The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-01-13
THE VIRGINIA PRESS AND GOVERNOR
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LETCHER'S MESSAGE.
We published yesterday xtracts from Gov.
Letchers recent message to the Virginia Legisa-
ture. The press of the State is speaking freely of
the document, and whilst some parts of it are con-
demned as uncalled for and premature, the more
conservative recommendation of calling the
Legislatures of the Northern States to repeal all
antagonistic laws meets with general approval.
We append extracts from some of the Virginia
papers.
From the Norfolk Herald jan 11M.l
GOVERNOR LETCHER's MEssAGE.-After carefully
peruSing the Message of Gov. Letcher, we must say
that we have not been brought to the conclusion
that the time has arrived when it is necessary to
take for the dissolution of the Union; and
that therefore his proposition to call upon the
States to assemble in Convention and 90 as peacea-
bly, out of the Union they into it, is to say
the least, premature-though certainly that is the
only way that separation ought to take place,
provided it should ever become necessary. We take
it for granted that there very few within the
bounds of the Union who believe that there is any
real necessity for dissolving it; and still fewer who
would not weep bitter tears in view of such an
event What Governor Letcher says of the hos
titv OF the North to the constitutional rights of
the South, is all true; yet that is evil which is
even now being cured. The North, most fortu-
nately, is dependent the South, while the latter
feels herself entirely Independent of the North and
the North can be ruled to perfect obedience to
without disturbing the harmony of the Union-and
she will be, without resortng to the means recon-
mended by Governor Letcher. In regard to his re-
commentator of call on the Legislatures of
those States which have passed laws to deprive
citizens of Virginia of their property, in violation
of the Constitution of the United States to re-
peal those laws, there cannot be the least objection
to it.
From, tie Richmond Wing, Jan. Ill
The GovERNOR's MESSAGE--The Message of Gov.
Letcher which was addressed to the Legislature on
Saturday, and which was inserted in these columns
yesterday, contains at least two grave recon-
mendatons The suggestion of a call for a National
Convention OF the States for the purpose of amend
ing the Constitution, strikes US as absurd. With
the exception of the radical AbolitionistS of the
Garrison school, who clamOr for an ant.slavery
Constitution, anti slavery Bible, and an anti
slavery God, there no dissatisfaction on the part
of any Of our people with the present Constitution
of the United States. Such complaints as prevail
in the country have grown out of the fact, that the
compromises and guarantees of the COnstitu ton
disregarded. We want no better Constitution
than the one we have. No better or wiser one
could be made by any proposed Convention of the
States. What is lacking is disposition to defend,
uphold, and preserve the Constitution as it is
And if Southern rights and interests are insecure
under the present Constitution, they would be in
secure under any that could be framed by any Con-
vention, no matter under what favorable auspices
it might assemble and deliberate. With all due
Difference therefore, we are opposed to the recon-
His next recommendation that Virginia should
send a commission to those States, which have
passed laws multiplying or obstructing the execution
of the Fugitive Slave Law, to demonstrate with
such States, in amicable spirit, and entreat them
to repeal their unconstitutional legislation on that
subject, we think judicinus and proper one, and
we trust it may be considered by the General
Assembly. We think, also, that such a commission
would result in great advantage to the whole
country. The proposition, at least. is neighborly
and peaceable in its character and, il carried out
can certainly do no harm. 1t will show that the
real disposition of the State and the people of the
State, is to prevent dissolution of the Union so
long as it can be prevented honoraby and safely.
WASHINGTON NEWS
Senator Brown has prepared bill to establish
a Government Printing Office. His object is to
break up the present corrupt system lie intends
to impress it upon the attention of the Senate and
secure its adoption, if possible, during the present
session. 1t is understood there will be some rich
disclosures in reference to the printing arrange
ments, as carried on during the last few years,
when the sub ect of election of printer comes up in
the Senate. Senator Brown will do his country
great service in insisting upon thorough investi-
cation of the villainies which have been practiced
among the printing plunderers for some years. He
vii, be enabled to show to the world how saints be-
come sinners, how reformers become rascals, and
how government organs are bought, sold, and kept
in existence.
Hon. c. j. Faulkner, the newly appointed NJ lin
lsler 10 Lne court OF lullerleS, VIII proceed,
we understand, in a few days to his destination.
The presence of diplomatic representative of this
government at Paris was never more needed than
at this time. The Peace Congress is to be definite
ly opened at that metropolis the Goth instant.
Questions seriously affecting may come before
that DO " for its elaboration.
Mr.. Wilson has presented petition in the Senate
from citizens of the District of Columbia very
numerously signed, urging upon Congress the es-
adjustment of a normal school, from which teach
ers eminently qualified, may go into the public
schools, and also National Industrial University,
in which orphan pupils of merit, without funds,
may acquire tirst-class education by their labor
on model farm and model workshops
There is less prospect now of a speedy organiza-
ton of Congress than there the first day of the
session No man of any party can be named to
whom objections will not be urged by some of the
impracticables.
Mr. Charles Wilten has been officially recognized
as consul of the Free Hanseatic City of Hamburg,
at Charleston, South Carolina.
MRs. HARTUNG AGAIN.-Mrs. Mary Hartung,
convicted of the murder of her husband by poison
ing, was brought into Court at Albany, last Mon
day, and the District Attorney moved that the SEN
tence OF the law be pronounced upon her Mr..
Hadley, her counsel, objected, on the ground that
he had not had time since the filing of the record
to make application for stay of proceedings
On appeal, the Court decided to suspend sentence
Mrs. Hartung closely yelled, and also kept her
face covered with her handkerchief.
MAIL RoBBER KuLED-Last Wednesday two
men stopped the mail boy on his way from Sweet
Springs to Fincastle, Virginia, for the purpose of
taking charge of the mailbag. The boy drew
pistol and shot one of them dead on the spot,
which so frightened the other, that he made a
inht fnu dc tha and hoe.