The Madisonian. (Canton, Miss.) 1850-1855, 1850-07-04

A. W Atuu'
AARON v. BRowN, Tenn.
WIN. NJ. MURPHY, Ala.
ARTHUR J. FoRMAN, Fla.
sam. G. RoANB, Ark.
JACKSON, 2lst JUNE, 1850.
Editor of the SoulhFon:-
DEAR Sir: An opinion expressed by me
in a letter to the Hon. Fl, S. Foote, APP
proving the plan Of compromise introduced
into the Senate by the Committee Of thir-
teen, is being used as evidence that tie
South would be content with the terms of
the compromise, That opinion may re-
ceive an undue weight from the circum-
stance that was chosen President OF the
Nashville convention, and the inference
may be drawn that a majority of the dele
gates concurred in approving the compro4
mise. The reverse, however, is true
the compromise had but few friends in the
convention. And that no opinion Of mine
may be used to destroy in any degree the
force Of the action OF the convention, a
further explanation may be necessary
The letter was written at a time when it
was believed by me, as well as by others,
not only here but elsewhere, that the con-
vention movement would result in a total
failure. Sonic of the States had declined to
appoint delegates; il was believed the dele
gates appointed by others would not attend,
and every where great opposition was man.
Tested towards the measure. 1t seemed
impossible TO rally the South in vindlcati-
on Other rights. The advices from Wash
ington City seemed to dispel any hope Of a
creditatle convention, and a failure could
have no other effect than to encourage the
aggressions on the South. 1t was also be-
l!eved that The compromise was the best
that could possible be- obtained; so, indeed.
was distinctly informed. Under such
circumstances | wrote the letter referred
to, in reply to one which contained but a
syllabus OF the compromise, not having
seen the detail of the measure. But. in
expressing that opinion, / did not intend
10 admit that the South was entitled to no.
thing more. My opinions on the subject
OF our tights, are too well known, | trust,
to be the subject Of doubt. | had repeat
eddy declared that the South was entitled
to an equal portion of the new territories.
Since that letter was written the Nashville
convention has met. ItsSenemies have
been disappointed and its friends gratiied.
It is now seen that the South is alive to
her interests and her rights. The conven-
ton was called for the purpose Of enabling
the Southern States TO consult togetheEi
and to know each others sentiments. After
full deliberation, the convention, by an IN,
divided opinion, resolved that the South
was entitled at least to claim 10 have the
Missouri compromise line extended to the
Pacific, which would give her a part Of
California. This plan received my cordial
support. II was that for which r had indi-
Gated a preference before | left for the con-
v%ention. Itrecommends itself by its entire
justice. In this the South is yielding more
than ought 10 be demanded of her, but fol
the sake Of harmony she may with pro-
priety accede 10 it, did not go into the
convention with any other motive than tc
preserve our rights by acting in cuncerI
with Others, and was fully prepared to acr
in a spirit Of compromise; and whatever
opinions | may have entertained or expires.
sed, am now under obligations TO airy
out the views Of the convention. Eve,v
man who went into il, was at least impli-
eddy bound to abide by its action; and this
obligation is the more cheerfully admitted
BY me as all its measures seemed to have
70 view q due regard for the Union and
'he preservation oil the constitution. And
trust the whole South will unite, in a
spirit Of firm determination, to insist upon
the line Of compromise which we have le-
commended. This shall be my course,
and hope BY pursuing it 10 accomplish
the preservation Of the Union unimpaired.
i Is proper 70 stale that my opinions were
freely communicated kere as well as al
Nashville, and make this communication
not TO vindicate myself against the charge
Of Inconsistency am wholly indifferent
on thdt sd6iect-but solely for the purpose
Of placing the action Of the convention in
lis true light. Your 6'bt servant,
w L. SHARKEY.