The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-11-22

with reference to the whole subject It s not
for me to do so at this time Iprocssd therefore, to
give you simply the general results Of my reflections
The Federal government, because IL Is the govern
the United States isthe trustee and agent for
fore which il rghtfully exercise 1t Of
sy exercise the benefit Of all the parties to it, The
territory Of the United States being the pro-
perry the bound to administer 1t as far
practicable for the benefit Of all the States well
their citizens. difference, however, exists among
them In relation to the institution Of slavery When
the constitution was formed twelve Of the thirteen
States were saveholdng That instrument, though 1t
clauses expressly inserted for the protection Of the
rights and interests of slaveholde contains prov
sion for the abolition OF slavery where II the 60
vernment therefore can properly exercise such pow.
general agent acting SO as to meet the interest and
views of its principals, require 1t. But fifteen Of
the institution Of slavery 1t is obvious, there.
fore, that the government could not, consistently
with Its powers general ro agent srt saHads the
the enjoyment Of the territory of the United States
1t is the contrrry under solemn obligations to re-
spect the rights OF all 1t has always heretofore, as
understand its action shown of this obligation.
When the much talked Of ordinance was adopted, by
which the territory north Of the Ohio river made
free all that portion Of the country south Of the river
to the Gulf OF Mexico left to be occupied by slave
holders. When slavery was abolished in the northern
part Of the Louisiana territory the southern portion
regarded the most suitable for ssvehoders was left
to be occupied. On the annexation Of Texas when
was incorporated, much the larger and mere valuable
portion was left still for the use of shareholders
But 1t ia now proposed to adopt the policy OF exclu-
ding saveholders such from all the territory Of the
United States This would be an entire revolution in
the action of the government-s revolution which
could not without total violation Of the spirit
and essence Of the constitution Since those citizens
who do not slaves are permitted to occupy every
part Of the territory of the Union has been doubted
b. many whether the government can rightfuily ex-
clude Shareholders from any portion OF the common
property. But, If there should be power to d.
vide the public territory for convenience between the
two classes 1t Is perfectly clear that there be
right to exclude one class entirely have heretofore
said that ,houd regard such an exclusion as being Is
could possibly commit But even II this action should
be viewed simply as an enormous abuse Of power II
would be not the less Objectionable The government
has unlimited powers In relation to the establishment
OF post Offices throughout the Union. H. however 1t
to withdraw ali the post offices from the slave.
Seates not worthy OF the countensnce and aid OF
the government we should have as much reason to
complain of such action as If 1t involved clear in
fraction of the letter of the constitution.
In word, If the government should adopt the poll
cy Of excluding as SUCH from all the ter
rory of the United States it would in substance and
effect to be the Of the United States
While the form of the constitution might remain the
same, its character would be essentially changed.
Ought the Southern States to acquesce in this great
organic change In our political system! Ought they
to remain members of association which had, in
utter disregard OF plain constitutional guarantees de-
graded them from their position Of equality? As his
tory furnishes no record Of any people who have pros
hitting to be degraded to state OF political vassslage
hold the duty Of the Southern States to resist
commensurate with the violence Of the attack This
they to the of constitutional liberty to JUG
tice and to their own honor.
with reference to the abolition Of slavery in the Dis.
trict of Columbia, will simply say, that waiviag ell
controversy In relation to right and OBJ
LEGATION to the adjoining States II such event
to at this time, 1t would not take place in obs
diencto the wishes Of thectixsns OF the District but
would be bought about at the instance the nhabt
ants of the States But these persons have right
to control the LEGAL affairs Of this District Should Con-
grsss Therefore thus act at their insgaton 1t would
ha 0uilf pf an nj 0Q IN
rs to justify Withdrawal Of confidence from such .
government.
be the Of the South, should such conting
occur There was but one Of the States having any
Fro% ssr ronsr no.ton snS
powerful nhuences brought to bear on her had come
fears to what might be the action Of Kentucky But
have been grstihsd beyond expression by the gallant
stand which that noble State has recently taken She
has thereby shown that she will not abandon her sis
tiers inhe hour Of danger but that she WILL II necessary
take the front rank In tbs struggle for the
of the rights and liberties Of the white race Of the
South The union Of both partissn Nssssippis atype
OF what will occur elsewhere The Southern States
ought to have but feeling on this question: they
can have but ons destiny. have 10 doubt but that
unanimty than existed in the old thirteen slave States
when they decided to resist British aggression IL
few individuals should attempt to take different course
they would be swept away In the general current.
Long before the struggle to the worst
South would present an unbroken front.
am not unaware sir, that In making % brief and
concise . statement Of my views, incur the risk Of
msconce ption and Of Misrepresentation; but should
feel that did appreciate the nature Of
the subject II cosld attach consequence to per-
sonal considerations.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Hos ii. 4 Foorr L. L. CLiNGMAN.
Ps Since the above letter was written IL hes been
submitted to my colleague, Mr.. MAngum, and he con.
fully In s Its general conclusions and his
purpose to make known hts views 1T length at early
day, and entertains the opinion that the federal go
Mt has power to l-gi.ate the subject Of
slavery either In the States thererritorss and that
oil precsdens whether legislative or judicial because
adopted without due confederation, are not obligatory
T. l.. c.
The Tragedy at Macao