Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-11-20
views OF Governor Lelshcr.

Governor Letcher having called the Legislature to-
gether to take action upon the issues presented by the
election Of sectional President it becomes matter Of
much interest to know what measures he will recommend
for their adoption We are without Information this
suhec,-fur,her than Is afforded by bis message last win
ter. In that message, in contemplation Of the event
which has now happeued he expressed himself as fol-
lows;
an this deplOrab!e condition of things, with all the
evils incident 10 q dssouiOn OF the Union prominently
before US the inquiry presents itse-what eau be done
to avert the dangery
oThs Supreme Court cannot settle this question Of
construction because it Is recognized by the parties
a. an arbi.er This has been but palpAbY manifest
in the reputation Of the bred Scott decision by
the Republican party.
The Only mode, therefore, Of remedying the evil,
that occurs TO me- under the Constitution provided in
the 9Th article thereof Summon convention OF all
the States that full and free conference may be had
between the representatives of the people, elected for
this purpose and thus ascertain whether the questions
in controversy cannot be settled upon some basis muu-
ally satisfactory both sections II such convention
shall assemble and after free and full consultation and
comparison OF opinions, they shall had that the der-
ences between the slayeholdng and non-sayeholding
States rrccOnesble let them consider the question
Of a peaceable separation and the adjustment Of all
questions relating 70 the disposition Of the pro-
perty between the two sections. If they be
ciled let them ADJUST the terms anu give them sucn
sanctions as will render them effective.
II suggest therefore, that you adopt resolutions in IA
vor Of the coll Of such convention, and appeal 70 the
legislatures Of the several States unite in the appca
toa proposed be made to Congress- in pursuance of
the article aforesaid If the nonsaVehoding States shall
fail or refuse TO unite the application such failure or
refusal will furnish conclusive evidence Of determina
ton their part keep up the agitation, and to con-
tnue their aggresSons upon If the convention shall
meet and the question cannot be satisfactorily adjusted
il viii furnish evidence equally conclusive Of their deter
miuatou In either event, the people Of the South will
clearly understand what they are to expect in the fr-
tnre.
III also suggest that commission to consist OF two oil
our most intelligent discreet aud experienced statesmen
shall be appointed whose duty il shall be to visit the Leg
atures Of those States which have passed laws to OBJ
s,ruc the execution Of the fugitive slave act and urge
their unconditional repeal. In support OF the sug'
gestion for the appointment Of a commission precedent
be found in the history Of own State in the APP
pointnen Of the distinguished Benjamin Watkins Leigh,
Who commissioned to visit the Legislature Of South
Carolina at the time Of the controversy between hatState
andthe Federal Government The existence OF the Union
then greatly impeed and the action Of Virginia exert
ed happy influence in braging about settlement
that ayerted the danger aud restored peace to the eoun
try That crisis in puoc Affairs almost as serious and
alarming as at present.