Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1858-06-25
PUBLISHED ALLY AND TRG-WEEKLY BY
EDGAR SSOWDkS.
ALEXANDRIA,:
The Richmond Euqulrer discusses "tbe
FRIDAY MORNING, JUNE %, 1858.

FRIDAY MORNING JUNE Is, 1858.
The Richmond Enquirer discusses the
problem of the free negroes, and Its proposed
solutions" The scheme Of driving the free
cofored population ont Of the State 1t con-
dennis, as every way insxpedient and imprac-
ticable-and admits that "!he objections to 1t
are fatal" With regard to the other plan of
reducing the free negroes to slavery, 1t &C
knowledges that, not feeling at liberty to
ignore responsibility as accountable and
moral agents, it cannot even at the hazard
of being esteemed scky septimentalists, shut
its eyes to those troublesome little ahstrac-
tions, Justice and mercy, which seem to be
standing in the way Of this consum nation.
/, then takes up the only other scheme pre-
posed-that of the Colonization Society
aud conclusively vindicates it from toe pre-
iudices sought to be excited against 1t by
misrepresentation of its origin its history
its design, aud its eff cts. IL shows that
this plan originated with Mr.. Jefferson, and
that it is bat response to the repeated
demands of the General Assembly of Nir-
GINA 10 1900, 1902, lo04, and lSlO--that
the General Assemblies OF 1873, '2o, IS,
10, and 81, re-afirmed its pollcy--that cur
whole State policy from 1900 to 1858 is IN
it's favor; and that Presidents Jefferson, Madi-
son, Monroe, and Tyler. with Governors
Page, Peasants, Preston. Gilmer, Floyd,
Mcdowell, Smith, johnson, and Wise, with
many other distinguished Virginiaus, inelu'
ding Chief Justice Marshall, have recorded
their high appreciation ofSits design and
operations. 1t may be stated, too, that amidst
all the changes of men and times, and through
all the excitements and mutations OF party,
the Colonization Society has adhered strictly
and exclusively to the original feature OF It's
constitu ton, Excluding from its purposes ell
schemes and suggestions Of emancipation or
interference with slavery the removal Of
free people of color, with their own consent;
and, that it is, 10 fact, eminent!y conservative,
as well as philantbropic, and specially wor-
thy of the confidence and appreciation of the
Southern people-who have, in truth, been
it's best friends and advocates.
The Richmond Wing has opened its heavy
batteries upon Mr. Letcber, likely to be the
Democratic candidate for Governor Of the
State, and to be elected, according to the
Richmond South, by $4,000 Democratic ma
jority. 1t seems that in 1871, Rev. Mr..
Ruffner delivered an address at Lexington,
Va, before the Franklin Society of that place,
advocating the removal of the negro popua-
ton from Western Virginia. This address
contained sentiments, which, a. this day,
would be considered as looking very "Aboii-
ton" like, speaking of slavery as ap'o9"e,
&C., &c. After the delivery OF this address,,
which is said to have been an able one, let
ter was addressed to Mr.. Rrtfner, signed by
Mr.. Letcher, S. McD Moore, aud other
prominent gentlemen Of the place, asking
for it's publication, and stating that it's views
were "forcibc and Ananswerable," and "pre-
sented 10 shape which could give 10 just
cause of offence" &c. 1t is for making this
request, in these terms. that objection is
urged against Mr.. Letcher. The sentiments
of Mr.. RufFner, however, were, it is likely,
not dissimilar to those expressed by many
gentleman, since high in office, and honored
by the Democratic party, IN the Virginia
Legislature, in the famous emancipation
debate, soon after the Southampton ahair.--
Geo. w. Summers, one Of the truest ana
ablest of the statesmen IF Virginia. 1t will
be recollected, was arraigned on this score
by the Democratic party, 10 his contest win
Gov. Johnson. and lost hundreds OF votes IN
Eastern Virginia in consequence thereof
though it is quite probable bis competitor
held precisely the same sentiments he HAD
avowed, if be did not go beyond them. We
shall see. however, what course vii! be taken
on the present occasion. 10 the meantime
We at once say, that other gentlemen beSid's
Mr.. Letcher, who have been Hpoken q as
Democratic candidates for the goVernorshlP'
will be found to have uttered sentiments Oh
this subject, which will not come up to the
standard req uired at shis day by the party
leaders. As we said of Geo. w. Summers, so
do we not hesitate TO say Of Mr.. La;cher,
that we would have no fear of his being
false to his State or its interests, 10 regard
to the Slavery question. Tue Inconsistency
and improperly of the managers OF the Dem,
ocratic party. in os,racising some men Tor
views and opinions, which they excuse land
even reward and honor in other men, is
quite different matter, and renders them
Justly liable to censn-e.
The Richmond South announces that tine
ENQUIRER and South may concur rs to the
necessity of maintaining the integrity OF the
Democratic party in the Northwest, but it is
very unlikely that these journals will agree
upon the conditions of adjustment. between
the hostile factions" If the alliance" can