Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-01-15
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
RICHMOND, Jan. Z, 1861.
Gentlemen of the Senate
and House Of Delegates: a
My proclamation, issued on the 18th day OF
November last, states succinctly the considera-
tions which induced me to convene YOU in ex-
traordinary session.
Duty, however, requires of me more detailed
exposition of my views upon the subjects therein
referred to, as we'll as the presentation of such
recommendations as are demanded by proper
regard for the public interests and the faithful,
prompt and efficient execution of the laws of this
great and growing Commonwealth. These
views and recommendations will be presented
with as much brevity as the extraordinary cir
cumsfauces of the times will justify.
Entertaining profound respect for the intel
ligence, experience and information of the gen.
tiemen constituting the two Houses of the Gen
eral Assembly, feel that it would be a rehec-
tlon upon them to accompany each recommend
alton with an assignment OF all the reasons which
might be urged in its favor. l will content my
SELF therefore, with the assignment of few
general reasons in support of my recommend
ations. You viii consider and discuss them,
and either adopt or reject them, as your judg-
ment and discretion shall determine. | am re-
sponsible to the people, our common constitu-
ents, for the recommendations. You are le.
sponsible to the same tribunal for the DISPOSE
ton you make of them.
= regret that cannot congratulate you on the
peace and prosperity, the healthy and fourishing
condition OF the various branches of business in
which our people are 80 vitality interested, and
offer bright and cheering hopes for the future of
our country. The times are indeed full of peril
and danger, and demand from those who are
clothed with representative trusts coolness calm
ness and frmness, united with prudence, wisdom,
moderation and patriotism. Indecison or inds-
cretion, passion or prejudice, heedessness or
reckiessness, viii precipitate results that may be
deplored, when too late to be ayerted. a blum
der at such time is crime. An error CON-
United now can never perhaps be corrected.
With these preliminary remarks, l address
myself to the discussion of the most important
question that has ever claimed your considers
tlon, and ID the determination OF which SO much
human happiness or misery is involved. I re-
peat, as appllcableto this occasion, the language
of Governor Floyd, in bis message of January,
1888: "Your station is high and responsible !;
to you the people will look, nay, do look, for se-
curity and protection, and the maintenance of
all the rights of the States. Virginia, the land
of our birth, the burial place of our fathers, the
peaceful home of our wives and daughters,
awaits yonr decision" The people will review
whatever may be done-and the man who fears
to trust them is not friend to their rights or
their safety.
FEDERAL RELATIONS.
The condition of our country at this time
excites the most serious fears for the perpetua-
tlon OF the, Union. "Olouds, o'erlaping clouds,
are weaving DER our house an evil woof, tear
iui canopy" The country is torn By dissension;
fierce and angry excitement exhibits itself in ali
sections; passion and prejudice have taken alb
solute possession of the minds of the people
throughout the land. The vile spirit of faction,
which pollutes the fountain of national honor,
and digs the grave of patriotism" shows itself
on all sides. Confidence is destroyed; frater-|
nal feeling has been supplsnted by intense Sec
tlonal hate: the spirit of Cancellation has been
smothered and crushed, and the affections of the
people, North and South, East and West, appear
to have been entirely Withdrawn from their
government. The ties of brotherhood have been
severed and, though living under the same
Constitution, the sections seem to be as hostile.
each to the other, as if their citizens belonged
to unfrlendly governments. Distrust has marred
the pleasure OF friendship and social intercourse
bitterness and unkindness have crushed out fra.
ternity. Unity of feeling, unity of action, is now
gone. 1t is hardly possibly for government to
live and flourish under such adverse crcumstan-
ces I'VE must not, however, look mournfully
Into the past" That is beyond the hope Of re-
call. We must wisely improve the present
correct Its errors; reform its abuses re-unite
the severed ties of affection, and enkindle anew
the tires OF patriotism, if we would recover all
that has been lost. Ii this shall be done. al
bright and glorious future is yet before us. We
shall be blessed with power, influence, wealth
and prosperity-such as no nation has ever en- |
Joyed in the history of the world. Great as has
been onr success, as compared with the nations
OF the earth, heretofore, greater far would it be
hereafter.
1t is interesting to trace our progress. from
the formation of the constitution up to the pres
ent time. The results will be found in the high |
est degree gratifying to our pride as a people, |
and Immensely important, so far as our power
and influence as a nation are concerned. What
was the area of our country in square miles, en-
oraced by the original thirteen States2 ONLY
9,6l5. What is it now? Thirty three States,
covering an area of 1902, ,00O six organized ter
,itories, exclusive of the district of Columbia,
covering an area of ], ,401 900; and in addition
We have the Mesilla valley, embracing $4,000, |
md the Icdan territory, embracing $4,000
quare miles. Our territory has been enlarged
early seven times in extent; our navy has
'een increased untili its canvass wbitens every
cean, aud our national flag assures protection
0 the American citizens wherever he may be-
)ur power, our influence, our prosperity, our
gricultural, mechanical and manufacturing I
Vealth have increased far beyond all expectation.
hat banner which is borne up, and which has
cen carried forward by the unseen, yet steady
and of progress, has attained position far in
dvapce of the hopes and anticipations of the
ounders of our government. Surely no people
ave been blessed as we have been, and it is
to think that all is now about to be
.crificed upon the altar of passion. If the
ldgments of men were consulted, if the admo-
itions of their consciences were respected, the
nion would yet be saved from overthrow /
very calm, considerate and rejecting mind is
LED with apprehensions of the most painful
every patriotic heart throbs with
lxiety, and all conservative men throughout {
lr extended country are seeking to devise some i
cans Of escape from the evils that now threaten 7