"How far United."
Under this head the
Central Presbyterian, of this city, has an article of a column and a quarter, in which, after a diligent perusal of the secular and religious papers published in
Virginia, and personal intercourse with the people of different sections of the
State, it is "enabled to form some reliable opinion as to public sentiment in this Commonwealth with regard to the great questions now at issue between the
Northern and Southern States."
It observes that while there is diversity of judgment as to the proper remedy for the wrongs of which we complain, and while men equally wise and patriotic differ as to the time and mode of seeking redress, there is remarkable unanimity of sentiment on the following points, the
Presbyterian's statement of which we condense as follows:
- 1.
That the anti-slavery crusade has advanced as far as it can be permitted to go. The election of the Republican candidate is not regarded as in itself demanding forcible resistance, but eminently dangerous to Southern rights and interests, demonstrating, as it does, the triumph of a sectional party, organized upon principles unfriendly to Southern institutions.
A limit has now been reached, beyond which these aggressions must not pass.
- 2. Whilst always devoted to this Union, a state of feeling now unquestionably prevails which renders mere appeals to this sentiment unavailing.
Something more is needed than the magic charm which once dwelt in the very name of Union, to render Virginians oblivious to the unfriendly legislation of Northern States.
To a Constitutional Union, which will secure the objects of the Constitution, the people of Virginia are still devoted.
- 3. While difference of opinion prevails as to the propriety of immediate secession on the part of a single State or a small number of States, there is great unanimity in the determination of our people to resist any coercive measures by which the Federal Government might attempt to compel the allegiance of such seceding State or States.
Such an attempt would at once decide the relations of Virginia to the Union.
- 4. The people are united upon the point that the time has come when the agitations must cease, and when the questions that have alienated one section of the country from the other must be settled.
Virginia does not mean to remain a quiescent and acquiescent member of the Confederacy as it now exists.
Some steps must be taken to ensure the correction of existing wrongs, and guarantees against future aggression.
The Presbyterian copies a letter of the venerable Dr. Wilson, President of Union Theological Seminary, Prince Edward, which appeared in the last issue of the North Carolina Presbyterian. Dr. Wilson is eminent for his years and piety, his soundness of judgment and prudence in counsel.
In this letter he says:
‘
"The present state of our country must excite the interest of every citizen.
The welfare of both Church and State is deeply involved; and clergy, as well as politicians, may properly express their views, and use their influence, to avert evil, and secure the right and the good.
"To me, it appears very important that the whole of the slave States should act in harmony.
For this purpose let a convention of delegates be called together at some central point.
Let this convention clearly and solemnly present to their sister States their just rights and constitutional claims — protest against their violation, and demand a proper guarantee for their future protection.
"If this be granted, we may live in peace and prosperity.
If it be denied, then our cause for separation will be vindicated before all wise and just men, in every nation.
Our Southern States would be united, and there is hope that some of the free States would unite with us. Certainly many men in the free States would acknowledge the justice of our cause.
"If ultimately compelled to separate, we would be a bony large enough to maintain our rights and command the respect of other nations.
"Let us use every effort consistent with our obligations as men and Christians to maintain peace.
If at last we are driven to arms to maintain our just rights, we can with a good conscience appeal to God who judges righteously."
’
The
Presbyterian adds that we shall soon know whether the scheme of a satisfactory adjustment of our difficulties through an amended Constitution is practicable. "If the
North will not give us in this, or in some other way, a proper guarantee for the future protection of our constitutional claims; if the rendition of fugitive slaves be refused; if our equal rights in the
Territories with whatever property we choose to carry there be denied; then, as
Dr. Wilson asserts, our cause of separation will be vindicated before all wise and just men in every nation," and "we would be a body large enough to maintain our rights" and command the respect of the world; so that, if even "driven to arms to sustain our just rights, we would, with a good conscience, appeal to God, who judges righteously."
