Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1861-04-10
Extracts from Mr.. Summers Speech.

Extracts from the Speech of G. W. SUMMERS, ESQ.,,
delirered in the Virginia Convention March IL,
1861.
But, Mr.. President not only are our most mate
rial interests to be thus affected by this remedy of
secession but in other aspects the consequences are
not less worthy of consideration.
Europe is divided into numerous separate nation
alties, bounding each other. browning fortreSses,
bastions, embrasures and all the preparations and
muniments of war and standing armies constitute
necessity of the European system. Now, in the
United States we have heretofore had no occasion
for apprehension from internal disasters and out
breaks Our geographical position at the same time
has given safety from invasion from abroad. But
SIR when you shall divide this country BY the slave
hne-a line of 900 miles between the slave and the
free States-you at once perceive that you are I'M
medlately RENTED to the European statuS The
same causes which bring about standing armies and
preparations for defence and war there will bring
them about here We have every reason to believe
that IN five years time after permanent dismember-
ment of this Union there will be standing army of
at least 100, 900 men on each side of the line 1t
will be the only mode of safety for either 1t would
only be the fear of each other that would keep the
peace 1t is only that which keeps the peace in
Europe now; it would be only that which would
keep the peace here. As one section enlarged its
army and navy, the other would find it necessary
to make corresponding increase-precisely as you
lind England and France watching each other, and
increasing their military and naval forces pari
pGssu
Will not go into an examination of the expendi-
lures necessary to support and maintain the new
government with its army and navy. That these
would be vastly augmented none can doubt. The
increase of expense would be brought upon our peo
pie, with diminished means and capacity, on their
part to meet and discharge it.
might advert to our constant liability after Con-
paration, to border raids and invasions the worst
population on either side the line having it in their
power TO bring sections into strife any time
regard secession then, so far from being RENE
dy for the evils of which we complain as an agra
walton Of them all and introducing and fastening
upon us new mischiefs of the most Injurious if not
fatal character O'
Mr. President we talk about passing an Ordinance
Of secession here an ordinance for the immedats
ana separate secession of Virginia in the condition
OF the public mind of the people of this STATED
where would be the wisdom, the prudence of such
measure, II there was a majority in this Conyen
ton favorable to it?
With the known thoughts and sentiments of the
people OF Virginia, l cannot believe that this Con-
vention would, if it could pass an ordinance of Sc
cesslon and send it out to be voted down by larg-
or majority than that which registered itself in favor
OF reference of the action of this Convention tn
vote OF the people, for ratification or rejection The
people OF Virginia do not intend to accent and ratifv
an ordinance of secession until every effort has been
exhausted to avoid it; until Virginia Inexperienced
her DUTY and her whole duty to herself and to the
people OF this country. If we pass this ordinance of
secession before the consummation and exhaustion
all those efforts and the performance of this whole
we shall send it forth only to be overwhelmed
oy the waves of popular dsapprobation and indig-
nson to be buried so deep in the ocean that even not
bubble will arise to the surface to tbe
where it went down. f'-O~
TO on with your patriotic endeavors-make these
efforts honestly, hopefully fully and to the last and
when ell has been exhausted and when the peone If
virginia, as an enlightened and considerable peonIe
they are, shall be satisfied in their heart Of hearts