The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1849-10-12

ton OF the Union, where slavery ex-
lists, is best consulted by total silence
on the part of Congress upon this deli.
cate subject. While this is so. the
termination Of slavery. if it is TO have
a termination, is deeply involved in
the prudence and fOrbearance of those
who are deSii Gus to witness such an
event. Every attempt to limit or in>
terlere with il, by direct or Indirect
means, tends but to perpetuate it, and
what is more, 10 weaken and ALLEVIATE
the feelings and affections of one sec
ton of the Union towards the other.
Let the people who shall inhabit the
new territories, determine The question
for themse Ives, when they meet to eS-
tabIsh 4 State Government, Their
right to do this is admitted by all, but
to exclude slavery from the territories
in advance, by the adoption of what is
called the IYIlmot Proviso, is, in eff
feet, to loreclose the whole question.
| am happy in the belief, that all diff,
Guilty on the subject will be obviated
at an early day, by the establishment
OF State governments, both in Califor-
mia and New Mexico and whether
they adopt or exclude slavery, is
matter for themselves, in which we
have no concern, and about which,
am sure, feel no solicilude. All
lovers Of the Union--all friends to
peace and harmony, will rejoice at
such consummation. And il can
neither injure nor disappoint any class,
unless il be few political agitators,
both in the North AMI South, who
have found in this question a prime
element for conimotion and diStur-
bpnce. tavc no sympathy with the
threats OF violence and disunion, that
have been but too often hcralGed forth.
on both sides of the question, as the
Ultimate remedy. This is not the
proper mode Of indicating lights, be-
tween two great sections Of the cOun.
try bound together by so many Clio
rious recoIIecjions--and inspired by
so many brilliant hopes and expecta.
tons as belong TO the future. | see
nothing in the present aspect Of this
question to justify either a resort TO
violence or disunion, or TO threaten
them as remedies. If it should present
a gravcr feature, in its progress, let
the emergency dictate the remedy
In the mean time, let us insist on our
rights 10y all constitutional means. and
also resolve to maintain the Union
at all hozdydS ard to tile last e.rh'em.
Hy." am willing to yield the honor
OF diSun!on doctrines to those who
rely upon them as cure to any pres
ent or probable evils to arise from the
question Of slavery. Upon them will
rest the responsibility (and a fearful
one it will beg Of calculating the value
of the Union, and cheapening its dig
nifty aud duration, in the estimation of
any portion Of the American people.
With the Union, we have every thing
to inspire the hopes and impel the
energies OF patriotism, amid the vast
field of improvement that lies before
US. Without it, we have nothing
worth maintaining worth living for
worth dying for Clouds and dark
ness rest upon such tuture--scction
al Observation-Disclosures frays-cndlcss
coll si0ns--tho .prOStratlCn of trade
and commerce, and the ruin of Amer
lean liberty, fill up the balcluI picture.
Against such contemplation, all men
of all parties, ought 10 turn with in
stinctivc horror. The Union. oughl
to be deemed invauable-as when it
was formed, it was deemed indispen.
sible. 1t is invaluable; and deserves
to be the last of human institutions
that shall fade before the trumpet OF
rctribution.
Whether slavery is right or wrong
founded in good or bad policy, it
will run lis course, and maintain its
place. And whenever slave labor
ceases to be profitable, the institution
will no doubt be dispensed with, in
the same way and from the same mo,
lives, which terminated it in the North
Eastern States, where it formally OK
listed. 1t asks for no protection, but
simply demands to be let alone. 1t
cherishcs no spirit of propogandiSm,
but acknowledges the right and power
OF those who dispense with it to do so.
For the purpose, therefore. of vindl.
eating our rights, as well as to alIay
existing agitation, | recommend, that
you mcmoriaizc Congress in firm,
vigorous, and temperate Appeal
against all legislation on the subject,
and leave the evil, if it be an evil. To
correct ITSELF under the auspices OF
local public sentiment, and local leg |
isIa,on--and allow the blessing, to be
enjoyed unmoested, under the sane
tuary of State authority.
In closing this communication,
beg leave to tender the assurance OF
nv best wishes for your success. in
the discharge Of the high duties which
surround you, and for the lasting pros.
neri,v and happiness Of our beloved