The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-01-26
Our Pssition.


readers Wewish 10 define position upon the grea,
question which is before the public councils and be-
fore the people of the country We know it is most I'M
gracious Office to speak much OF ourselves yet we
not offend in this way again until at the close of the pres
en administration, may desire lay before our readers
hepopectus which usherei this paper into public notice
We wishto show how closely we have adhered to the
text. Wha, was theory in May, 1885, is now carried
on, INTO practice What was prophecy is now bril-
liant fact We desire to show that the present admins
traton has been true to the principles of the pay,rue
to its proiesions-true to its own pledges If il can
be Shown that too have adhered to the Jeersonan
principles which have professed and which was put
forth in the programme of prospectus we trust that
have not come to Washington in vain. We have
stood by the administration, because the administration
has stood by the country.
A question, however, is now pending which almost
engrosses the heart of every patriot and the attention of
every politician This question ought be settled and
put IF possibe) at rest during the present session A
little than five weeks of this session is yet TO run
out Our paper has taken deep interest in this ques
onin which the union of the States and the rights of
the States deeply involved. 1t is at this moment,
then, that venture 10 address countrymen, with
all respect, but with all frankness We come, then, with
our heart in our hand to commune with our brethren of
the democracy.
In looking over our exchanges, we have noticed, in
two papers, charge against of being
tona in editorial conduct This. objection of course
relates to the principles have Advocated having re-
gard to the constitutional power of Congress slave
ry the Territories OF the United States and in the Dis
tlc OF Columbia In this behalf beg leave to say that
our principles This question have been adopted after
p,t;ent honcht nd careful Investigation They ara No,
OF yesterday; did they spring from The present
element They date back TO period long since passed.
and too firmly fixed to be readily changed. No
can say that they sectional their character without
facing the fact that they have been heretofore sustained
by the democratic party and by the nation. They
based upon the constitution and its compromises, and
were cherished by men whose memory is dear 10 the
people OF every part Of coniederacy Our position
has not been taken because OF our southern BIRTH and
southern education but because love the Union of
these States, and the noble institutions which ia
theirs have framed for To preserve that Union and to
perpetuate those institutions, necessary that the
rights Of the States should be observed, and Congress
confined to the exercise OF the powers which have been
delegated to that branch of the federal government
Even doubtful powers must be carefully avoided, if we
would escape contention, bitterness and strife No hui
compact endure without good faith, kindness,
and mutual forbearance and they the true enemies
Of the Union, who would make upon the institutions
OF any portion of the country. 1t intended that the
federal government should protect them all from aggres
zion, SO that they might flourish with whatever vigor
they could properly exert When Congress departs
from these legitimate functions and instead OF extending
protection, becomes the assaant then. indeed, we be
exposed to excitement, distraction, and danger
We deny this charge of sectional feelings edito
rial conduct, We s,anl where the trainers of the
stulion STOOL and adhere the principles which have
been recognised in times past in all quarters OF the
try. We do not wish TO force slavery New Mexico
and California, nor TO see others do it, All VIC contend
for is, that slavery should be let aone that Congress
should not assa southern instituons-nor northern
eastern-nor western but confne itself strictly to
the exercise of those powers which have been delegated
by the instrument that created it, and gave il existence
New Msxico and California were won by the common
blood aud of all the States Of this
feleracy. They are common property, and should be
given to Ii this course is pursued,
the fearful agitation which, the country will al
cease, and the ship of State with clear
sky above, and calm wave beneath it. The bright
promise Of youth will be realized, and lofty destiny
will be wrought out for this western continent We are
to the constitution, kindness and fraterna feeling
lies only safety for the present, and only hope
for the future More than quarter OF century ago
the North and the South settled this question las il was
thoughD permanently We will not now examine the
principles OF that compromise 1t was acquesced IN by
all parties, and has been reigiousy observed. The
South has yielded up Oregon without complaint, out OF
respect to the Missouri adjustment, and respect her
Tor doing Sc When Texas acquired, the principle
was recognised and acted on. Why, then, should not
be exiended.to the territories yielded by Mexco' The
southern people would acceje this proposition Why
should northern brethren refuse 10 come for
ward and dispose of this fearful question they have
disposed of it before II would imply conces
SOM neither party would compromise its honor, and the
Union would be preserved 10 and to children. II
we have hope stronger than another, il is 10 this
question settled equitably and fairly upon the non inter-
ven'ion principles il il cannot be adjusted upon that
general principle let settle il by special compro-
mise-by Senator Cayton's compromise, or upon the
principle of the Missouri compromise or by any arrange
ment which will not n,en,olate new principle into the
constitution, destroy the equality OF the States upon
which the government is founded, and upon which
alone II can be supported.
II we know ourselves, we are guided by motives
higher than any sectional feelings. We were born IN
the South. but we were born an American. We repeat
that stand where have ever stood-vhere the re-
r A.