ones, even when the latter presented to
her in the most cunning DISCUSSES, and by men whom
she had long been accustomed to trust and honor
Our readers will easily recur in their memories to
what certainty the vote Of Virginia has long been
expected for the presidential candidate of the
democracy no matter who might be the can
didate on tho other side, or what personal
claims to her regard might be urged in his
behalf All this is matter Of accident, but indi-
Gates fixed belief in established principles, and a
frequent recurrence to these principles test of
conduct Nothing else but such guidance of prin-
ciple can save either individuals or States from
ratio movements and dangerous errors It is thus
that the democratic party has preserved its organi-
cation, and been able TO secure 80 constantly the
confidence of the people Men have deserted it
from time to time--men who called themselves its
leaders even-and have sought to carry the party
with them but the glorious organization was
never broken, and the great body of the de-
mocracy moved calmly on in it's accustomed way,
leaving those who had deserted it to wonder at
their utter impotency to control it's movements
Other assertions may hereafter but it is pleas
ant to feel assured that they produce no perna
nent injury to the democratic cause and no serious
disruption Of the democratic organization. We will
not anticipate them, however at this time, when 80
many circumstance combine to make the democratic
party strong, and when scarcely any patriotic mo-
tive can exist for opposing it. just emerged from
a great contest, in which the Of its princi-
pies has saved the Union from destruction and with
an administration to represent it whose only aim ii
is to consolidate that success, and give efficacy to
those principles we look to it increase in favor
with the American people, and in strength to win
new victories hereafter. On tho subject Of Kansas,
however differences of opinion may exist concern
ing abstract points Of discussion or upon what
would have been wise or unwise in the Lecompton
convention cannot persuade ourselves that there
will be any doubt at last among patriotic men as to
the practical question Of promptly admitting Kansas
into the Union under the Lecompton constitution and
thus putting end to the long and sickenng drama
of agitation and folly and violence which, for two
years has been enacted in that unhappy Territory
and which interested men will gladly continue az long
as they can secure an audience to applaud II, aad
good pay for their labor and efforts in its repre-
sentation, -t ia s.setaa
This prompt admission of the State is the sure
and complete and obvious remedy for all the Kansas
difficulties, This is the remedy proposed in the
Virginia resolutions and IT, we believe, the vote
was fairly conducted, on the 2st Of December and
the 4th of January, we repeat that we can see
good reason why the remedy should not be applied
and the difficulty at once and forever healed.