The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1849-09-02

or any opinion in relation thereto Of political ia
Rs.oissS Thai the power Of Congress over slavery in
the territories and the particular modes of legislation
on, among democrats contoyered questions and that
concede every relation thereto the undisputed
right OF opinion not regarding any particular mode Of
cratic creed essential fellowship with our demo
cratic brethren In this State, in any section of the
Union.
These resolutions, which embody our position, mod.
ned to the farhes point OF concession 10 the as
SYMPTOMS Of the other convention, and intended to con-
cede all that could be conceded with honor, with
due regard TO the stability the integrity nay the exist
propositions had BEEN distinctly declined by the other
convention basis OF union. Their original decara-
ton was unequvocaly reafrmed, with the conclusive
assurance that II never would be abandoned and their
previous declaration in relation 10 tests upon the subject
OF slavery was referred TO and reasserted.
is evident then that at this stage of the proceedings.
they still adhered to their test of the day previous This
is the precise point OF difference which prevented the de-
sired union Stripped. then, OF the ambiguous phraseo
ogy in which their communication involved, and
which contrasts SO strongly with the direct and open
course OF the democratic convention simply and plainly
stated is this While the democratic convention, pur-
suing the uniform of the democratic party refused
to submit any political test in relation to the slavery
as the basis Of united action, the freesoil convention
evnced fixed determination TO adhere such test and
in the event OF union, to act upon it,
II is true, presented with the remarkable ex-
preston OF the belief that, the opinions OF dele
gates and theirs, "here such an AGREEMENT IN IA
yoR of their principles Of human freedom" (Which they
in the same communication reafrm those of the pro-
viso, that they could renew their invitation to meet in
joint convention Any such surrender Of the position,
sas and a pa Of s Ss a he
Union being regarded by our convention, WITH ENTIRE
uNAsMIrY. as wholly inadmissble; and as the other
convention refused to recede in the least from the
treme position they had taken and reiterated from the
outset Notwithstanding the efforts of some OF their most
distinguished and intelligent delegates to induce them to
accept our liberal democratic ultimatum, saying empha
cay that conceded all that they had any right to ask
or expect and urging its adoption the of
peace and unIon our convention sgned Its readiness to
adjourn die, unless the ether convention had some
further communication to make; which being answered
in the negative our convention adopted, with entire
nmity and with manifestations of The most cordial unity
of sentiment of spirit, and of determination the follow
ing declaration to their fellow-citizens
This convention having exhausted all honorable means
to conciiae and harmonze the differences which have
venton the Baptist church having rejected
made to them with view to that object, and this
de e SodS OF hs
throughout the State IL is compelled adjourn with
Out having been able to establish reunions Therefore, be
Resolved That appeal brethren throughout the
eons to heal existing d,ssensons, and cordially invite
all true democrats whatever may have been their former
differences to lay them aside and unite with upon the
principles declared by tnis convention.
Such the facts in relation TO this whole question:
which, with candor, without prejudice, and with sincere
regret that the object SO earnestly desired by the great
body of the democracy OF the State has not been effected
we deemed proper here 10 lay before you The question
OF opposition to the extension OF slavery to free territory
was conceded disclaimng all Interpolation Of it, in any
form, into the democratic creed The question mooted
was the power OF Congress relation to such extension
and the demand that should be exercised 1t was the
insisted upon from first to last by their convention We
could not assert the power of Congress- because many
members OF our convention held that Congress had not
the power, under the constitution, to interfere with
slavery in the territories We would not deny The pow
er, because other members of the convention, whose
opinions were entitled TO high respect believed il within
exercise uncaled for and inexpedent Nor was this
view of the question limited to portion of our own
friends in this State prominent statesman OF another
Sate who has been recently looked upon with favor and
quoted with appreciation by the free soil politicians SO re.
garded it. declaring emphatcally, while he claimed the
w ~ me De-
the local law, and never could exist there ercep Through
the exercise Of is poicr that was therefore useless
and barren abstraction, which could effect no result il
adopted which irritating and exciting as sectional
issue, and therefore perncious and dangerous and the
agitation OF which could not fail to be detrimental to the
best interests OF the country and especially TO the unity
and predominance OF the democratic party Still we did
not refuse to make in spirit of Cancellation, unne
cessary avowa on the subject far could do So
and stand upon democratic ground, maintaining our posi-
ton members OF the great democratic party of the
Unlon as brethren OF common faIth, and as adherents
TO the ancient and well grounded principles on which
has ever stood We regarded it a controversial ques.
ton, IN relation TO which every democrat was entitled TO
his right OF opinion without affecting his relations OF fell
lowshp and association with his democratic brethren OF
this State or OF any part OF the Union.
We cannot but think that the and consequences
oil these slavery agaiions well understood and
that the democratic masses discarding them and their
authors, WILL AT distant day. act together upon the
liberal and just basis OF decaratory resolutions in
the countless and when this sectional question shall be
shorn OF lis power TO mslead, throughout the Stale
They have now as ever, before them straightforward
course. Having exhausted all efforts al concilation-a
our concessions having been met by unyeldug adhe
renee TO the Wlmot Proviso as political testwe have
to believe that further efforts would result in
phrases intended to conceal the part of the leaders
Of the Stree soil" organization a determination hostile
10 any union upon air and liberal terms, and a set.
lied design TO create northern sectional party Stand
ing hrmy upon the basis OF the resolutions adopted
with such entire unanimiy by the democratic con-
venuon at Rome, taking no step that shall dero.
gate from the high position in which that conven.
he State and Union fully appreciang any fresh pro-
LESSONS oil desire for union by those who were 80
avsh oil them before the Rome convention, but who 40
,gnay contradiced them there disregarding any nsd
ous efforts to divide or embarass the regular democratic
at Syracuse by those who made, without
Tess and with utter discontinue, the
Efforts at Rome the democratic party may rely with con-
idence upon the ultimate vindicaon OF their cause and
such support from the democratic masses as will con-
vince all true democrats OF its justice, fobeaance and
elevation.
Appealns to you, fellow democrats, for the rectude
d our Intentions, present these great historical truths
ouchng the past and the facts in relation TO our recent
course and proceedings at Rome, for your candid and
deliberate consideration We make no appeal 10 your
PERSONAL feelings. and would not retor the personality
he elimination, and the attacks upon the prominent
apIt fho.