Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1849-12-08
THE GREAT SECTIONAL ISSUE.

North, in relation to the sectional questions which
now disturb the whole country, with the expecta-
ton of having credit for calmness and candour-
The Wings of the South, as a body, have never
attempted to introduce sectional issues into the
political creed of the great Wing party of the
Union. They have properly appreciated the ne
cessity of avoiding such issues in any political Or
ganization pretending to be national They have
never nsincerely represented that their Northern
brethren had any peculiar liberation for the nstltu
ton of slavery, but have been content to MAINTAIN
that such Northern politicians as made these pro-
LESSONS were mere bidders for Southern favour,
who invariably took pains, in the very act of flat
tering the South, to assure the North that what
they proposed to give up was in fact nothing and
that their mode of opposing slavery would prove
to be as effectua as any other. Southern Wings
have assumed this high national ground in the
face of every species of conumeiy and reproaeh
at home. Their opponents have constantly prac-
tised the deceptive policy of appearing to require
the most absolute concessions from all Northern
candidates to whom they give their support
Pledges the most sole mn have been held up in the
face Of Southern Wings for their adoption, and the
ears of the people have been increasingly piled
with alarums, sounding the treachery and even the
Abolitionism of the Wing party of the South
1t is not to be doubted that the manly perseve-
rance of our party in a course of honesty and
fair dealing against this insidous system of party
warfare has been attended with some loss of poll
teal strength 1t is unfortunately too easy to instil
unreasonable and false opinions into the public mind,
in regard to subject upon which it is naturally
and justihably jealous and sensitive. Tothis cause
in our opinion, may chiefly be attributed many
of miscarriages in the elections of the present
year. Notwithstanding the fact, that the Demo-
cratic party had attracted to itself the whole fac
ton of Free Sellers and Abolitionists in the North;
notwiths nding the unavoidable conclusion that
the anti-slavery sentiment was to be the principal
element of opposition to Gen. Taylors admins
traton; notwithstanding the circumstance that the
election Of Democrats to Congress from Southern
Wing districts could only have the effect, Gas the
result of five days balloting in the House of Re-
representatives. has now proved,) the hue and cry,
raised by the Southern Democratic party the
slavery question, exerted a small yet in many in
Stances decisive influence upon the elections.
If, then, the Wings Of the South have aelbe-
rately hazarded, and, in some degree encountered
oboquy at home, for striving to preserve the ma
tional character of the party they cannot now be
suspected Of undue disposition to adopt extreme
courses, when theyt speak outplainly to al par
ties in the North on the questions that distract the
Union They have always eschewed the prac-
tice OF sectional bullying, and they eschew it still.
But let it not be supposed that they fall behind their
capital-making Democratic brethren, of their own
section, in frmly-rooted attachment to Southern
interests, or fixed determination TO maintain South
ern rights, whatever may be the consequences
We believe the Quattlebummery" of South
Carolina more than any other cause, has induced
The North to suspect that aggressons upon the
equal rights of the Southern States may be per-
petrated with impunity. 1t is unquestionably
erevous mistake. South Carolina may be in the
habit of unnecessarily running to extremes; but
they are the extremes of public sentiment,
which, when there is just occasion for its manlfes
tatiou will show itself to be unanimous. And on
behalf of the calmest and least eXcitable of the
Southern people, we feel that we can say to the
North. that it need not count upon Southern div-
sions whenever it seriously attempts to violate
Southern rights.
Deeply impressed as we are with the grave as
pect Of the political relations of the Northern and
Southern States, we are highly gratfed to per-
ceve that sense Of the reality of the public dam
ger is beginning to manifest itself in some quarters
of the North proof of which our readers may
see in the following extracts from the New York
Courier and Enquirer which we copy from the
Express
The COURIER discusses the exciting topic Of dis
solution Of the Union by the threatened secession OF
portion OF the South. ltsays--
There is danger that such effort will be made, and
would be unvse and mischievous tor any portion OF
our people shut their eyes to its existence under
rate its magnitude and importance 1t is certainly great
enough and imminent enough, to lead every Northern
man to take position upon the disturbing question,
which is strictly, clearly and fully right"
a correspondent of the Courier argues that Con-
gress has not right egsate at all for Territories
qured by conquest and that Of course Congress hasno
right to exclude Slavery theretrom The editor says
this deserves attention. though he deems wholly talla
eious. Conquered Territory, he adds Just as truly
purchased Inherited Territory, belongs the United
States and therefore falls within the scope OF the clause
giving Congress power to dispose OF, and make all
needul rules and regulations respecting the Territory
belonging to the United States" The fact that the
trainers Of the Constitution did not have in mind con-
qGered Territories when they drew this cause,-if be
fact, which we cannot knoW,-cannOt deprive the
wordsos their import, Congress Of the power which
they confer. The Constitution not made with sole
reference to the country it existed then 1t conem
plated future OF unknown eventsan empire OF unore-
seen greatness-a population Of uncaculated numbers.
It was framed for such future and its grants OF power
must be Interpreted accordingly.
Upon the main topic the Courier adds:
"We have great confidence that the action OF Con-
ress upon this whole subject will be wise just and Judi
cous and that it will receive the acquiescence OF the
whole country One thing seems to us n:-What-
pzoHf .AVr
dain, must be obeyed by the Union Any resistance
from any quarter by force would be pure rebellion and
could not be deemed treated otherwise 1t might be
expedent to allow the South secede it desired
do rather than plunge into the dismal horrors OF civil
war but in justice and in right obedience might be
forced From the extremity Of having TO choose be-