New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-11-21
VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND.
To the EditO, of The n. Y. Tribune.

To the Editor Of The n. Y. Tribune
SIR: perceive that many reports are rife In your
section, to the effect that Virginia and MARYLAND are
disposed 10 follow in the wake OF South Carolina in
her reasonable attitude toward the general Govern
ment
Az you are intimately acquainted In both States, and,
believe, thoroughly with the state Of
public feeling among the masses, desire to assure you
that there ia shadow Of ground for such reports
The majority Of voters in this immediate section were
opposed to the election of Mr. Lincoln, it is true; but
hesitate not TO say that nnetynne ont of every hun
bred Bell men in this State and Virginia preferred the
election Of Lincoln to Breckinrdge and determined
that, having been elected, he shall be iHaugH-
rated. As between the principles Of the Re-
publican party and tbose of the secession
wing of the Democratic no Bell man here is dis
posed to institute comparison. The former, embody
ing IA they do those for which the old Wings have
ever batted naturally appeal to their support though
tley not inclined to advocate, in the last canvass,
that particular clause in the Republican Platform
which bad reference to Slavery. And vet their oppo
sition not much from conviction that that
particular clause would bring evil upon the South as
that the election Of Bell wond tend certainly TO
aay this whole excitement upon the subject OF
Slavery. And many are now convinced that they
were in error boldly avOwing their opinions that Mr.
Lincoln will administer the government upon such
wse and patriotic principles as 10 commend him to the
have not seen the first Bell man, or rather Wing.
who does not ridicule and treat with contempt the
threats of Breckenridge to dissolve the Union be-
cause the people have decided that they are unfit to be
entrusted with the administration Of the Governments.
For after all, this is the whole secret Were there
no incumbents TO be ousted, no needy adhere1ts 70
their party 10 be maintained and no Offices TO be Tiled,
there would be no talk Of disuni0n.
They seem TO think that they have life interest IN
the Offices under the Federal Government and should
be allowed TO bequeath them and they exceeding
ly reluctant TO indulge any other idea We are some
what disposed to question such assumption OF right and
have so little concern at the fate of these said officials
not to when they CO. though we sometimes In
duge the hope that seeing ultimately the error Of their
way, they may resolve TO make honest men Of them-
selves and in honest and legitimate business en-
deavor at least to regain some portion Of that good
character which il il TO be hoped they enjoyed prevt-
to their connection with the Democratic party
Secession is humbug so far as this State and Viz.
the action of South Carolina, though believe that
she will hesitate before proceeding oextremes.
We are Union men, who believe that its preservation
il of more Importance than all the negroes in the
try and will not allow it to be rsked upon abstrac
iOn. Nor will enter sngly, in connection with
any other State States, into foray against Mr..
Lincoln, before he has had an opportunity Of showing
us how he intends to act He has been elected in q
constitutional manner, and will be naugurated. And
the impression TO be general among the Wings
that he viii be eminenty conservative President,
such as we have not had since the days of j. G.
manner born. We love the South, but do not believe
that this is inconsistent with stronger love for the
whole country. We oppose in toto the dogma that
love for the whole country should be subordinate 70
that for the State in which we happen to i've"
not willing that the impression should 90 forth
that vassals Of South Carolina any other
cotton State. Nor are willing to form any part Of
Southern confedeacy.
The Union in which we i've the Constitution
framed by our fathers, well enough for
The waves of fanaticism may roll against South
borders, but true the principles handed down
from patriotic sires those waves will be compelled 70
recede before the firm steady and unyelding devotion
to the Union and the Consultation Of those worthy
Of worthy sires.
North Of South Carolina there will be no general
feeling upon this subject. All being dete rmined TO
await patiently for Lincolns acts before condemning
him, and equally resolved to stand by him. he stands
BY the Constitution.
Count Mary land and Virginia tco of those States
over which Lincoln will be inaugurated President
on the 4th Of March next A VIRGIsIAs.
EoJ,