Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-01-27


gers of rebellion. Then again say, let us
pass this bill. It is either necessary or it is
unnecessary to arm this Common VI eath.-
To those who can look out upon the lower
srg sky and deny the existence of such ne
-sessity for one have no argument to ad-
dress. Of those who, admitting the neces-
slty OF this movement, ere disposed to cavl
about the details Of this measure, demand
10 know If any proposition could present
stronger claims to the favorable considc-
ration Of an intelligent assembly? It comes
10 you from committee composed of at least
respectable materials; who, after anxious re-
aection after mature consideration-aft after
deliberate consultation with the highest
military authorities IN the State, assure you
shat this amount, and this amount alone, is
saficieutto accomplish the objects you pro-
pose Sir, is there gentleman upon this
toer who will for one moment contend that
ais own judgment is so infallible, asto author
lse him to delay the execution of the recor-
ded will of the people Of Virginia upon this
great subject? Sir, until evidence of such
disposition is exhibited too palpable to be
resisted, will not, cannot believe it,
Whatever be its fate-whether this bill shall
stand or fall, at least shall have this day
discharged ny duty to myself, to my coun-
try, to that generous constituency who, how
ever, feebly they may be represented here.
Gave the right to demand of their represen-
satiye in this eyentful era of Virginia histo-
~, tue exhibition of a spirit and temper
not unworthy of those whose gallant sres
gave the courage Of Henry to the cause of
revolution, and dedicated the genius of Clay
81 the sacred arts Of peace.
These, Mr. Speaker, are the views which
| have deemed it not inappropriate to pre-
sent, under solemn sense Of duty to that
great Commonwealth whose unsullied honor
is worn nearest the heart Of every member
ct this House. In assigning the reasons
which justify the painful apprehensions en-
'ertained in reference to the Union of these
States, let it not be supposed that the "wish
is father to the thought" Let nc man say
sha. | weald lay profane hands upon the ark
Of The Federal Constitution. Let no man
believe that in that spirit of rashness which
madly rushes in where angels might fear
to tread" would recklessly encounter the
sea oftroubles which may await the untried
experiment of dissolution Realizing, to
the fullest extent, the force and the beauty
of the sentiment of a distinguished citizen OF
another State. that "a happy, free and pros
porous people mast not challenge fate one
day too sooa," | cannot shut my eyes to the
fact that sentiment must sometimes yield to
necessity-that events often rise superior to
opinions, and that there are times when ma
items are not the masters of their fate.
Sir, whatever be the difficulties Of her
present position, to the hand that is nerved
and the heart that is steeled for prompt
vigorous and decided action, there is moth
ing in the future of the South to occasion
aught but confidence and hope You have
q combination Of soil. Of labor and of climate
producing monopoly Of production, which
pats tie world under bonds to keep your
peace. You have territory more than
twice as large as the empires of France and
Great Britain combined, embracing the most
congenial climate Of the torrid and the most
fertile soil of the temperate zones You
have in your Southern and Southwestern wa
erS the elements Of steam marine, VIII ch
for power and efficiency NAV challenge the
admiration aud defy the competition of the
universe. You have coast line of vast ex-
tent, indented at every point by CONNEXIONS
harbors. where the nayics which bore the
fable riches of Tyrian or Venetian trade
might safely ride. You have an unrivaled
water power, as yet untamed by the cunning
hand of labor; valleys where the plough new
err freezes in the furrow hills, which, even
in tue heart of winter, still echo with the
bleating music of the nibbiing flock. And,
more th:n all, higher than all, you have
seven millions Of people glowing with the
nervous energy, aud burning with the stea
dy courage, Of that proud race whose Saxon
blood has never purpled the veins of bonds
man or Redeemed the cheek Of slave.
These, all these. by the providence of
Virginisns Let us not disgrace this noble
heritage! The hopes Of patriotism are acith
us--the eyes of history are upon u.s. With
hearts prepared for either fate. let Us await
the event without losing the opportunity
And when the hour for action comes, if
come it must, Virginia, true to the impul-
ses OF her generous nature, true to the tradi-
tons Of her noble history, shall 'ead the
triulnphal march Of Southern independence.
Or leave. here upon the very spot upon
which the spirit Of revolutionary freedom
first raised its infant voice, some new Their
mopylga TO ear the stainless record of a GAL
liant people, who, when abandoned by for
tune. yet vanquished disgrace; though de-
serted by the genius Of the public liberty,
preserved unharned the shrine of the public
honor