Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1859-04-12
MR. SCARS address.

from Mr.. Joseph Segar to his constituents. ~
vn, be coon that Mr.. S. eschews party poiiucS'
o.a nuo.on,s himself as an i" internal improve
ment candidate:
RosELASp. April 6, 1859.
c.,t,emcn-Your letter of the 9th ult., in
which Won "urge me to consent again 10 repre-,
sent this legislative district in the House OF
Delegates" is before me. =
In rcnly. have to say, that if the people oil
the district desire my services in the next ueh-
eral Assembly, they can m them, pro-
yided they will accept them on the same honor,
able condition on which | have been allowed
hitherto to serve them-an untraminelled leave
to do what | can for the advancement OF the
great interests of the State in reference to her
internal improvements.
1t is not mine, of course, to dictate TO the
constituent body, but it is my wish, if go be-
fore the people at all. to do so OIL the single,
unrnixed issue of State politics, and State int
rests. Federal questions are totally irrelevant
to the merits of Il legislative canvass, and, ior
one, | have neither time nor inclination to dis
clSs them.
In a circular address issued when | was last
before you for your suffrages, used the follow
Ing language:
"As to my political opinions, if | am to be
selected rs your representative, | should much
prefer that you be governed in your choice by
reference to my views of State policy, rather
than by my thinking on the subjects oil federal
politics. What my sentiments are ABOUT 4
President of the United States, or a Represeii-
tative in Congress, is a matter OF Tar less con-
sequence to Virginia, rs u separate sovereignty
than what | think about internal Improvements
the banking system, or any other vital question
Of State concern. 4 President even OF her
choice, may 10 false to her cherished ideas
and her dearest interests. ASenator, however
powcrless amid misguided fanatics and sordld
politicians, who use party influence and politi-
cal principle as subsidiaries only of personal or
sectional ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. \ representative in
Congress may be borne down by an irresistible
tide Of ~freesoil, or foreign, or other unsympa-
thiSing influence. But open up all Firginia's
broad and beautiful domain to the free, open
markets of all the worldly this r~esistless
stimulus bring out her vet unexpended energy
and power-Start ell the springs of enterprise
and industry yet unseen and untelt-keep her
population around the natal ~shrine-entice the
stranger within her borders-give her those
indispensable elements of power, commerce anu
manufactures-develop, in a word, in all their
possible expansions, her sleeping clements Of
greatness, and she will have around her and
about her, muniments of strength and defence,
which will enable her to "laugh to scorn" the
impotent assaults of her foes. | say, therefore,
that my views of measuring State policy are OF
far more concern to the constituent body than
my opinions Of federal politics"
| adhere religiously to these views. | be-
lieYe, indeed, that the constant raising OF iede-
raj issues in State elections, has done more than
all other causes combined to rctard the progress
of Virginia, and to drag her down from her
once proud position of emincnce and controll-
ing power. 1t has tended to raise up very
hosts of small politicians, in the place of true
Virginia statesmen. How many Of Virginia's
prominent men have gathered their laurels on
the State arena: Where was acquired what
ever of fame or of notoriety they have achieved ?
How many Joseph C.. Cabells have the people
of Virginia returned to the Legislative councils:
| do not for a moment doubt, that, had State
and Federal politics been kept apart during the
last thirty years, Virginia would be now rejoic-
ing in 4 continuous connection between the
Chesapeake and the Ohio, ina prosperous com
mercc and thriving manufacturers, and in all
the developments of u magnificent prosperity
and power.
Thus thinking, | DO not desire 4 party or po-
litical nomination or support. | desire to Tx
the attention of the people on the vital ques-
ton of State policy, which will chiefly engage
the attention of the next Assembly, and II, In
reference to my well.known opinions OH these
questions, the people choose to select me, my
humble services are at their command.
am not aware that a single subject OF Fede-
raj politics is likely to come before the next
Legislature. No United States Senator is to be
chosen, and if any Federal question should
arise, it will he one having relation to the Con-
stitutional rights Of the South. On any and
every such question, | think you may as i'm
plicitly and safely trust me ms any man between
Mason and Dixon's line and the Rio Grandc.-
| stand immovably by the principles avowed in
my speech on the Wilmot Proviso, delivered in
the House of Delegates more than ten years
ago. My opinions then and there expressed,
have not modified the thousandth part Of a
hairs breadth, and never shall, while a star
wrinkles in the armament, or the sea rolls a
wave.
But there are subjects of the deepest con-
Germ to all the people Of all the State, that will
claim the attention Of the next Legislature
To say nothing Of the renewal Of our bank
charters, and a modification Of our usury and
license laws, the great question of the compile
ton Of the Covington and Ohio Railroad, will
come up for consideration. Than this, no more
important question ever engaged the delibera-
tons of Virginia Legislators and Statesmen
1t is the cap-stone Of the whole grand fabric OF
our internal improvement-the keystone of the
arch. With the James river canal, it is the
shortest and cheapest transit for the vast pro-
-. L Al. 1900. .-o,t - kLn AoaoD Ant1nt an
their way to the markets Of the world. 1t will
transfer, infaUibly, a large portion Of the
western trade to Virginia and her cities. 1t is
her grand hope for a resuscitated and brilliant
commerce. Finish this great improvement,
and a direct trade between Hampton Roads and
Europe, is as sure as the working of the law OF
gravitation.
In connexion with the Virginia and Tennes-
see Railroad, and our great canals, it must and
will make Norfolk n commercial emporium.
would like to make one more effort in behalf OF
this grand work Of Virginia. With wise and
watchful c~ounsels, | think its completion may
be secured, beyond fear, at the next session Of
the Legislature, and without a dollars addition
to the taxes. | should be pleased and proud to
lend even the fceblest help to so glorious a con-
summation.
With questions Of such vital Importance to
one before your representative, whoever he may
be, what care should you have whether he shall
vote for John Letcher or VIM. L. Goggin for
Governor? If my views on the allimportant
subjects Of State policy be sound, what concern
should it be to you whom | prefer for Govern
or, or member of Congress, or President?
If possible, | shall go through the district,
and hold oral communication with the people;
but it is more probable that the state of my
private affairs will deny Inc this privilege, and
hence, through you, | address this communica-
ton to the district, and am,
Respectfully, your friendand fellow-citizen,
JOS. SEGAR.
Messrs. A. NJ. Jones, II. C.. Kendall, Samuel
Wood, Geo. T. Masscnburg, Cary Wood, f.
Simpkins Jones, and others.