The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-01-18
MESSAGE OF GOV. LETcHER OF VA.

The first message Of Gov. Letcher was read TO
the two houses of the Virginia Legislature on the
7th instant. 1t is entirely devoted to Federal
politics. He makes the following suggestions:
The only mode, therefore, of remedying the evil,
that occurs to me under the Constitution, is pro-
vided in the fifth article thereof. Summon Con-
vention of all the States that full and free con-
ference may be held between the representatives
of the people, elected for this purpose, and thus
ascertain whether the questions IN controversy
connot be settled upon some basis mutually salts
factory to both sections. If such convention shall
assemble and, after free and full consultation and
comparison of opinions, they shall find that the
differences between the saveholding and non-save-
holding States are irreconcilabe let them consider
the question of peaceable separation and the ad-
ustment of all questions relating to the disposition
Of the common property between the two sections
If they can be reconciled let them adj the terms
and give them such sanctions as will render them
effective.
I suggest, therefore, that you adopt resolutions
in favor Of the call of such Convention, and APP
peal to the Legislatures of the several States to
unite in the application proposed to be made to
Congress- in pursuance of the provisions OF the
articles aforesaid If the non-slavcholding States
shall fail or refuse to unite in the application, such
failure or refusal will furnish conclusive evidence
of a determination on their part to keep up the
agitation, aud to continue their agcressions upon
US If the Convention shall meet and the ques-
ton cannot be satisfactorily adjusted it will fur
nish evidence equally conclusive Of their deter
mination In either event, the people OF the
South will clearly understand what they are to ex
pect in the future.
1t will doubtless be objected to this suggestion
that it looks to- dsunion Grant it if you please.
Is not the danger Of disunion imminent now, and
is not the public mind, North and South, deeply
agtated by the apprehension that the days OF the
Union are numbered? Disunion 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 rg hts
of their States, and making provision for arm
ing and dscplning the militia with sole reference
to their protection and defence, either IN or out OF
the Union. Every man sees and feels that dan
gers are impending over US, and that dsunion is
not only possible but a highly probable event,
and at no distant day. When these things are so,
surely the country can look upon disunion from the
st md point which i occupy. If men cannot calm
ly look upon it, this distance, they ought to
the utterance Of disunion sentiments, and permit
the public mind to settle down, preparatory to sub
mission on the part of the South
also suggest that a commission, to consist of
two of our most intelligent, discreet and experenc-
I
shall be to visit the Legislatures of those States
which have passed laws to obstruct the execution
OF the fugitive slave act and insist, in the name OF
Virginia. upon their unconditional repeal. In sup
port of the suggestion of the appointment OF
commission, precedent is to be found in the his
tory of our State, in the appointment of the
distinguished Benjamin Watkins Leigh who was
commissioned to visit the Legislature of South
Carolina, the time of the controversy between that
! STATE and tl,e Federal Government The existence
of the Union then greatly imperllled, and the
action of Virginia exerted most happy influence
in bringing about a settlement that averted the
danger and restored peace to the country. That
crisis in public affairs was almost as serious and
alarming the present.
This controversy has now reached point, which
demands speedy settlement, if the Union is to he
saved from dissolution. If the agaressons to
which we have been sub ected for so many years
to be repeated if mutual dstrust and suspicion
are to continue and if the election of sectional
Republican candidate to the Presidency in 1860,
is to be superadded, it is useless to attempt to
conceal the fact that in the present temper of the
Southern people, it cannot be, and will not be sub
mitted to. The 'rrepressible conflict doctrine
announced and advocated by the ablest and most
distinguished leader of the Republican PARTY is an
open declaration of war against the institution of
African slavery wherever it exists, and would be
disloyal to Virginia and the South, if I did not
declare that the election of such a man. entertain
ing such sentiments and advocating such doctrines
ought to be resisted by the slaveholding States
The idea Of permitting such man to have control
and direction of the Army and Navy of the United
States, and the appointment of nigh judicial and
| Executive officers, postnastcrs included, cannot
be entertained by the South for moment.
am now, and have ever been, a friend to the
States. [ appreciate its value, ardently desire its
preservation, and would not rashly hazard its ex-
istence. | have presented these views in the ear
nest hope that the Northern mind may be brought
to reflection, and that the conservatism of that sec
ton may be aroused and stimulated to immediate
action. 1t will require prompt and decided action
on their part, if mutual confidence shall be revived
and dstrust and suspicion shall be banished from
amongst \ WISE prudent and consderate
course may the Union in the hour of its peril
To this end | am prepared to do all that honor,
duty and patriotism enjoins upon me.
Whether the Union shall survive or pas:sI, 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
rights, and maintain her institutions against all as
saults of her enemies.
WHY DON'T He We see that some bitter