The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-01-27
DISSOLUTION OF THE UNION
MIR. ADAMS

solution of the Union OF the sgners of the
petition we know nothing but be they eminent
or be they obscure, the mere fact that an idea
has been entertained of the dsseverment of
the compact, which unites these States, must
be startling, not only to every true American
patriot, but TO every friend of free government.
Were we TO regard the petition alone, we might
hesitate to treat il seriously. The well known
zeal of Mr.. Adams in the presentation of petit
tons has, more than once, we believe, induced
mischievous persons to make it the instrument
OF playing of their tricks and we might be in
duced TO believe this memorial to be Of the same
character as the one purporting to come from
Georgia, and to treat it, viewed in that light, as
1t would deserve, were il not for the statements
made by Mr.. Adams himself, and the arguments
which he employed in his vindcaton. He has
compelled US 10 look on the petition as no hoax
-as signed by bona fde citizens of the country
having seriously in view the object set forth in
the petition, and for the reasons therein as
signed That the idea Of such memorial was
conceived at all, must be alarming, without the
fact OF its presentation to Congress, unless un-
der the supposition that those who framed it
and those who signed it, acted without any die
taton from others, and lowly, ignorant and OBJ
scure were influenced only by untaught fanati-
cisn. Then we would have the solacc,
that the disease is confined to few, and that
there would be no danger of dissemination of
the contagon. But if ignorant, they have been
seduced into the preparation of this act by the
persuasions of an artlul and aspiring demagoguc
we may dread that the arts which led them
astray may be equally successful with others
like themselves, and the poison may spread, in
fecting even those who might be deemed secure
from its attacks. Much greater is the danger
if the signers are all men of standing talents
and influence.
| The conception of such petition we con-
slider ominous Of danger. The impudence
which sent il to the House Of Representatives,
and the presentation of it by Mr.. Adams, consli-
tute more alarming prognostic. Plots may be
(concocted in secret-their intent may menace
danger to others, their abettors may have ag-
gregated strength sufficient to inhict it but the
secrecy in which they are contrved, manifasts
doubt of power and a doubt of success The
treason in this case presents itself with the con
hdence Of present immunity and ultimate tri-
umph. 1t shows itself only as diminulve
speck, but Mr.. Adams himself informs us that
il is in reality much larger than it appears to be.
The signers Of this memorial are not the only
persons who seriously contemplate a disruption
of the Union. The Infection is not confined TO
one spot. 1t has burst forth in various quarters
There is yet something more portentious in
this unprecedented movement. In presenting
the memorial, Mr.. Adams moved its reference
to a select committee with instructions to report
reasons why the prayer should not be granted.
He desired this course to be taken, because he
knew that the idea of dissolving the Union had
become familiar to more persons than the petit
TONERS in the present instance, and she wanted
to meet it and to convince them that it lras not
get time for the people of the portion Of the
country which was most emphatically oppressed
to adopt this measure, but there are privileges
and resources which can be resorted to without
the one established in the Declaration of hide
pendence."
confession is thus openly made, that though
he is opposed to the object sought by the petit
TONERS, it is not because he is averse to the
principle of an attempt to dissolve the Union,
but because he thinks the time has not yet ar
rived for carrying the project into execution
But the opinion has become familiar with many
that the Union should be dissolved-and he
himself contemplates it calmy as result which
must take place, though its accomplishment is
deferred. That some obscure factionary spirits
should dream of such catastrophe, might not
be surprising; the fact ofits being published to
the world, obtruded on the House of Representa-
tlves, and with the endorsement of such an autho
rity as Mr. Adams, constitutes the alarming fea-
ture in the movement. In place of any com.
ment OF our own on this view of the subject we
extract passage from the farewell Address of
Washington-whic however familiar 10 every
American, cannot be read too often, and espe-
"The unity of government, which constitutes you
one people, is also now dear to you. II is Justly SO
for it is main pillar in the ediice Of your real indie
pendence; the support of your tranquility at home
your peace abroad Of your safety of your prosperity
Of that very liberty which you highly prize. But
it is easy to foresee, that from different causes and
from different quarters much pains will be taken ma
ny articles employed to weaken in your minds the
conviction Of this truth: this is the point in your
political fortress against which the batteries OF internal
and external enemies will be constantly and ac-
lively (hough often coverty and insidiousy) directed
it is ofinfnite moment that you sh ud properly es-
mate the immense value of your nat NAL union to
your collective and individual happiness that you
should cherish cordial, habual, and mmoveable at
achment to it accusoming yourselves to think and
speak of it the palladium of your political safety
and prosperity; watching for its preservation with
jealous anxiety dscountenancng whatever may sug-
gest even suspicion that it in any be aban
doned and Indignantly frowning upon the first dawn
ing of every attempt to ALLEVIATE any portion of our
country from the rest to enfeeble the sacred ties
which now link together the various parts"
Wa Itch l. IL LII laI IL.