Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1840-10-08

" ABoLlTIoNIsM.-We have frequently
expressed our adherence of the introduction
Oh the Abolition question into the discussions
about the Presidency. We have all the time
been OF the opinion that it helped the Adolf
tonists in their efforts to disturb the institu-
tons OF the South and to produce the insub-
ordination apprehcnded from those efforts
And when we saw ii so gratuitously intro
Stuced as 1t has been, merely for party ends
connected with the Presidential question. and
discussed at large and with warmth, our dis
gust was more cordial than we would like to
give expression to. II will be readily sup
posed from this that we are pleased with the
generosity and fairness exhibited in the fol-
lowing article from the Philadelphia Ameri-
can Sentinel, an able advocate of the cause of
MIR. Van Buren,. Its remarks are Just in sem
timent and excellent in spirit.
"Willam Pitt Fcssenlen, Esq, member
elect OF Congress from Maine is not, as we
are informed, and never has been an abolito-
MIST, but on the contrary has always express
sed his opposition to the principles of that
party.--lfichmond Compiler.
"We may as well take this occasion to saw
that We have not been able to perceive the
truth and justice of the charge that the Whig
and Abolition parties of the North are iden-
tical in their aims and efforts. We have not
seen the proof that the abolitionists have any
special affinity for either of the great poltical
parties, or any expectation that the scheme
OF immed'ate.emancipatio would be promo
ted by the success of one or the other. In
stances have occurred in which candidates
for office regularly nominated have, from their
supposed leaning to abolitionism, received
the suifrages of nti-slavery men; but this
has happened on both sides, and has been a
mere accident In the history of politics. 1t
as notorious that the abolitionists as BODY
have no confidence In either the Whir or
Administration parties. This is openly and
frequently expressed through their presses
and conventions, and in their nomination of
candidates of their own for the Presidency
and Vice Presidency. We believe that after
the speech of Mr.. Clay last winter in the Sc
nate, on the subject of slavery, the great body
OF the abolltionists would have given Mi.
van buren, their decided preference, had the
former gentleman been taken up as the rival
candidate and we do not suppose they have
Sbeen materially conciliated by the nomina-
lion OF Gen. Harrison, since in the event of
the success of the Wings, the doctrines of
MT. Clay VIII be sanctioned and incorporat-
cd In the new administration, OF which he
must be the hierophant and symbol.
las to raising the cry of abolitionism for
effect at the South, we must pause little and
inquire what that effect may be, and whether
honest men and patriots can have any hand
In securing it. We may throw odium upon
our opponents, and consolidate the South in
support of MIR. Van Buren, by such trickery.
But is that the end of it! Is that the ulti-
mate effect! Is there no danger of deepen
ing and strengthening the already too appa-
rent jealousy between the great northern and
southern sections of our beloved common
countrys God knows we have perplexing
elements enough already in our political prob
lens, the greatest of which is diversity with
out disuniOn-and let US beware lest in at
tempting to conquer party we blow up the
Union. Let it not be deemed impossible that
the south and north, now attempted to be ar
rIayed against each other as parties may, ere
long, come to be arrayed as nations, separate,
Independent and bitterly antagonist