The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1850-07-18

anu, as peheveo, Wunout tne ehHhsSs'
foundation, that Mr.. Fillmore was an aboli'
ZIONIST. fI7addressed him letter on that sub.
ject, and received the reply now sent to you
Though this charge is made with bold
ness in the South, will venture to affirm
that no respectable man Of eth or party ia
the North would endorse it. Upon this sub
| iect no man is sounder than Mr.. Fillmore
and between him and Gen. Cass an advanta.
geous comparison could be made.
Respectfully, your Obj serv't, JOHN FAME.
Mr.. FILLMoRE's REPLY.
ALBANY, July 81, 1913.
Hon. JOHN GAYLE-Dear Sr;-I have
your letter of the 18th inst, but my official
duties have been so pressing that hav
been compelled 10 neglect my private cores
pondents. had also deierminedto TO write no
letters for publication bearing upon the con-
test in the approaching canvass But as you
desire some information for your own satis-
faction, in regard to the charges brought q.
gainst me from the South on the slav Q ques-
ton, have concluded to state briefly my
position.
While was in Congress, there was much
agitation on the right Of petition. My votes
will doubtless be found rseoEded uniformly
in favor of it, The rule 1'Rhich acted
was, that every citizen |5g afespsctaS
BILE petition to the body CAST By ~
tuition, had the power to granteor
the prayer OF it, waseh,itled q 1
and therefore the peiihon ought q
we'd and considered If right ar
BILE, the prayer Of it should be granted b|s
if wrong and unreasonable, it should be de-
Med think all my vo;sa, whether on the
reception of petitions or on the considera-
ton Of resolutions, will be found consistent
with this rule.
have none of my Congressional docu-
ments here, they being at my former resi-
dence in Buffalo, nor have access to any
papers or memoranda TO refresh my recollec'
ton, but think at some time, while in Con.
gress, l took occasion to state in substance
my views on the subject of Slavery in the
States Whether the remarks were repeat.
ed or not, am unable To- say, but the sub-
stance was that regarded slavery as an evil.
but one with which The National Govern.
ment had nothing to do. That, by the Con-
stitution of the United States, the whole pow
er over that question was vested in the sew
eral States where the institutions were tolera-
ted. If they regarded it as a blessing, they
had Constitutional right to enjoy it, and if
they regarded it as an evil, they had the
power, and knew best how TO apply the
remedy. did not conceive that Congress-
had any power over it, or was in any way
RESPONSIBLE for its continuance in the severa'
States where it existed. have entertained
no other sentiments on this subject since l
examined i, sufficiently to form an opinion,
and doubt not that all my acts, public and
private, will be found in accordance with
this view. have the honor TO be your obi
.serv't. MILLARD FHLMoRE.
LETTER FROM Mr.. FILLMORE ON SLAVE TRADE
BETWEEN THE STATES.
ALBANY, Sept. 10, lsis.
Dear Sir IL returned this morning from
the West, and have yours of the 10th, in
which you say that it has been charged in
the Richmond Enquirer that Ihold il to be
within the power of Congress 10 interfere
with or break off, the transportation, removal
or disposal ofpersons held as slaves, from
one slaveholding State to ano,ner.
am not aware that this question has ev-
or been discussed in Congress-, or was ever
presented for the consideration Of the Su.
preme Court of the United States before 10.
Al. In that year the celebrated case from
Mississippi was decided, and Mr.. Justice
Mclean gave an elaborate opinion on this
point, in which the Chief Justice concuff9a:
He came to the conclusion that the constiths
tional power over this matter was vested in the
several States and not in Congress. So far as
my knowledge extends, this opinion car
RED conviction to every unprejudiced mind,
and the question was considered settled At
any rate this was my own opinion then, and
I have seen no cause to change it since.
Should L do so, shall not hesitate 10 declare
it.
You will therefore perceive that you did
me no injustice in rspressnsing to your friend
that these were my sentiments.
wnte in haste, amid the pressure Of Off
cial duties, but remain truly yours.
MILLARD FiLLMoaE.
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