Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-01-13


and experienced statesmen shall be appoint
ed, whose duty it shall be to visit the teais-
latnres of these States which have passed
laws to obstruct the execution of tho Fusi-
tive Slave act, and insist, in the name IF
Virginia, upon their unconditional repeal.
10 support of the suggestion of the appoint
ment of a commission, a precedent is to ls
foand in the history of our own State. in the
appointment Of the distinguished Benjamin
Watkins Leigh, who was commissioned II
visit the Legislature of South Carolina. 81
the time of the controversy between that
State and the Federal Government. The
existence of the Union was then greatly i'm
perilled, and the action of Virginia exerttd
a most happy influence, in bringing about
settlement that averted the danger aud re-
stored peace to the country. That crisis in
public affairs was almost as serious and a
farming as the present.
This controversy has now reached point
which demands speedy settlement, if the
Union is to be saved from dissolution. II
the aggressions to which we have been sub
jected for SO many ars. are to be repeated,
if mutual distrast and suspicion are to COP
tinue, and if the election of sectional Re-
publican candidate to the Presidency in
1860, is to be superadded, it is useless to
attempt to conceal the fact, that in the pres
ent temper of the Southern people, it cannot
be, and will not be submitted to. The ''ir-
repressible conflict" doctrine, announced and
advocated by the ablest and most distin-
guisLed leader Of the Republican party, is
dcol Of no
tuition Of African slavery. wherever it exists
and I would be disloyal to Virginia and the
South, if | did not declare, that the election
OF such man, entertaining such sentiments
and advocating such doctrines, ought to be
resisted by the slaveholding States. The
idea of permitting such man to have the
control and direction of the Army and Navy
of the United States, and the appointments
of high judicial and Executive officers, post
masters included, cannot DO entertained by
the South for moment.
| am now, and have ever heen, a friend
to the Union of the States. appreciate its
value, ardently desire its preservation, and
would not rashly hazard its existence I
have presented these views in the earnest
hope that the Northern mind may be brought
to reflection, and that the conservatisn. Of
that section may be aroused and stimulated
to immediate action. 1t will require promps
aud decided action on their part, if mutual
confidence shall be revived, and distrust aud
suspicion shall be banished from amongst
Us. A wise, prudent and considerate course
may save the Union, in the hour of it's per-
il. 10 this end, l am prepared to do all that
honor, duty and patriotism enjoips upon me.
Whether the Union shall survive or per-
ish. it is, nevertheless. your duty to place
the State in such condition that she will
be prepared at all times, and upon the shor-
test notice. SO protect her honor, defend hsr
rights, and maintain her institutions against
all assaults of her enemies. With this view,
| recommend careful revision of the mill
tia laws; and, in this connection, | suggest
that munitions of war be procured and pre-
vision made for the organization of an ell
cieut military staff It would be we'll also.
to specify la the law. the number OF aids to
which the Governor is entitled and desig-
nate their rank. cordially approve the bin
herewith sent, for the organization of bril-
gade of minute men, prepared by gentle
man remarkable for his intelligence, militia
ry knowledge and experience And, snail
ly, commend the Virginia Military Inssi-
tute to your favorable consideration, and
urge that liberal appropriations be made for
charging the building and extending the
sphere of it's usefulness.
BY your legislation encourage a spirit Of
independence amongst the people; foster d.
rect trade, manufactures and the mechanic
arts by all legitimate modes Our internal
improvements should be pushed forward to
completion as rapidly as the means Of the
State will warrant, as aids to direc: trade
and State independence.
The laws of tho State shall DO faithfully
executed. her rights defended, her institu-
tions maintained, and her honor scrupulous-
ly guarded and protected. My only object
is 50 to discharge my duty as to secure the
confidence and win the respect and approba-
ton OF my fellow citizens Of Virginia. I
will be found ready, thereft re, to Co operate
in all measures calculated to develope her
unbounded resources and promote the pros
perity and the happiness of her people.
Respectfully,
JOHN LETCHER.
House. I'm motion or Or. McCue res
olution providing for diagram of the House
was passed.
The Senate bill granting 81, 500 to An
drew Hunter for services in prosecuting
John Brown, came up. Mr. Holloway
moved suspension of the rules in order to
substitute the sum Of $500. MIR. Duckwall
opposed the motion, and the House refused
to suspend. Mr.. Cowan thought $500
too much, hutthe bill was passed-ayes los
noes SO
MONDAY - Senate The following bills
were reported: To amend the 4th section Of
chap. 2O8 of the Code, respecting the wris
Of venire fucius in cases of felony. Also to
amend the act passed March 17th, 1859,
entitled an act to amend the oath, 25th Goth
9th and 2Sth sections of chapter 1872 of tho
Code, So as more effectually to prevent ths
escape of slaves.
A message was received from the House
announcing the passage of a Senate bill TO
compensate Andrew Hunter, of Charles
town, for his legal services in prosecution
against John Brown, &c.
Mr. Paxton introduced resolution refer
ring to the Military Committee SO much Of
the Governors message as refers to the Viz