Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1860-01-14


opinions they shall find that the differences between
the slavc-holding and non-Slaveholding States arc
irreconcable, let them consider the question of
A peaceable separation and the adjustment of all
questions relating to the disposition OF the common
oropertv between the two sections. If they can be
reconciled let them adjust 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 appeal
to the Legislatures of the several States to unite IN
the application proposed to be made 10 congress- III
pursuance of the provisions of the article aforesaid.
If the non slavehodng States shall all or refuse 10
mite in the application such failure or refusal VIII
furnish conclusive evidence of a determination on
their part to keep up the agitation, and to continue
their aggresSions upon us. Ii the Convention ehaIl
meet and the question cannot be satisfactorily adj
iusted it will furnish evidence equally conclusive oil
their determination. In either event the people OF
the South will clearly understand what they are to
expect in the future
It will doubtless be objected to this suggestion
that it looks to dis-union Grant it if you please
Is not the danger of diS-unon imminent now, and is
not the public mind North and South deeply aglta-
ted by the apprehension that the days OF the Union
are numbered? Dis-unon speeches are the order
of the day in delibcratve 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 rights OF their
States, and are making provisions for arminS and
discpning the militia with sole reference to their
protection and defence either Ill or out OF the Inon
Every man sees and feels that dangers are impcnd-
ing over us and that dS-union is not only possible
but highly probable event, and at no distant day.
When these things are so, surely the country can
look upon dis-union from the stand point which
occupy If men cannot calmly look upon 1t, at this
distance they ought to cease the uttcrance oil dis
union sentiments, and permit the public mind to
settle down. preparatory to submission, on the part
of the South.
| also suggest that 4 commission, to consist OF
two of our most intelligent discreet and experienced
statesmen shall be appointed, whose duty 1t shall be
to visit the Legislatures of those States which have
passed laws to obStruct the execution OF the FuSl
tive Slave act and insist in the name of Virginia,
upon their unconditional repeal. In support OF the
suggestion of the appointment of commission,
precedent is to be found in the history of our own
State in the appointment of the distinguished Ben
jamin Watkins Leigh, who was commissioned to
visit the Legislature of South Carolina at the time
of the controversy between that State and the Fed
eral Government The existence of the Union was
then greatly imperied, and the action of Virginia
exerted most happy influence, in bringing about
settlement that avcred the danger and restored peace
to the country. That crisis in public affairs al
most as serious and alarming as the present.
This controversy has now reached point, which
demands speedy settlement, if the Union is to be
saved from dissolution. 1.-THE aggreSSiOns 70 which
we have been subjected for so many years are to he
repeated ifmutual distruSt and suspicion are to
tinue and if the election of sectional Republican
candidate to the Presidency in 1860 is to be super
added it is useless TO attempt to conceal the Fact that
in the present temper of the Southern people, 1t can
not he, and will not be submitted to. The lire
presSible conflict doctrine, announced and advOca-
ted by the abcSt and most distinguished leader of
the Republican party, is an open declaration Of
tn nStitut;nn of African Sl1yprV wherever
it exists and would be disloyal to Virginia and
the South, if did not declare that the election Of
such man, entertaining such sentiments and advo-
eating such doctrines, ought to DC resisted by the
slavehOling States. The idea of permitting such
man to have the control and direction of the Army
and Navy of the United States and the appoint ncnt
of high judicial and Executive officers, poStnastcrS
included, cannot be entertained by the South for
moment
am now, and have ever been, a friend to the
Union Of the States. appreciate its value, ardent
ly desire its preservation, and would not raShly haz
ard its existence. have presented these views in the
earnest 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
their part if mutual confidence shall be revived,
and distrust an! suspicion shall he baniShcd from
amongst us. wise, prudent and cOnSiderate course
may save the Union, in the hour of its peril To
THIS emu am prepared 10 90 all tilal nOhOf, uuly
and patriotism enjOnS upon
Whether the Umon shall survive or perish, it is
nevertheless, your duty 10 place the State in such
condition that she will be prepared at all times, and
upon the shortest notice, to protect her honor de-
fend her rights and maintain her institutions against
all assaults of her enemies. With this view, | re-
commend careful revision of the militia avs; and,
in this connection, suggest that munitions of war
be procured and provision made for the or,aniZa-
ton of efficient military staff II wOul be we'll
Also to specify in the law, the number of aids to
which the Governor is entitled, and designate their
rank. | cordially approve the bill herewith sent,
for the organization of brigade of minute men, pre-
pared bya gentleman remarkable for his intelligence,
military knowledge and experience And, finally,
commend the Va. Military Institute to your favorable
consideration, and urge that liberal appropriations
be made for charging the building and extending
the sphere of its usefulness.
BY your legislation encourage spirit of indcpen-
dence amongst the people; foster direct trade,
utactures and the mechanics arts by all legitimate
modes. Our internal improvements should bepush-
cd forward to completion rapidly as the means Of
the State will warrant 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 appreciation
of my felow-citizens of Virginia. | will be found
ready, therefore, to cooperate in all measures calcu
lated to develope her unbounded resources and pro-
mote the prosperity and the happiness of her people
Respectfully, JOHN LETCHER.
SENSIBLE VIEWS \ MASSACHUSETTS EDITOR. -
Whilsta few Southern citizens seem not to appre-
ciate the Importance of building up our own manu-
features, the Newberry QIass) Herald thus speaks
of the efforts in the South:
1.-The dissolution needed by the South is not of
the political union of the States but one that shall
give them greater independence in their industry
~ o.