The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-01-12
IMPORT ANT MESSAGE FROM THE GOV
ERNOP OF VJPGJNJA

very important message was sent to the Vir-
ginia Legislature by Coy. Letcher on Saturday
last In view of the present state of sentiment at
the North, he suggests the election, by the people
of all the States, South and North of delegates to
Convention to be held to ascertain whether the
questions in controversy between the two sections
cannot be settled satisfactorily and if they cannot
then let them consider the question of a peaceful
separation and the adjus tment of all matters reat-
ing to the disposition of the common property be-
tween the slaveholding and non-slaveholding
States. He also recommends that a commission Of
two of our most experienced statesmen visit the
Legislatures of those States which have passed
laws to obstruct the execution of the Fugitive
Slave law, and insist in the name of Virginia. upon
their unconditional repeal. In conclusion, he says:
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 agta-
ted by the apprehension that the days of the Union
are numbered? Disunon 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
mode OF protecting the honor and rights eff their
States, and are making provision for arming and
discplining the militia, with sole reference to their
! protection and defence either in out OF the
Union Every man sees and feels that dangers are
impending over us, and that disunion 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 stand
point which | occupy If men cannot calmly look
upon it at this distance they ought to cease the ut
terance of disunion sentiments and permit the pub
lie mind to settle down. preparatory to submission
| on the part of the South.
am now, and have ever been, friend to the
Union Of the States. appreciate its value, ar
IDENTIFY desire its preservation and would not rash
ly hazard its existence. | have presented these
views in the earnest hope that the Northern mind
may be brought to reflection, and that the conser-
vatism of that section may be aroused and stimula
ted to immediate action 1t will require prompt
and decided action on their part if mutual conf
dence shall be revived, and distrust and suspicion
| shall be banshed from amongst us. A wise, pru-
dent and considerable course may save the Union,
in this hour of its peril. To this end, ] am pre-
pared to do all that honor, duty and patriotism
enjoin upon me.
Whether the Union 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,
defend her rights, and maintain her institutions,
against all assaults of her enemies.
by your legislation, encourage spirit of indie
pendence amongst the people, foster direct trade,
manufactures and the mechanic arts by all legiti-
mate modes. Our Internal Improvements should
be pushed 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 so to discharge my duty, as to
secure the confidence and win the respect and ap-
probation of my fellow-ctizens of Virginia. l will
be found ready therefore to co-operate in all meas
ures calculated to develop her unbounded re-
sources, and promote the prosperity and the happi
ness of her people.