Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-01-28

licted a serious injury both upon the master
md the slave, and they cannot but know that
ftheir measures can prevail, our Union must
&c dissolved. With me, abolition and disu-
Non arc identical terms to this extent-l
Within the brief period of Il few wears. have
cen the spirit of abolition, confined first to
he District ofColumbia, pass with hasty step |
Q the prohibition of the slave-trade between
he States--to the abolition of slavery and the |
'iavc-trade within the Tcrritorics-to the !
Of new States providing for |
This domestic poiicy-to the exclusion of t
leNas upon the same ground--to the rccog-
milton of the independence Of Hayti-to the
enactment oil naturalization laws to admit
her people of color, not only to become citi-
zens, not only to hold property, but to vote "a.
our elections and L now see i'm the petition
enclosed adirect proposition 10 alter u portion
OF The Constitution relative TO this compro-
mise, and TO repeal the law made In confor-
NIFTY to thatprovision. Our country has been
agttated, and, at times, almost convulsed with
political strife, and with every political qucs-
ton, both of war and Of peace; these were lc
gitima'e subjects, naturally growing out of
democratic forms Of Government, and i'm all
these discussions every party professed to adj
here most sacredly TO our Federal Union with
tenacity highly credi,able to the inteli.
genco and patriotism Of the people. No par
~ ever dared to put the Constitution at def
ance. In no instance has my confidence been
shaken in the integrity of the nation. But
here is subject perpctually agitated, which
is regardless Of compromise entered into by
the fathers OF our ndependence-those who
fought and bled for it--and confirmed by the
solemn obligation OF the Constitution, which
every citizen is bound, and every officer sworn
TO maintain, regardless OF every consequence,
however appalling TO humanity and which
must, ifpersisted in, destroy the las, hope of
man IN this world Of despctism. Modern alb
oiiuonism, which in its origin created in the
BOSOM OF the patriot nothing but pity for the
lew who seemed willing to agonize this happy
and quiet community with this subject. has,
In few years, become one of dread, of dam
ger and avail forebodings and it demon.
stratos the melancholy fact that MISGUIDED
sympathy, infiamed by religious enthusiasm.
having nothing to lose itself as to property.
cannot be restrained by the prospect of losing
the ineslmable blessings, the inexhaustible
happiness, and the inumerable benefits aris-
ing from the most perfectly organized and the
pest regulated Government on earth. shall
leei 1t my solemn duty, to the extent Of nv
feeble powers, to stop its progress, and de-
stroy its influence.
hat would be the consequence Of sepa-
ration! 1t requires but i;tle KNOWLEDGE of
human nature to discover that States too he
terogeneous In their elements, and too distant
IN their affections and interests to harmonizc
IN the happiest political union that the world
ever exhibited, could never maintain peace
with each other when that bond shall be sew
cred. The example of the world confirms
ms apprehension. The little Republics of
the ancient world were always at war with
each other. The States of Greece could new
or be restrained by the consideration Of their
common safety from bloody wars among
themselves. The petty sovereignties of Ger
many, by Their dveoia,;n= ..a-s araine. oaeh
other, have died their fields and swelled their
streams with blood. And who could antici-
pate happier state Of things in this country1
The elements Of war arc already kindling in
the Plrenzied passions which are externally
urging this subject and if the fatal blow
shall be struck to sever the bonds of union, it
VII! commence In blood and in its progress
it will exhibit scenes of devastation more
shocking to humanity than all the feuds of
Europe or the Vandalism of the world.
The responsibility will rest upon those who
are sowing the seeds Of discord, if such a
state of things must happen. Congress has
again and again refused to hold jurisdiction
OF this subject even for discussion upon its
| tiit uoioiaiiS VI tiC 1Oi!-
sttution, and sworn to support it, TO do SO,
would be guilty of moral treason against the
Liberties of the people.
I cannot suppose all who give coun,enance
to these measures are considerate of the con-
sequences but a mistaken enthusiasm in
honest minds may produce effects as direiul
as wiliul errors.
| have been in the service Of my country
thirty-six years, and it is my determination TO
retire with consciousness of never having
done an act which would have the remotest
tendency TO weaken the bond of our Union.
nor participate with those who profess higher
opnga,ions to our country than those impos-
ca by the Constitution. My declining to
present the petition does not arise. in auy de-
gree, from want of due respect TO Yourself
and those associated with You in it. 1t is the
discharge OF public duty which requires me
to return it. 1t is my disposition at all times
to fulfil the wishes of my fellow-citizcns in
every thing compatible with the obligations
which owe to my country; and to citizens.
so respectable in social life. could not alb,
rnptly return the petition without ASSIGNING
my reasons for so doing.
Having given you a has,y outline of my
views, You will perceive that, with ali the re-
gard which | entertain for YOU personally. I
could not consistently present the petition to
the SENATE. wish not to invade your right Of
making your petition, nor do complain Of
tho manner In which you have exercised it :;
but as know OF no law or any part Of the
Constitution which requires ne to present
petition which believe to be in its call re-
Pugnant to the Constitution, and dangerous
In Its tendency, it is only in obedience to nv
own conviction of duty that decline, and, in
SO dong, hope you will believe me when
aver that 1t Will ever give me real pleasure TO
serve you, or any Of the petitioners. when
can do so without violating nay duty to our
common country.
Most respectfully,