The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1849-01-20
Lri,er from Mr. Van ssrea.

,ssoc,atioa from those who declined the in.
ton d, the following from Mr.. Van Buren,.
T.s,iev, ittakrs Of the slavery question, though
"a, are ,ery clearly aud persuasively stated;
LNDENwALD, Dec. 80, 1913.
II, dear Sri feel myself highly hon.
o,.d by the obliging terms in which the
Noabem Light Association have, through
rao communicated TO me their invitation
Tor the 4th Of January.
7 nave been an attentive observer OF the
coacr Of your Association, and am certain
,b., the recent canvass was in no other
on,rer and by no other body, distinguished
bv Efforts more disinterested, patriotic, or
.5.c,iye. Stimulated by an honest zeal
6r ruth. and sustained by its power, they
surrendered early predictions as to men
.o5 the ordinary questions Of party division,
.o5 devoted their youthful energies TO the
support Of the great principle involved IN
,bs contest with an ardor worthy OF their
INGENIOUS feelings and pure purposes, and
which could not be overcome by the seduc-
tOn Of partisan leaders.
Entertaining this opinion, | Ind 1t more
difficult 10 resist their invitation, but am,
nevertheless, constrained 10 do so. have
f5r year declined to attend political meet
ms, and, although your proposed tete may
not perhaps, be strictly so described, IT will
he sufficiently near it TO bring il within the
sDolicstion Of a rule Of conduct which
have prescribed 10 myself. and the obser-
vance Of which every day becomes more
consOnant with my feelings and views Of
propnety. Having recently served on the
forlom hope, in defence Of the principle
YOU 80 honoraby sustain, | am, moreover,
entitled to perpetual exemption from field
dulies-sn exemption which will not be
denied me by minds so Just and generous as
FOlIs.
You must not, however, infer from this,
thai either my confidence in the cause, or
NV sOliciIude for lis success, ale IN the
slightest degree diminished. Every days
observation and reflection, on the contrary,
serve TO confirm nay faith 10 its wisdom and
justice, with reference TO the whole country,
and in is inevitable and permanent success.
The introduction of slavery into the colo
MES, and the recognition by the ConstiIu-
ton Of the United States, Of exclusive
control over it in the States in which it
existed, were works OF past generations, FOR
ShIch the present Is not at all responsible.
The duties Of the non-slaveholding States
towards that interest consist in a faithful
adherence to what are called the compro-
mises Of the Constitution in regard 10 it.
The discussions and proceedings upon
the whole subject which have taken place
during the present year, have shown, not
WilhsIsnding the exciting and adverse cir
cumsIances under which they occurred, that
the recognition Of this obligation to leave
10 Tx slave States the control Of slavery
within their borders, is more general than
has heretofore been supposed to be the case.
The importance, and, with reference to the
unpTopluOus circumstances referred to, the
merit OF this demonstration cannot fail to be
appreciated by liberal and Just minds every
where, and TO exert, in the end, concilia-
Tory influence upon the great body Of our
lelloW-ciIzens lnhabiting the slaveholding
States.
Il Oilers, Tor their consideration, the point
o. difference between that kind Of interest
IN domestic slavery Of which they are ia
actual possession, and which many of them
have during their lives, enjoyed and deemed
70 De indispensable to their climate and
sshculIure on the one hand, and on the
Ouier an alleged right which they have
never exercised the value Of which, as well
as Their capacity to enjoy Il, are matters of
speculation and doubt even among their
own aolest and best men, and which is said
oy the President Of the United States, him.
VII a STAKEHOLDER, in his annual message TO
oOns'ess' to present question believed
y NC Tatner abstract than practical, re.
'dIns to right which il is certain would
never De exercised in much the largest por.
uol o. The acquired territory, and probably
IN no part Of il.
Oan any disPassionate mind be otherwise
sh'a surprised at the excitement which the
I'''ldi Oh tins night has occasioned. when to
'HeSe considerations it is added that that de.
Hlal Is IN strict conformity with the early
POncy Of the Government, conceived and
na'u'ed by the first men our country
ia; Observation-Disclosures sIaveholders.-a
P''cy Which, after their day, and through a
-O"s session OF years, was conducted to
HOs' triumphant results, with the approba-
uOh and active cooperation of the ,epre.
Coa 'a.Yes oil the slaveholding States in
OOnsfesS, and of the communities they re.
presented and perseverance in which
ino'' therefore, be tortured into ANYTHING
S ,S !, to the just pride or derogatory to
VIC dignity Of those States.
he attempt now for The first time made
establish slavery in the free territories Of
1e United States. by the slferance of the
"''a' government, presents the subject in
nc" aspect, and in form which impose,
J .I.~.. duties upon the people of the non.
ons',; States. In deciding upon the
s duS'uOns 1t presents, they act as free agents
1nu can approach the subject unfettered by
Gas. ellOrs' The attitude Of the Federal
Government 10 also, is different from what (
s sas n..hertO been in regard to the eristeoc,
ueo'nent oil slavery in the States II,
s,;,"' -, 70 prevent the extension of this in
;, ~ INTO the valuable territories destined
S,. ~ distant day, to be converted into grea
~. states is as perfect as was thar Of The D.;
into ,h"e01 to prevent its introduction
W.. , tHs colonies, and is more complete thar
s ~aI mai OF the government Of ISL wb;c,
e1cIuded II lror,n IL -l - 49, Mn'el