Richmond Enquirer

FOR THE ENQUIRER.

Prince Edward, Nov. 4th, '25.

Messrs. Editors: In the conclusion of your comments on the message of Governor Van Ness, I was much gratified to find the following remarks. "The friends of the confederacy must look around them. The friends of the wisest form of government that was ever devised for a great people should see what is going forward. Will Virginia sleep at this critical moment? Will she quietly permit a new administration to practice upon the latitudinarian principles it has announced? We have a Senator of the United States to appoint. Let us then select a man, who is able to support the old Virginia doctrines of the constitution; and to resist this flood of encroachment, which threatens to sweep every barrier away." In relation to these sentiments there can be but one voice in Virginia; for at no period since the establishment of this republic, has Virginia occupied a more awfully responsible attitude than at the present. The daily encroachments of the Federal Government on State Rights, and its violation of the Federal compact, which Virginia has ever adhered to and defended, admonish us of the necessity and importance of selecting a Senator distinguished for talents and independence. Upon whom, then, could Virginia with more propriety, confer the appointment than on John Randolph of Roanoke? The length of time he has been in public service, the splendor of his talents, his independence and decision of character, his intimate acquaintance with our affairs, foreign and domestic; his uniform and zealous defence of State Rights; his unwavering attachment to the F. Constitution, & his economy in relation to the expenditure of public money eminently qualify him for that distinguished office. It is hoped, then, that Virginia in conferring her honors, will not be unmindful of the claims of an old and faithful public servant.

A Friend of the Federal Constitution as it is written.