Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1860-01-18

after free and full consultation and comparison Vi
opinions they shall find that the differences between
the slave.holding and non-slaveholding States are
irreconcilable, let them consider the question OF
a peaceable separation and the adjustment of all
questions relating to the disposition of the common
oropertv between the two sections. If they can be
reconced let them adjust the terms and give them
such sanctions as will render them effective
suggest, therefore, that you adopt resolutions
in favor of the call Of such Convention, and appeal
to the Legislatures of the several States to unite IN
tho application proposed to be made to Congress- in
pursuance of the provisions Of the article aforesaid
If the nonslaveholding States shall fail or refuse to
unite in the application such failure or refusal will
furnish conclusive evidence Of determination on
their part to keep up the agitation and to continue
their aggresSions upon If the Convention shall
meet and the question cannot be satisfactorily ad-
iusted will furnish evidence equally conclusive of
their determination. In either event the people OF
the South will clearly understand what they are to
expect in the future
1t will, doubtless BIZ objected to this suggestion
that it looks to dis-union. Grant it if you please
Is not the danger of disunion imminent now, and is
not the public mind, North and South, deeply agita
ted by the apprehension that the days OF the Union
are numbered? Dis-unon speeches are the order
of the day in deliberative bodies State and National
and the press teens with the same sort OF matter
editorial, communicated and selected Southern
Legislatures are employed in considering the best
modes of protecting the honor and rights of their
States, and are making provisions for armng and
disciplnng the militia with sole reference to their
protection and defence either in out of the Cnion
Every man sees and feels that dangers are impend-
ing over u.s. and that sunion is not only possible
but highly probable event, and at no distant day
When these things are so, surely the country can
look upon dis-union, from the stand point which
occupy If men cannot calmly look upon it, at this
distance, they ought to the utterance of dis
union sentiments and permit the public mind to
settle down, preparatory to submission, on the part
of the South.
also suggest that commission, to consist OF
two of our most intelligent discreet and experienced
statesmen shall be appointed whose duty it shall be
to visit the Legislatures of those States which have
passed laws to obstruct the execution of the Fugi-
tive Slave act and insist, in the name of Virginia.
upon their unconditional repeal In support OF the
suggestion of the appointment of a commission, a
precedent is to be found in the history of our own
State in the appointment Of the distinguished Ben
jarnin Watkins Leigh, who was commissioned to
visit the Legislature of SouthC Carolina at the time
of the controversy between that State and the Fed
eral Government. The existence of the Union was
then greatly mperilled, and the action of Virginia
exerted most happy influence, in bringing about a
settlement that arered the danger and restored peace
to the country That crisis in public affairs was al
most as serious and alarming as the present
This controversy has now reached point which
demands speedy settlement, if the Union is to be
saved from dissolution If he aggressions to which
we have been subjected for many years. arc to be
repeated ifmutual d;strus and suspicion are to con-
tinue, and if the election of sectional Republican
candidate to the Presidency in 1860 is to be super
added it is useless to attempt to conceal the fact that
in the present temper of the Southern people, itcan
not be, and will not be submitted to. The "irrc-
presSible conflict doctrine announced and aovoca-
IL 4 l..A bad ~.f
the Republican party, open declaration of war
against the institution of African slavery, wherever
it exists and would be disoyal to Virginia and
the South if did not declare that the election Of
such man, entertaining such sentiments and advo-
eating such doctrines, ought to be resisted by the
slavcholding States. The idea Of permitting such a
man to have the control and direction of the Army
and Navy of the United States and the appoint nent
of high judicial and Executive officers postmasterS
included cannot he entertained by the South for
moment.
am now, and have ever been, friend to the
Union Of the States. appreciate its value, ardent
ly desire its preservation, and would not rashy haz
ard its existence. have presented these views in the
earnest hope that the Northern mind may he brought
to reflection, and that the conservatism of that
ton may bc aroused and stimulated to immediate
action. 1t will require prompt and decsed action
their part, if mutual confidence shall be revived
amongst us. \ wise prudent and considerable course
may save the Union, in the hour of its peril. 10
this end am prepared to do all that honor duty
and patriotism enjOins upon me.
Whether the Unlon shall survive or perish it is
nevertheless your duty to place the State in such
condition that she will be prepared at all times, and
upon the shortest notice. to protect her honor, de-
fend her rights. and maintain her institutions against
all assaults of her enemies. With this view, re-
commend careful revision of the militia Jaws; and
in this connection suggest that munitions of war
be procured and provision made for the organza-
ton of an efficient military staff. 1t would be WELL
Also to specify in the law, the number of aids TO
which the Governor is entitled, and designate their
rank. cordially approve the bill herewith sent,
for the organization of brigade of minute men, pre-
pared by gentleman remarkable for his intelligence,
military knowledge and experience. And, finally,
commend the Va. Military Institute to your favorable
consideration, and urge that liberal appropriations
be made for enlargng the building and extending
the sphere of its usefulness.
By your legislation encourage spirit of indepen-
dence amongst the people; foster direct trade, man
uactures and the mechanics arts by all legitimate
modes. Our internal improvements should bepush-
ed forward to completion as rapidly as the means of
the State will warrant as aids to direct trade and
State independence.
The laws of the State shall be faithfully executed
her rights defended her institutions maintained and
her honor scrupulously guarded and protected. My
only object is to discharge my duty as to secure
the confidence and win the respect and appreciation
of my fellow-citlzens of Virginia. | will be found
ready, therefore, to cooperate in all measures cacu
lated to develope her unbounded resources and pro-
mote the prosperity and the happiness of her people.
Respectfully, JOHN LETCHER
THE CHARLESTON CONVENTION.
The Charleston Mercury does not admire the pc