Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-01-23

right Into the heart of the South which cannot be OBJ
siructed by any fixed fortihcations Once within the
gates of the harbor and army could be disemoarked
at any point on the wide bay which il might select 1t
could run up beyond the Escamba river and land many
hours ahead of any opposing force which might DC at
Pensacola beside placing wide river between and the
ater-or two rivers, the Escamba and Blackwater
by going far enough up. Hence, with start oil at
least fory-eght hours it could march into interior Ala
bama An enemy holding Fort Pickens could rendez-
vous naval force there and keep up blockade OF all
the ports of the Gulf unless could meet it the
HON. JERE CLEMENS AND THE SECESSION OF
ALABAMA.
When the vote was being taken in the Convention OF
Alabama, on the ordinance of secession, the name of
Hon. Jere Clemens being called, he rose and said
Mr.. PRESIDENT
Each member of this Convention, however unpre-
tending may have been the obscury of his past e this
day writes in history which will endure long after
we ourselves shall have passed from the stage OF action
In honor or reproach in glory or in shame there it is
stamped and stamped forever. Under such circum-
stances feel that word of explanation as to my course
will not be out Of place.
shall vote for this Ordnance but frankness and fair
ness require me to say that would not vote for it if
its passage depended upon that vote. II 1t we're lett to
me TO decide whether this plan Of resistance another
should be adopted, have already indicated strong
preference for that other which you have voted down
As matters now stand my vote will not affect the de-
ci.ion of the question here in way the other
am looking beyond this Hail. and beyond this hour. The
act you about to commit, is, to my apprehension
treason and subjects you if unsuccessful to all the pains
and penalties pronounced against that highest political
crime or poblest political virtue according the
tives which govern its commission. Whatever may be
my opinion of the wisdom and justice of the course pur
sued by the majority, do not choose that any man shall
put himself in danger of halter in defence OF the honor
and rights of my native State without sharing that dan
ger with him.
give this vote therefore, partly assurance that
intend in good faith to redeem the pledge which have
made again and again, in public and in private in speech
es and through the press that whenever the summons
came to me to defend the soil of Alabama whether it
At midnight or at mid-day-whether believe her right
or wrong, it should be freely, promptly answered
Sir never had doubt as to the course 1t became me
to take in such emergency as this believe your Dr.
,iinance 10 be wrong-ii could defeat it would; but
know can not 1t will pass, and when passed it be-
comes the act Of the State of Alabama. As such will
maintain and defend against all and every enemy,
long as have hand raise in its defence. As an
nest that what say am about to place myself
in position from which there can be no retreat.
have other reasons, Mr.. President, which | do not
mention here because to do would in some measure
counteract them. They known to my friends, and
there shall leave them until time and the course oil
events shall render their publication proper For the
present il is enough TO say that an son OF Alabama;
her destiny is mine; her people are mine; her enemies
are mine. plainly enough that clouds and storms
are gathering above US; but when the lightning flashes,
and the thunderbolts fall, trust that shall neither
shrink nor cower-neither murmur nor complain. Act
ing upon the convictions of lifetime, calmly and de-
Hberatey walk with you into revolution BE its perils
he its privations-be its sufferngs what they may
share them with you Although as member OF this Con-
yention opposed your Ordinance, side by side with
yours Mr. President my name shall stand upon the orig
nal vote and side by side with you brave the conse-
quences. vote in the affirmative.
The Lexington K Observer says that at the conclusion
of an eloquent address in defence of the Unon delivered
in that city on Monday night, 10y Rev. c. B. Parsons, OF
Louisville, Gen. Coombs stepped upon the stage with
the star spanged banner in his hand, which he waived
amid the shouts Of the multitude Upon being called
upon for a speech, he said do not intend to make
speech All can say is, that have fought under this
flag aud under it expect to die
THE POSITION AND SENTIMENTS OF MAJOR
ANDERSON.
