Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1860-02-21
Tho Commissioner from Hfis>isSfppf.

Tho Commissioner from H1ssisNiPpi.
On Saturday last, Col. P i. Starkc the
Commissioner appointed by the Legislature #
Mississippi 10 request conference with the
Government Of Virginia, arrived in Richmond.
It has been onr privilege to enjoy the intimate
acquaintance and close friendship Of this dis
tinguiShrd gentleman for many years From
our carly childhood, we have been accustomed
10 look up 10 him as an ilonored and valued
friend llc;ce We proudly claim the right TO
present him to the acquaintance Of the people
OF Virginia 10 whom he bears the compl.
mentary greeting Of sister State
The Legislature Of his native State has
shown much discretion in the selection OF Col.
Starke for the important mission with which
nc is entrusted. Not only is he discreet and
able statesman, but he adds to these more solid
requirements the diplomatic advantages Of
manly bearing. and frank and genial disposi-
ton. nol a little enhanced by striking coun-
tcnancr and very commanding person. In
private life, his high intelligence, social tenn
admirable specimen Of that class Of polished
gentlemen whn represent the more refined
circle Of Southern planters.
III politics, COL Starke has always acted, and
still acts, with the Opposition party. lie was
an early ard consistent admircr and devoted
follower Of Henry Clay, and since the dlSintc-
grafton Of The old Whis party, has acted with
the American party, though hn never bccame
Incml,c% Of the kEow-Nolhing org; Iz;'llon.--
lie is Union man Of the Most conservative
stripe Attached ~ family connections to the
Sale nf Virginia, he is an ardent admirrr hi
onr old Commonwealth, and hopes. much from
her efforts for the preservation Of the Unlpn.-
Regarding conference among the Southern
States as a Cuion measure, he desires that Eir-
ginil may be represented in such conference,
where her representatives can be more cilicicnt
ltnn those Of any other State in snprrrssinS
any attempt to rrccipita,c disunion, while they
ailix the MORAL weight OF Virginia to efforts for
the maintenance of the Constitution
We have taken the liberty to present this
expression of Col. Starkc's views Of the pre-
sent eyigrncy, expressed in private conversation
since we know that he has expressed the same
reiteratcdly before the Legislature Of his State
We trust that his position and influence will
do much towards re-nssuriI;:, that portion "t
thu conservative members OF onr Legislature,
who have lately been rendered avcrse 10 The
Southern Conference, merely by the lntli$cretion
Of the crude and violent advocacy OF dISunion
TO which some oi their colleagues and fellow
citizens have chosen tn give vent There Is,
at least, some hope that the efforts ot the COM
missioner from mississippi will give new i'm
pulse to the good work so we'll begun by the
action of the Commissioner from South Caro-
lima, and which, we think. would have been
already completed, had it not been that some
Of its supporters, by their incompetency and
impru,lcnce, have done it much more damage
than have its original opponents.
In Col. SIS travelling companion, "n y.
Lake, Esq, of Vicksbnrg, VIC are glad to meet
an old and valued friend, Of line talents ana
elegant accomplishments. 4 lawyer Of high
standing. he has in Congress represented his
party, and is now q member Of the Mississippi
Legislature We hear that hc has been invited
to address the Whig State Convention on The
22d instant, and we trust that the voice ri ;"
esteemed member Of tho old This party will
have good effect in inducing favorable con-
sidcration of the Southern Conference, rs q
genuine Union measure.