Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-12-22
THE ADDRESS OF THE CONSERVATIVES OF
MASSACHUSETTS,.

Il vas stated yesterday that thiryhVe conservative
and leading citizens OF Massachusetts,, OF different po
cal parties had issued address to the people OF the
State on the present crisis This address after speaking
of the perous condition Of the Union boldly declares
that the State Of Massachusetts has violated our great
national compact by laws her statute book which are
in conflict with the constitution and laws OF the United
States Aud it then proceeds 70 point out the opJec-
tionabe features OF the personal liberty DILL In tns
connection the address says:
1--WE hold Il TO be plain that State has not the con-
sttutional power to subject to severe and ignominous
punishment persons who, by mistake oil facts, or msa
prehenson Of law and without any corrupt or wicked
intent make claim under the laws and before the au-
thorities of the United States. II such power existed,
every law of the United States could be rendered mop
erave by the State legislation. For who would demand
any right under law of the United States if the penal
" Of an innocent failure TO prove his case, which may
proceed from merely accidental causes should subject
him to 6ue Of five thousand dollars and imprisonment
in the State prison for five years. Yet such one oil
the laws now on our statute book.
1.-THE volunteer militia prohibited from acting IN
anu manner in the rendition OF person adudged to be
fugitive from service The volunteer militia is the only
arm on which tho municipal magistrates OF our cities and
towns can rely to que organized and dangerous Iiot
Every one of its members is member OF the militia OF
the United States and they armed at the expence and
under the authority CT the United States expressly con-
ferred BY the Constitution Yet this law declares that
the arms of the United States in the hands OF citizens oil
the United States who part OF the militia oil the
United States shall be used by them TO protect oil
GERS Of the Law of the United States from awless VIC
lence in the streets Of cy, whose peace the common
wealth is bound TO preserve
Duty to our common country to the State, and to its
cizens it is argued length demands the early
and unconditional repeal of the obnoxious law.
MEETING OF THE NEW YORK CONGRESSIONAL
DELEGATION.
WASHINGTON. Dec l9-An adjourned meeting OF The
New York delegation was held tonight, Mr.. Hoard in
the chair, and Mr.. HAskin acting secretary, in the
place OF John Cochrane. The iolloWpg members were
present. hessrs. Carter, Humphrey Kenyon, John II.
REYNOLDS Mexican Palmer Springer, Clark b. Cochrane,
Graham, Conkling, Due, Hoard, Haskins, Sedgwick,
Butterfeld Potte, Wells Frank, Edwin X. Reynolds,
Spauiing and Fenton. The city delegation were absent
The following resolution Was offered by John H. Rey-
nclis which, after debate of strong Union character,
vas unanimously rdOpted
Resolved That in the opinion of this delegation the
people of the State of New York in favor OF pro-
teeting the Constitutional rights and OF enforcing the
constitutional obligations of every section OF the Union
aud believing that the appropriate remedy for every eH-
sing grievance may be applied under the present Con-
sttuton Of the United States and all just cause OF com
plant remedied by due observance OF the laws OF the
land they will insist upon prompt and energetic
erge,ic enforcement of all the laws of the general gov
ernment as necessary to the safety OF the country in
the present crisis and preserve the Federal Union
It is understood that the following named members,
VINO were uuaVOluablN
Nessrs. Van Nyke, Beae, DIN, Irvine, Ely and Lee.
MISSION OF MR.. CUSHING TO SOUTH CAROLINA.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 1860.
Mr. Gushing ! observe, has been mentioned most IA
yoraby in many quarters for the vacant Attorney Gene
rashp but is understood in quarters most likely TO be
veil informed that his services will be called nto requs
ton by the President for delicate and important
task than any which sppertAn to that or any other
Office at the present crisis
He will immediately proceed to South Carolina, under
instruction. from the Presdento make strenuous effort
10 prevent the secession of the State by such rePresen
tations a., it is hoped, will accomplish that object.
Thi. step the part Of the President proves his ex
IRENE solcitude to Use all the means in his power IA
avert such calamity the secession Of even single
State would produ lie could not have ssected a9y
man a.~nGeu ,ery Tespset IOr suCh ""' !
49, Cushing lie will show To tho leading spirits III
SOUTH Carolina that they shall consent TO seek redress
OF their grievances within the Union they may yet, by
the plan be proposes, accomplish that object
| Governor Pcksns, between whom and the President
the kndest personal relations exist and who was homo
ell by one Of the most distinguished aud most desirable
diplomatic appointments in the gift of Mr.. Buchanan
will undoubtedly give Mr.. Cushing cordial reception
and afford him every facility for urging his purpose.