Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1849-07-30

lions Oily are 10 pc 1dlQ GOWN III buCAl ColVeu-
tion, the object is not worth the effort for in the
divided state of the public mind upon the ques-
ton, whatever platform might be adopted, the
opinion fparties, and generally Of individuals
would remain the same
ia genera plan Of operations is to be propos-
ed and pressed upon Congress, the objections are
pa1pable and grave. The members are under
little responsibility and as each section OF the
country will have its own objects to attain, these
must be attained by concessions to the objects
of others, and the result will furnish evidence OF
a mutual spirit of accommodation, rather than a
cautious regard for the general interest. Such
an assemblage is a very different thing from the
attempt to concentrate opinion & action in favor
of any Improvement affecting a particular por-
ton of the Union, where there is a community
Of information and interest, and where there is
no weighing Of one project against another, nor
any sacrifices 10 insure the desired result.
And lam fully confirmed in my previous an.
ticipations concerning the Chicago Convention.
I imagine the first man is yet to be found who
will venture to say that any advantage has result
ed from its labors.
But had yet another reason for declining to
attend that convention. I did not like its origin.
The earliest notice oft which saw was con-
nected with the nan1es of some well-known
wings prominent politicians Of the city Of New
York and believe, and have yet no reason to
doubt that one great object was to inlure the
democratic party by taking advantage Of the ex-
element which prevailed in certain portions Of
the country in consequence of the failure oftwo
successive internal improvement bills. And |
have since understood, though | cannot vouch
for the fact, that such was the actual intention,
s. that the proceedings of the convention would
have assumed party character and been direct
ed to this object had not the design been frus-
trated by the firmness of the democratic MEM
bers.
Now, Mr. Greeley will understand why did
not attend this convention But | cannot un-
dersiand why he seeks my opinions on this ques-
tion in my letter, which is wholly silent on the
subject, and not in my speeches and votes In the
Senate Of the United States
Eminent Wing politicians whom I could
name but that it would be invidious to do so,
were invited to attend the Chicago Convention,
but neither answered nor attended. thought
it due to the gentleman who invited me to ac-
knowledge his attention, and did SO. And this
act of courtesy, which constitutes the only diff
ference between myself and others, has been
made the text book whence my opinions are to
be deduced, and by which nay Inconsistency is
to be proved. On the question of the power Of
the United States over the subject of internal
improvements my sentiments are in accordance
with those of the great Democratic party, and
are fully expressed in the resolutions OF the Balt
more Convention In the words of one of these
resolutions, believe ssthat the constitution does
not confer on the general government the power
to commence and carry on a general system of
the right to gainsay this assertion. But at the
same time have never disputed the right Of
Congress to improve some of the great harbors,
rivers and l.kes. of the Union, national in their
character, and important to the commerce, and
some of them to the defence of our county,
While the Democratic party deny the power to
devise and carry on vast system OF operations :;
whose pecuniary extent no man can foresee, and
what is still worse, whose corrupting influence
as well in the Legislature as out OF it, cannot be
viewed but with themost serions apprehension
the great majority of that party, indeed nearly
all Of it, has advocated particular appropriations
justified by the circumstances OF position and
importance. Almost at the same time that I ee-
cared my adhesion to the resolution of the Balti-
more Convention, voted with equal good faith
for bills in the Senate providing for the improve
ment of RIVERS and harhors and lakes, and adj
yocated their passage in my seat and this is
precisely the reason why accuse many of the
wing papers and politicians of disingenuousness
or something worse, in asserting that my Chica-
go letter, which contained not a word OH the
subject, was proof Of my hostility to all the action
of Congress in the very face of my official course
and of my publicly declared opinions.--And my
position was that Of most ofthe prominent men
of or party, who, while they held to the doc,
.rnes Of the resolutions held likewise to power of
special legislation, and voted for the same bills.
do not know, indeed, that there is single Sem
ator who denaes to Congress all power to legis-
late over this matter. Certainly Mr. Calhoun
does not, who adopts the wholesome doctrine of
strict construction. am aware it is difficult to
draw practical line at all times between objects
that ought and that ought not to engage the at
tention of Congress; and think, therefore look
ing to the abuse to which the whole subject is
liable, that the effort should be to narrow, and
not to enlarge, the circle of power; and such l
understand to be the views of the Democratic
party.
The other proof Of insincasity. as have already
stated, is drawn from the fact, that in my letter
to Mr.. Nicholson took grounds against the Will
mot Proviso, excluding slavery by law from the
territories and now believe that slavery, with or
without that restriction, will not be established
there. And the wonder is gravely expressed how
could write that letter and the letter of three
lines 70 the Chicago Convention, and yet claim
the character of,an honest man. 1t is much
graver wonder to me, how intelligent editors of
public papers, whose influence on public opinion
is so great should venture thus to deal even with
political opponent, in utter disregard of his true
position. 1t viii rot surprise you, but it will
| many, who have viewed my course only in party
aspect to be told that in that letter to Mr.. Nlcho
sou expressly stated my opinion be, that slave
ry would never extend to California or New
Mexico; and that s'the inhabitants of those
regions, whether they .depaad on their .ploughs
or their herds scannotbe slaveholders.n ] quoted
f,,lI rf chav
an and Of Mr. Walker, the former of whom says
at is morally impossible, therefore, that a ma
jorty of the emigrants to that PARTON Of the terri
tory south Of 500 so will ever retain slavery
within it's limits" Mr.. Walker maintains that,
"beyond the Rio del Nore slavery will not pass,
not only because it is forbidden by law, hut be-
cause the colored race there Predominates in the
ratio often to one over the whites: and holding
they do, the government and most of the offices
in their possession, they will not permit the en-
slavement Of any portion Of the colored race, which
makes and executes the laws Of the country ~