Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1847-09-10
FROM the Washington Union
THE WILMOT PROVISO.

WIN. r. DANCY, Secy.
FROM the Washington Union.
THE WILMOT PROVISO.
OF all the letters which have been called forth by
the recent events, we regard the following produc
ton of Mr.. Buchanan's pen as the most important.
1t is written with the distinguished authors usual
cIearness and force and it is marked by that high
Buchanan has not hestated to step boldly into the
field at once, to declare his sentiments freely on
the exciting topic of the day, and to discharge a
great duty at critical period of public affairs
Never were more proper words uttered at a more
proper time. He comes forward in the spirit of
union, in the spirit of concliston n the spirit of
compromise, to pour oil upon the troubled waves.
And what patriot will not thank him for the effort
he has made the courage he has exhibited, the adj
vice which he gives to his countrymen? He is
opposed to the WiImot Proviso-and he is right
He goes for the Missouri compromise to settle the
agitation suestion-and he is right He throws
himself into the breach and it is impossible that
bis country can hear his warning voice, without
respect and without the sncsrsst gratitude. It is
q source of great satisfaction to US, that we agree
in opinion with politician so distinguished, and
whose opinion is much entitled to the respect
of his countrymen. But he stands upon the firm
foundation of Truth; and let the storms rage as
they may upon that house, it will stand, for it is
built upon rock. But these storms cannot long
endure Many of those of our political brethren
who may have expressed different opinion, will
Indulge " the sober second thought" revise their
judgment, and reverse their opinion. Mr.. b.
chanan speaks in the true spirit. He speaks in
the spirit of the compromises which formed and
adopted this constitution-this compact between
the slaveholdiEg and non. slaveho.ding States
He speaks in that spirit Of compromise which pre-
vailed over the destnies of Missouri and of Texas
He speaks in that spirit which will bind togeh her
this holy Union, to which every American is de-
voted by the strongest ties of feeling we'll of
interest. 1t required some powerful voice to a.
rouse the people; and we are happy to hear that
voice speak, and in the tone Of Cancellation and of
wisdom. We recommend its suggestion to the
attention Of all our readers.
From the Pensy lvanian.
LETTER FROM Hon JAMES BUcHANAN.-We
are Indebted to friend for copy of the follow
ing letter, sent by the Hon. James Buchanan, in
reply to invitation the part of the democrat
ic citizens of Berks county, to the Harvest Home,
which took place near Reading on Saturday last
1t is production that speaks for itself. Written
on most interesting subject, it will command at
tenton by the clearness and power with which
that subject IS dscussed-a subject let US add
which has assumed most serious, if not momen-
, tous aspect
: WASHINGTON, August 25, 1917.
GENTLEMEN Il have been honore1 by the
] receipt OF your kind invitation 10 unite with
the democracy of old Berks in their Harvest
Home celebration, to be held at Reading on
Saturday, the 2Sth instant | should esteem
e it both pleasure and privilege to be pres
fore, with regret have to inform You that
c render this impossible
rejoice to observe that the glorious democ.
e racy of & Old Berks' are bucklng on theil
e armor. and preparing for the approaching con
test. 1t is long since any State election has
involved such important consequences for the
S democracy of the Union, as the approaching
e election for governor of Pennsylvania Or
its result may probably depend the ascenden
d cy of the democracy of the Union for years tt
n come Hence our democratic brethren of 9th
: er States are witnessing the contest with in
tense anxiety. The field is a fair one; on
d candidate wel-tried, able, and honest and h
has been regularly nominated by the party
t Should he be defeated, the attempt will b,
vain to explain the decision of the ballot-box
es, in any other manner than by admitting tina
= the wings have the ma ority. Our candidate
for canal commissioner is also above all re
!, proach, both personally and politically, and il
q emlnently qualified for the duties of that i'm
It portant office. If, under such circumstances
= the democratic Keystone should give way
. there is great danger that the arch may tumbl
N into pieces. In this contest, emphatically, h
s that is not for US is against US. do not ap
prehend defeat unless our willy foe shout,
> first luIl us into security by making no extra
q ordinary public efforts; and then, at the elev
y enth hour, quietly steal march upon us, a
!. they have done in some other States Gu
vigilance ought to be constantly on the alert
+. until the moment OF victory.
The question of slavery, in one of its an
!. cient aspects, has been recently revived, an
threatens to convulse the country The dem
ocratc party of the Union ought to prepar
E themselves in time for the approaching storm
- Their best security, in the hour of danger, i
i to cling fast to their time-honored principles
IN A sacred regard for the federal constitution
e. and for the reserved rights of the States, is tn
J. immovable basis on which the party can alon
l. safely rest This has saved us from the in
roads of abolition. Northern democrats ar
re not expected to approve slavery in the ab
,. stract; but they owe it to themselves, as the
tn value the Union, and all the political blessing
Mt which beautifully flow from it, to abide B
the compromises of the constitution, and leav
" the custom where that instrument has left it
le to the States wherein slavery exists. Our ia
I'd theirs have made this agreement with the
he brethren of the south and it is not for the de
H. scendants of either party, in the present ger
Grafton, to cancel this solemn compact TIL
s, aboitionists, by their efforts to annul it, hav
al arrested the natural progress of emancipation
ce and done great injury to the slaves them
selves.
ur After Louisiana was acquired from Franc
IT, by Mr.. Jefferson, and when the State of Mis-
We souri,, which constituted part of it, was abor
i'll to be admitted into the Union, the Missou
lis question arose, and in its progress threatene
the dissolution of the Union. This was Sc
# tied by the men of the last generation, as otf
#. er important and dangerous questions hav
n been settled. in spirit of mutual concession