The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1843-10-19
DISUNION.

DISUNION
II is somewhat remarkable that, while the
doctrine of notification. which certainly stop
pea snort of disunion, brought much odlur,
for lime at least upon some Of the most up
right and patriotic citizens of Southern
States, another section Of our country has, from
the earliest period of our national existence, been
accustomed to hold out threats of separation and
disunion, as a matter Of course, whenever the
policy of the General Government did not suit
us particular views and interests, however con-
forulahle that policy might be with the interests
aid 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 10 New England shortly ai-
ter the adoption of the Constitution and that
in the year 1896, mos, elaborate set Of papers
was published IN newspaper al Hartford, in
Connecticut, the joint production of an assoca-
ton Of men Of the first talents and influence in
the State, the object of which was to encourage
the project of a separation, and TO foment the
prejudices Of the People of New England
against their brethren of the South. An eY-
tract which he 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, S me seventeen
or eighteen years afterwards, acquired 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 oil The Government, while the fleets of
Great BRIAN 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 of the
national compact had been violated, but moie-
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 at
that time to be ashamed of the infamy of such
project, undertaken at such a moment, was
Mr. John Quincy Adams, who did not scruple
10 denounce his former associates How far
Mr. Adams was induced TO this step by sincere
patriotism, and how far by desire 10 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 parli-
cipalion in the Executive branch Of the General
and solace in endeavoring TO revive the treason
able practices which distinguished the friends Of
his youth. His course in Congress, during the
last five or SIX year,, has been such that nothing
but the respect due to old age, the high dignity
which he once enjoyed, and charitable suppo-
siton that his iniellects are somewhat disorder
ed, have saved hun from such expression Of
public opinion as could not be mistaken.
But, however much Mr.. Adams friends or
generous enemies, may attempt 10 palIiate his
uansgressions, there is a method in his mad
ness-a subtlrty in his lunacy-which, if few
years more of life granted to him, and his
career is unchecked, may yet acquire for him
whatever degree of fame or infamy may be ac-
corded by posteriy TO the destroyer of our Uni
on. Certainly, if his sole object were to bring
about ITS destruction, be could not labor at il
with more uniring energy and more sleepess
vigilance than he does al present. He has fa.-
tened, with his whole dying strength and with
the energy OF desperation, upon the weak point
Of our Union-lbat which exposes il to most
danger both from foreign and domestic foes
and seems determined if not able to inAict
mortal wound himself, at least TO let other enc
mics of our Union, abroad and at home. know
where its vital point lies. The most envenom-
ed opponent Of our counrry's institutions, in the
British Parliament, OF in any Court Of Europe
could not possibly have more jealous aud eff
cent co djutor.
HIS latest and most elaborate demonstration
against the integrity OF the Union is in
the shape Of an ncendiary manifesto, " adj
dressed TO The People of The FREE States of The
Union" which was published in the National
IateiIig, ncer early in May last, and is signed by
the ex President himself and twelve other mem.
bers OF the last Congress. The editors of the
Intelligsncer expressed some reluctance in pub
fishing this document " solely because of the
address which il bears to the People Of a portion
only of tie United States" A little reflection
NIGH have taught them, that though the title
would have been excepliopabe in any address
of a 20 itical charsct,r as implying an appeal to
mere sectional feelings, the ter OF this address
was liable to much graver objections than IL,
title.
The ,uhjeet Of the address is The annexation |
of Texas to the Union. In The course of il
Mr.. Adams quotes the following resolutions