Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-04-13
RrWARKS OF MR. MCFARLAND On Mr.. PRES
- TaNiS RFSOITTIONS


sbould not have vent1reG Mr.. PRESIDENT, e express
opnons upon the questions now before u.s. but tor what
was said by the gentleman who has just taken his seat
That gentleman ventured the opinion that the deranged
condition of the trade and business Of the country the
rest &c lie accession movement OF the South wholly I'M
aft .cted by the course poioy th1 tdmnstrauon.-
There is no opinion more mistaken or erroneous.
Ills true the disruption did operate adversely upon bu-
o md nursuts reduced prices, suspended confidence,
and led to great sacrifices get pad the country oeen
assured of peaceful poct on the p-ft y tie Govern
ment trade and Industry, at TINS early DAY, WOld nave
in the main recovered their activity It's characteristic
Of our people aud denotes their energy aud resources
that he the deprssson OF an unexpected disaster what 1t
NAV il r..u,res Jut ehort period for them TO regain
their confidence and Tepai. tue S-ste hazard noun
ing IN saving that by this time II The ponce OF Tue al
mnstration had been stable and avowed and the Tear OF
commoton and war been dismissed, conhdehes w0uu
haze tai en- the place OF uneasness and disrus aud n
dusry and enterprise been in the enjoyment OF their re-
wards II is important therefore 9Th reference to It's
commercial effects that the course oil the Administration
should be declared.
But fear an importance is attached to this resolution
to which il is not entitled Assuming that the admin
istration enerains pd,pc-es o. hostility against the Sc
ceded States they cannot be long hl or OoHee-!eu |Fe
parations for war do not admit of being covered up OF
disguised nor would there to be any adequate oil
lust motive for copce,ment if the President medated
war lie may ie and probably is without any definite
pln only WAITING up6n evGGtc end expecting relief IRON
some fortuna te copiuucture. With humble estimate q
his slat,snanshio aud that Of his Cabinet, might sug
ges it az probable that lie has not any settled views II
respect t. The course he will pursue. lie may conem
plate deyoving the dscsCn rpon Congress, at called
or at the regular session. For myself do net expect
any specific or valuable disclosure from the proposed
mission to Washington, yet | am so sensible, from my
connection With the general business Of this city, of h'
importance OF dsabAsi.g the public mind OF the appre
henson Of war; that AIN in iayo. o. any iair means
gaining information from the Executive desiiS
therefore, that the resolution may be adopted Tor whct
ihere is good reason in the time we have been engaged
about it, Is mission accomphshes nothing 1t canno
eventuate in evil.
The intmaon that the committee may make an un' al
report is both urust and chimerca Should the Presi
dent abuse the grave occasion by INDUCING in evasiv
and oraculsr responses the dscred will be all his own
whilst our position will b. unchanged. The judgment o
this body is far too enlightened and well balanced to b
betsayed or disturbed Ly reports from Washington.
The proposed application to the President is prope
and becoming and authorized by the highest sanctions
In England IL is familiar resort when the business
commerce Of the kingdom is threatened ~ aas OF State
for merchants and others to appoint committees to val
upon the ministry TO demonstrate against the propose
measure And 10 their credit, be it said, the mnistr
habuay receive such delegations with courtesy and re
spond to them with frankness IN Whatever otaer par
cuars the President may be indifferent or unconoerne
about the public uneasiness and anxiety, would, II
may say betray an ignorance and obtuseness, une,
smpld and shameful to refuse to committee from th
| body respectful and csndid audience