The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-12-02
MeAerusiess.

MeAernsien.
Ma. FlNSErL:-I beg to say word, suggest
ed by an article in your paper Of the 9th,
signed ga Shareholder, which, ii may be pos
sible, may be taken in good part-and If so, may
not be word spoken in vain.
Your correspondent denominates a certain
party amongst US "1'he Aboitionists Of Ken
tucky''-he calls a certain scheme which he
supposes to be in agitation. this pieked and res-
dictionary sehsms, and he asserts that the de-
sfruetion Of the STATE and Of the Union will re-
suit, if the party he alludes to are not effectu-
ally resisted.
All this may be true; do not address you to
controsert it. But it seems TO me, that the par
ty alluded to by "A Stakeholder is not likely to
take such expressions more quietly than their
opponents would take abuse from them; and
that, therefore, II at this early day, the canvass
about the new constitution, is to be opened with
such temper--and the columns of our news
papers are ready for all that any imprudent per-
son, may say on either side; we shall certain
ly have hot work before the business is settled
AT present, will only say for myself, that
along with all my fellow-citizens, l feel the
deepest interest, in the matter to which your
respondent alludes; as a native Kentuckian, as
stakeholder, and as the head Of large family,
feel entitled. and feel bound, to do riy part
in this business; how, or on which side, is of no
consequence now. But | do respectfully sug-
gest to all who will permit word of caution,
that every dictate Of prudence and wisdom, re-
quires all concerned, to cultivate moderation, In
act, speech, and opinion, touching the great
matter, which we have before us. The magni-
tude and difficulty Of the subject, the deep and
lasting importance Of the resslts, the exciting
character of the whole matter, the unquestion
able patriotism Of all parties, no matter how
they will differ in opinion, and the absolute GER
tainty that violence will change no mans prn-
ciPles, nor secure any mans vote, nor deter any
man from doing what he believes to be his duty
all these considerations do suppose, and many
others like them, warn US all to preserve wise
moderation.
The question Of slavery must be decided by
the convention about to be called 1t must, there
fore, be considered by the peopls-snd to that
end, must be subject of discussion. There is
great diversity of opinion. throughout the
State. on the whole subject; and the matter is
capable Of being decided, at least, in great va
riety OF ways. Things may remain exactly as
they are; or slavery may be more firmly Fixed in
this State, and If so, this may occur by various
notifications Of the constitution as it exists; or
slavery may be mitigated in various ways, and
still be continued as permanent institution; or
il may be determined by the people, not to allow
il to be- perpetual, and this end may be accom-
Plished, in many ways, and upon precisely op-
POsite principles Now, is it conceivable, that
such question ought to be, or can be decided,
by violence, or cenuneiationl Is it not mani
fest, that what we want, is such decision as
will be best for Us ali, and for our childrsni-
And is ii not certain, that calm, temperate,
thorough, and honest comparison Of views, opin
ions, principles and facts. is the most likely way
to get at result, satisfactory to wise, consider
ate, and patriotic mem
u0'not know who "A Shareholder is, and I
mean NO disrespect to him; indeed, would hone
to have his concurrence, whoever he may be, in
The suggestions have made, If he will calmly
ponder the matter. But If the voice Of an old
man, who loves the State. and has a ceep inter-
est in il, may be heard by way Of respectful
warming, TO writers, printers, and speakers, he
would say, this is a subject, not for passion. but
for reason-not for violence, but for mutual
forbearsnce--notfO for extreme opinions, any way,
but for moderation. and If possible, for comprO-
mise. Y.Yr7ry