The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1843-10-19
DISuNlON-

DIS UNION.
II is somewhat remarkable that, while tn
doctrine of notification, which certainly stop
ped short of disunion, brought so much odium
for line at least, upon some of the most up
right and patriotic citizens of our Southern
States, another section Of our country has, from
the earliest period of our national existence, beer
accustomed to hold out threats Of separation ant
disunion, as a matter of course, whenever tn,
policy of the General Government did not sui
its particular views and interests, however con-
formable that policy might be with the interests
and honor of The nation at large and with the
letter and spirit of tie Constitution.
The late Matthew Carey, in his Olive Branch,
states that the project of separation of the
States was formed in New England shortly af-
ter the adoption Of the Constitution and that
in the year 1896, most elaborate set Of papers
was published in a newspaper at Hartford, in
Connecticut, the joint production of an associa-
ton Of men of the first talents and influence in
the State, the object of which was TO encourage
the project Of a sepa alton, and TO foment the
prejudices of the People of New England
against their brethren of the South. An ex-
Tract which be quotes from one Of these papers
is precisely in the style and temper of an incen-
diary Abolition Address of the present day.
The same city of Hartford, some seventeen
or eighteen years afterwards, acquired a more
widespread and durable renown from being the
chosen seat Of the deliberations of another con-
clave Of traitors, who were plotting the over
throw of the Government, while The fleets OF
Great Britain were bombarding cur cities and
ravaging our coasts. The pretext for the pro-
ject of separation, undertaken at such moment,
was not that the Constitution, or the terms ofthe
national compact had been violated, but mere
ly difference of opinion as 10 the policy of the
war.
Among those of their own party-the Federal
party Of New England-who had the grace al
that time to be ashamed of the infamy of such
a project, undertaken at such a moment, was
Mr.. John Quincy Adams, who did not scruple
10 denounce his former associates. How fal
Mr.. Adams was induced to this step by sincere
patriotism, and how far by desire TO continue
in public life on the broad theatre of the Union,
might not now be question, but for the fact
that, since his forced retirement from any parti-
cipation in the Executive branch Of the General
Government, he has found his chief amusement
and solace in endeavoring 10 revive the treason
able practices which distinguished the friends o.
his youth. His course in Congress, during tn,
last FIVE or six years, has been such that nothing
but the respect due TO old age, the high dignity
which he once enjoyed, and a charitable suppo
sition that his inlellects are somewhat disorder
ed, have saved hun from such an expression o.
public opinion as could not be mistaken.
But, however much Mr. Adams friends, Oh
generous enemies, may attempt TO paate hi,
transgres sions, there is a method in his mad
Mesa subtlety in his unacy-whch, if few
years more Of life are granted to him, and BIZ
career is unchecked, may yet acquire for hin
whatever degree Of fame or infamy may be &C
corded by posterity 10 the destroyer Of our Uni
on. Certainly, if his sole object were to bring
about its destruction, be could not labor at j
with more untiring energy and more sleeplest
vigilance than be does al present. He has fas
tened, with his whole dying strength and with
: the energy OF desperation, upon the weak pon
of our Union-ihat which exposes il to mos
danger 10th from foreign and domestic foes
and seems determined, if not able TO inAicl
mortal wound himself, at least to let other enc
vnies Of our Union, abroad and at home, know
where its vital point lies. The most envenom
ed opponent Of our country's institutions, in Ih,
British Parliament, or 10 any Court Of Europe
could not possibly have more Jealous and eff
cient coadiutor.
His latest and most elaborate demonstrated
against the integrity Of the Union is il
the shape Of an incendary manifesto, !" ad
dressed 10 he People Of the FREE States Of III
Union which was published in the Nation;
Intelhgencer early in May last, and is signed b
the ex-President himself and twelve other men
bers Of the last Congress. The editors of tn
Intelligencer expressed some reluctance in put
fishing this document solely because Of tn
address which it bears to the People Of a porto
only of the United States" A little reAectio
might have taught them, that though the till
wo.ld have been eIceptionable in any addres
Of political character, as implying an appeal I
mere sectional feelings, the matter Of tbisaddres
was liable to much graver objections than il
title
The subject Of the address is the annexation
of Texas to the Union. In The course of
Mr., Adams quotes the following resolution