The Petersburg Express of yesterday says
Lieutenant r. X Meade of the Engineer Corps at
Fort SUMTER has been in our city, on visit home, for
several days past Several gentlemen, with whom he has
conversed inform that he speaks in the highest terms
of Msior Anderson only brave and fearless SOL
der but as strong and true Southern man, his position
in the present state OF affairs, however, nderng 1t i'm
possible for him to take any other position before tie
people Of the south and OF the Union. lie does not Eel
in the slightest complmened by the hnatical cannon
firing in MS honor az the NORTH and it i. with pain, not
fear nor even embarrassment that he realizes the pre-
sen, attitude of the South towards him. That he loves
the South that he prefers it, every social lie gives ample
testimony. He is bound by the holy ties OF wedock TO
one of the fairest OF the fair of Georgia. daughter OF
General Clinch He has four devoted brothers, every
one of whom il is said is strong SecesSonst. Add TO
this that he is SOutherner by birth, and descendant
Of revolutionary sires need hardly more 10 give us
assurance that he only loves his native South, but
will at the proper time aud in an honorable manner
draw the sword il her defence.
These are simple differences from facts as known
Not syllable has fallen from the lips OF Lieut. Meade, TO
lead to the deduction that Maor Anderson will
not perform his whole duty TO the Government OF the
United States. But that he will be hand in hand with
the South as he may be, with honor, relieved
from his position, We have little doubt
LETTER FROM GEN. LANE.
letter from the late candidate for the Vice-Presi
dcncy on the Breckenridge ticket addressed to citizen
of Virginia, is in print of which the following is the
substance
lam pleased to receive such evidences of decided and
prcmp, action and of determination in the glorious Old
dominion How, indeed, could Virginia, with such
halo Of historic glory around her, and with such brave
and noble race Of people, act in any other way! ! am
sure the language Of your letter Is the voice OF the
whole State Let that be rumpeted forth to the North,
and the fanatics and aggressors will hesitate before they
atternpt TO carry out their threats Of coercion.
hope this country may be spared the horrors of war;
and that neither you may be required TO draw the
sword il defence Of right. think the action of Nir
gina if prompt and decided, as believe 1t will be, will
nreveut war Still it will be well to be prepared for de-
fence appreciate highly your complimentary oiier on
your own behalf and in behalf of your company l
hone no such service may be needed. shall bear in
mind, however, your expressions.
As to the DR. sent crisis may remark, in few words,
that it can only he settled peaceaby by the South being
united aud firm If peace be preserved, we may hope
for a reconstruction OF the government firm foun-
daton aud for glorious future Let then, the South
be uuited ana firmly, wthclt delay, and there will
be no more talk Of "rebels' and coercion
HON. VIM BALLARD PRESTON
This distinguished gentleman has consented to become
candidate for the Convention. In a letter replying to
several gentlemen who invited him to consent let his
name be used, he says;
lam free to say, that in my deliberate Judgment tie
time has arrived when every consideration Of honor of
duty to ourselves of public and private security, de-
mlnds adjustment OF the dangerous questions that d.
vide and mper the country, adjustment on the basis
OF Equality of the States and that will forever protect
and secure us against further aggressOns. And while
nv humble efforts will be honestly directed to the preser
walton and restoration of the Union of he States, shall
look to The rights the honor the safety the peace and
happiness Of the people Of Virginia as the primary obi
CATION of interest and OF defy
WENDELL PHILLIPS on SECESSION.
Bosrox Jan 2Oth.-Wendell Phillips, in his dsuaion
speech here to-day charged Seward with having attempt
Ell TO gain by conservatism what he failed to by
aboition-the Presidency. Phillips chief argument
was that dsuuion was desirable because il will abolish
slavery. He called upon the North to tell the South what
they really mean namely: Abolition" Any compromise
made BY Congress would not affect the Northern heart
and conscience. He argued that the North would gain
DIV disunon and used the following language Sacrifice
r.. a III . ga ConI.