The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-10
NEW YORK HERALD THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 1861.

and interests the institutions and honor Of all Its mem
bers can be satisfactorily secured. We can form such
confederacy as VIII draw TO the affections and sympa-
thies Of its citizens thereby securing for foundason
On which IL rest in safety.
perplexitits and the complications which now environ
u.s. present It for the consideration Of my coan.
,pAo are 10 succeed US demands h the controversy shall be
senied Ewduy. II can be no longer delayed
The times require prudence, wisdom and patriotism;
should be willing TO risk himself and his future
prospects TO quc the strife and restore peace 20 the
nation, torn it now by dssenson and threatened
with anarchy trusting TO the people to do justice TO his
intentions, oven II they should think his judgment IN
In the present posture Of affairs, IL becomes TO cast
about and ascertain IN what way the interests OF Virginia
be preserved and advanced II Is neither polite nor
be sacrificed and destroyed by political sectional bros
This obligation upon us s imperative, whether tho
Union shall continue to exist or BIO destroyed. In
either event, our material prosperity should be
with object Of the first importance, and
to efforts should be steadily directed
We have tho best port In the country and no man can
doubt, II direct trade established between Nor
folk and Europe it would give increased prosperity to
every intel est in the commonw ealth. II would
Tor us a. commercial Independence that would
prove OF immense value in any contingency that might
occur The present and prospective system Of railroads
In the State already points 10 the great Northwest, aud
must soon be ome important part Of the immense not
work Of roads which reach Kansas and arc fast pro-
crossing towards the Pacific and the system, when com
plete viii be entirely, almost so, within tho central
belt from the Atlantic to the Pacific Virginia then,
whether OF the ~ STANDS al present.
has It in her power place herself in the position, in
reference to ths great interior and exterior trade which
really belongs TO her
with ships sailing directly TO Europe at regular inter-
vas from the port Of Norfolk, an import trade could
DO established and importers in the interior cities
throughout tho West and some portions Of the South
west would their supplies through this channel
These mportatons would all pass over our railroads To
their intersection with tho railroads Of other States es
pecaly those Of Tenncsee, kentucky ana some OF the
Northwestern States The export aud import business
would be concentrated upon tho virginia roads, ana
would thus insure TO them controlling power in the ar
rangcmen securing great benefits to the state and good
profits to the stockholders may be added that this
commerce Is already Ia existence, anu only awaits the
est cheap aud most expeditions means Of reaching
the Atlantic to be conveyed thence to all points o. desti
nation, both outward and inward.
am entirely satisfied, that II direct trade were estlb
lshed between Norfolk and Europe II would result IA the
OF Cities the increase OF our agricultural
products the development OF resources the creation
manufactures the enhancement Of thc vale Of lands,
the opening OF the coal and mineral beds make the stock
which the State owns in her railroads productiveand
the end would be a dminuon OF the State debt and
reduction Ia the rate OF taxation IL such would DO the
results, the subject is emncnty deserving of the most
serious consideration The attention OF the people has
been directed to the question, and the time is therefore
favorable decisive action upon IT, leave 1t TO your
WISDOM to digest plan that will secure the great end
have thus presented my reflections on federal rela-
tons frankly and with that independence which Is be.
coming The position occupy at this interesting and
dangerous epoch in history. 1t is only by FREQ
comparison of opinions and manly examination OF the
questions in ISSUE that we can hope to evolve tho true
state Of facts, and provide remedy for existing troubles
and threatened dangers. Having performed my duty
the whole matter with you, for such action as tho wis
your conclusions what they may am satisfied they will
be results Of your convictions to what Is best to be
done this emergency for tha honor and interests OF our
beloved G. mmonwealth and our country.
In conclusion, have but to add that the will OF Vr
ginia will furnish incxble rule Cor the direction Of
own action Mp destiny Is linked indssoubly with
hers In the expressive language Ruth "Whithor hot
goes will go; and where thou lodges will lodge; Thy
people shall be my people, and thy God, my God"