The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-01-06

to the vast body ofihe people--he hardy mechanics
the sun-browned farmers, and the 'iong millions"
wherever found II u IDLE 10 say, as Is said here
every day, that these men have nothing TO lose IN
the ola war 1hsyhGrs everything 10 lose. They
are the ufg fist be called uponthe very first, I'M
deed, TO oier-io defend their country whie-as of
ten, very often happensthe merchant remains by his
blazing hear,h-stone. These stalwa men, then, risk
ing as they do in any contest their lives and leaving
behind them families dependent and helpless, are
those whose opinions most entitled TO weight
and consideration. The merchant may talk Of his
business impaired, his ships captured, his store
houses burned, az the result Of war; but some OF
these are merely contingencies, and may or may not
happen. They are not 10 be weighed in the balance
against the lives of feemen; those who not only fight
the battles, but help, when the war IS over, to pay
the cost incurred in carrying II on. AZ oil events,
under any circumstances, Colonel Polk may rely
upon the hearty and enthusiastic support OF the
people Of this State, including thousands OF the
workingmsn and others in this vicinity.
am enabled 20 say, from the best authority,
Chat Of the State treasurer himself that our semi-
annual interest," falling due on the first of February
ensuing, will be paid in foil.
Our State legislature will meet at Harrisburg on
Tuesday next You know that this body is strong
~ democratic in both Of its branches and This will
give to iis proceedings deep interest, especially
when il is known that great effort will be made TO
grant backing powers 10 number ofnew banks, rs
well 90 revive several old Of the very wont
character. The message Of Governor Skunk will,
have doubt, Oe IN tie true spirit. lie IL a SOund
statesman and u sincere democrat, and, beyond
question, will make his annual communication the
medium Of expressing strong and just views on all
the great questions.
The wing, are already casting about for a candi-
date for governor Of this State So far two names
only have been mentioned, and question much IL
one Of these two is not the man. These are Hon.
james Cooper Of Adams, and Hon-James Irwin,
Of CcETc-hoth very strong men in their own par
~ although CoOper is much the ADLER and more ac-
I.yl,a Of ia tom IrtVtu uaa ~
for governor la 1874, but failed, as many thought,
unfairly. This may increase his chances for the
nomination Ii matters little, indeed who they
nominate. The democrats have the State in good
hands and although IL il too soon to discuss the
question now, believe they will keep it so.
The weather is, just now, moderate Yesterday
we had a spring day, with n general thaw. This
will soon unbar our rivers. The late severe cold
has filed the Delaware with ice, and prevented yes
sells from getting into port. Quite fleet Is still be-
low although there were four or hve foreign arr
walls this morning and last evening, in consequence
of the thaw.
Mr. and Mrs. Kean close an engagement this
evening at the Chestnut street theatre, where they
have been playing TO over full houses. saw Mrs
Kean personate her favorite character of Ion few
evenings ago, and was greatly pleased with IT, Mr.
Kean himself is a good actor-no more. IL he were
not an Englishman, he would long since have gone
out Of the fashion; but "foreign" is a taismanic
prefix here and does wonders in hiding real defects
Burton (who il, Ivy the way, man Of real talent)
is doing a great business now at both his houses.
He displays great energy and skill, and never tires
IN the production Of novelty. His last buretta,
Tom and Jerry in New York and Philadelphia"
being hit at English travellers in this country, is
piece Of rare fun. II is from Brougham's pen, and
always draws full house. .u-..
The stock market is in improving state again.
State hves sold yesterday at $40 so. 81.
New YoRx, January 4, ls45.
To TIE Editor Of the Union:
The speech Of John q. Adams has come upon
this city like electric shockthe sensation pro-
found. What effect it may produce at either end
of PenuEy lYania avenue where results but often
are compelled 10 run the gauntlet Of party policy
amid the re6nements of sophistry and astute ratio
cuations upon cause and effect, cannot say. But,
away from Washington, among the people, II will
amazingly strengthen their confidence in the admin
istraton, and mmovabIy establish them in the
vction that right and tile to the whole OF Ore
gon or nonc, are clear and unquestionable, and
0gght never to be 's icndered Could anything have
been said in abatement of our claims and titles from
42o 10 SO 4D', against immediate occupation,
against extending laws, erecting forts, &c, the
people would have expected it from sage and
state sman OF Mr.. Adams's age, knowledge, and
preiulices against war. | am not the American to
doubt that Mr. Adams Qike Mr.. Msngum) spoke un-
der the SOLEMN influence of truth fart and patriotism
His coarnge candOr, and sincerity have generally
been unqucstioned. He is in the evening life, and
1t is incredible that he would have dared to tarnish
what he regards life-earned reputation, by the
utterancc Of fulsehood or deviation from truth
and fact. That the occupation Of Oregon--that a
war resulting in the acquisition of the Canadas and
other British posscssions--might enlarge the nom
siavehoding of freedom, may be behcved but
it is not be believed that these, or kindred consid-
erations have constituted the facts and arguments,
aud ground on which Mr.. Adams 10 in favor of
giving Immediate notice--occupying and legisla-
ting and negotiating afterwards. That war might
operate in conravention to mere revenue tariff,
and strengthen the manufacturing interest, may be
believed; but it cannot he believed that MIR. Adams
forgot his place, that tine commercial interests OF
Massachusetts (supposing his opinions TO be geo.
graphra) would, by a war, suffer far more than
her manufacturing interests would gain. That a
of would constitute the North into drum
head court-nartial, with aboioniss for judges and
aavcholders for victims may be left for the faith OF
some Gibraltar libeller and his London
.orser. No American will even for moment,
believe that state of war will in any wise
change the domestic relations of the South
ur abridgc its geographical boundaries, wheth
er of freedom Of servitude predict that
the whole Union would with double zeal rally TO,
the protection Of every inch Of the very extreme
southern integrity of our newy-chrstened territory
Certainly not until Great Britain shall have unfurled
her flag upon every chimney in the State Of New
York, will she be able to take possession of the
youngest "bone of our bone and flesh Of our fesh y
In my letter yesterday, before l heard of Mr.
hdamss speech, was fortunate enough to take the
position that he did, to wit: that the true ques
uon before the country is not whether we shall 60
to war, or have war with Great Britain, but ,pha
are our rights 10 Oregon? English cannon have
nothing to do with investigating deciding the
question, neither with asserting and maintaining
our rightsJ to the fullest extent, IL war come, il
comes upon us in the peaceful exercise of our rights
and in the honorable discharge of our duty. They
only arc impregnable and invincible who arc armed
with truth fact, ard Justice .Onp American truth
can conquer ten British cannon.
One thing more, ard have done Mr. Adams's
speech is the very antipodes of panic speech
II exhibits to the world and TO the confusion Of
British sjardcring prophets, one united solid Amer
con front-one invHcibe American phalanx--from
head to foot armed in truth and justice, infinitely
more terrible than powder and ball. The odds
npiinst war cannot be named.
With deep and lasting regrets at the position Of
the "49ih" party, ] remain,
'1 Yours truly,