Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1844-04-26
szas1 7s=-7-
POLITICAL.
TEXAS-GEN. HAMILTON.
From the New Or leans Bulletin. |
South At,leboro', Mass

POLITICAL.
TEXAS-GEN. HAMILTON.
from the New Orleans Bulletin
The invdious distinctions made by Mr.. Webster,
between those States of the Union in which domestic
slavery exists and those in which it has been found
expedent profitable 10 discontinue that institution
we hope to rebuked and denounced al least by the
universal voice Of the slaveholding States. we take
pleasure, therefore, in inserting the eloquent femon-
STRANGE against the IN os and nnpatrouc sentiments
of Mr. Webster, and the earnest appeal from them 10
the pride and self-considera,ion of the South which
will be found in another column. The distinguished
gentleman who makes this protest and appeal as well
as the Senator whom the letter 10 addressed,
native Of the South, and champion OF Southern righ
not to the exclusion but part of 7msrican rights
He takes boldly and we'll the ground which We believe
the whole South will rally 10 as man, that the exist
ence Of this that institution in its limits shall not
prejudice State in the estimation OF the Contedefacy
that If other shareholders nre not tit TO come INTO the
Union we, as savehodsrs are not ut 10 remain IN H.
Let us not be misunderstood We entertain no ap-
prehension of dissolution Of the Union. We believe
that all parts of The country, and with The great mass
of the people, love and reverence tor the Union ana
the Constitution an abiding sentiment, too Deep loo
earnest TO be easily uprooted But II any thing can
DESTROY the attachment Of the States TO the conederacy
in which they bound it is the frequent expression
Of such doctrines as those Mr. Webster indulges-doc
trines which assume condescsndng and patronizlng
and at the same time, insulting and contumeious arr
into the clause which empowers the admission OF new
States condition not known to The Constitution, a
principle recognized IN our national poilty, ana IN
consistent with the perfect equality which attaches 10
the States and with the right which belongs TO EACH OIL
them to regulate its domestic atfairs.
Let every statesman who loves the country and the
Union, and who hopes FOR national reputation and ap
probation, beware of the Just, ilbera and unparl-
otto ideas which Mr.. Webster has wrecked himself.
To GEORGE McDUFrrE, Esq,
Senator from South Carolina.
NY Dear McDnfFe:-You must find my apology for
this public communication in the relations Of our old
and valued friendship and the interesting subject which
constitutes lis sole topic.
On reaching this place last evening from Texas
read for The first time the following extract of recent
letter from Mr. Webster, of his friends in Mas
rachusctts:
81 frankly avow my entire unwiliiugness 10 do any
thing which shall extend the slavery Of the African
race on this continent, ad otter siarehoidtag States
10 this Union We have slavery al
ready amongst u.s. The Constitution found 1t amongst
u.s. it recognized it, and gave 1t solemn guarantee
To the full end of these guarantees We are al ooand
in honor, 10 justice, and by the Constitution
But when come 10 speak of uniting new Stltes,
the subject assumes az entirely different aspect Oar
rights and our duties are then both different.
In my opinion, the people Of the IT, S 'rH not
consent 10 bring new, vastly extensive and siarehod-
ing country, large enough for half dozen or dozen
States, the Union. In my opinion they ought not to
consent to IT,
We cannot misunderstood this remarkable manifesto.
Whilst broadly, that slaveholdng State is
agan to be admitted within the pale Of The Union, 1t
leaves by necessary implication the door open without
limit, {, the admission OF those in which domestic
slavery does not exist. In other words he tells ~,
when adopted the Federal Constitution we permit
ted you to into the Conederacy with the ta'n OF
moral leprosy We must stand by our bargain We
will, however contaminae our household no further
with such associates :.
The meanest ,che slave who crawls in his cowardIce
and servility among give other interpreta-
ton to this anathema 1t must come to this complex
ION at last.
When this doctrine is avowed when this brand oil
Cam is put upon foreheads, what is, and what be-
comes of si,uation Remember, too, this language
comes from man of mark. From "vo'ce potential
from one who IS nj once regarded as The Nestor ana
Demosthenes of that part of the Union which lays
claim TO the largest part of the virtue and intelligence
Of the country.
For one, however much may be satisfied of wha'
the United States must lose by rejecting the propose
ton for the annexation Of Texas yet, if she should be
repulsed from considerations of political power, on
which parties may fairly take antagonist ground,
should be content that this question: like other public
questions should be decided by the ab,rament OF The
public WILL with due regard to that spirit of compro
,nss which formed the Constitution But the princ
pie Of exclusion, as avowed by Mr.. Webster, (ant
doubtless he speaks for party which has taken "
stand) involves insult and defiance TO us at the South
In word that long TO moralty dgrdded caste
i
If we have craven willingness to remain IN the mouse
Of fathers, nsued and rcvilcd long ns we are
permitted TO abide what security have we that we sha
not at astsbe kicked ANONYMOUSLY out OF doors, ant
sink 10 the level Of slavesa With all possible
moderation allow me to ask-f this is the ground or
which Texas is to be excluded from the Confe6erocy
have we any other alternative but ANNEXATION
OR DISUNION? There are times and occasions II
which the best discretion IS 10 be found in the hghes
courage and f Shareholders not Gt to be admitted
into the Union, ne not fit 10 be there The aIgu
gument can have no other extent but this.
Humble an individual as am, desire my position
in relation to this subject rot 10 be misunderstood
have hitherto taken no part in the battery Of this
question. To the best Of my recollection, have mel
Their written to Mr.. Calhoun yourself, nor sing,
member of the South Carolina Delegation en- the 10
pic ] do not even know your opinion, intimate 9
our relations have been. | have been restrained BY
considerations of peculiar dellcacy. | have large pc
cuniary claims OH the Government OF Texas, and de
sired distfust OF my motives. Besides, procured
the recognition of Texas from the first and most power
full nation on The face Of the EARTH and from two OF h
second rate mowers OF Europe, and co-operaed in oh
tanning that OF the King of the french. Alter ussnr
ing these Powers that Texas desired TO be sovereign
and independent State, was not tor me 70 take pro
minent part in measures which were TO place her II
subordinate sphere, by contributing TO reversal o
lily own assurances.
But If the ground on which Texas 10 10 De eHcnd
ed from the Union is the ground assumed oy Mr.. Web
ser, the question OF Annexation se sinks ABSOLUTELY
into comparative nsgn !cance The unon IS, IN Tact
dissolved, if the principle assumed 3 allowed TO oea
the bitter fruit Of its insult and injustice lhat IS L
say if the sordd cultivation Of cotton, rlce sugar ant
tobacco has left one impulse Of manly pride and cou
rage 10 our bosoms
indulge in feelings Of resentment towards MIR
Webster As Northern man, he is quite at liberty Il
entertain and express the opinions he does we have
an equal right TO entertain our own. have much per
sonai kindness and 10 acknowledge at hi
hands, and large tribute 10 pay to his Incompatible
genius aud to an intellect whose vgof gives both sim
pcy and grace to his extraordinary elegance and nc