The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-11-08
The Hon. Henry w. Hilliard.

This gentleman, having been invited to pub
lie dinner by his constituents, was about to &C
cept the invitation, when family considerations
of an mperious nature compelled him to re-
linquish his intenton and he has accordingly
addressed letter to the people of his district
in Alabama informing them of the fact He
has also taken occasion, in this letter, to make
known his opinions very fully on the matters
which are now agitating the South. The con-
GLIDING portion of his letter is SO general in Its
application that we feel sure we shall be afford
ing pleasure to the most of our readers, as
well as rendering service to the cause of
truth and of our free institutions, by publishing
it. 1t is as follows:
California was admitted into the Union with
the boundaries agreed upon in the convention
which formed the constitution of that State. j
voted against its admission. The boundaries are
much too large for those of single State, espe-
cialy of State covering whole Pacific coast
south of Oregon. Great political considerations,
in my judgment, demanded some modification Of
the terms upon which that State admitted into
the Union. So far as the peculiar interests of the
South were involved in the question, il seemed 10
me to be perfectly clear that they would be ad.
vanced by the admission of California with its pres
ent limits To have organized two States upon
the Pacific coast would only have increased the
disproportion against US, for do not believe that
slavery could have been introduced into either
of them. ! voted against the admission Of the
State but do not hesitate to say that recognised
the right Of Congress 10 admit or to exclude il
unquestionable II a mere question Of expe-
diency. The right Of the people Of every State TO
n nj %
organize their institutions as they may think best lie
perfectly clear, and the southern people should be
the very last to allow this great principle to be
questioned. have never opposed it, and cannot
be made to do 1t il great popular right, which
lies at the foundation Of our whole political system.
recognise this right belonging as fully TO the
people of California il belongs 10 the people OF
| Alabama.
an is far important 10 uphold he great prin-
eiples of the Gouernnsnt Than is 10 succeed in any
temporary struggle. SO long keep these an
pis,o IRE shall be abe 20 maintain free government
but ,ohen they lost sight Of he glorious political
system under ,ohieh lire toiH go dozen. in this
| rapid survey Of the late measures Of Congress,
ask you, gentlemen, do you see any thing which
would Justify the people OF the southern States in
resisting them Is there any ground for revolu-
| tom Ia the time come for the overthrow Of the
only or cat republic which exists on carth'
''Tbe other great measure adopted by Congress
that Of providing ofectual means for the recovery
of fugitive slaves will not Of course, be objected u
| in the southern States. II passed in good
faith II has, of course, produced some excitement
a the North, hut good men who vencrate the Con
stitution and obey the laws Of the country will
stand by Il.
81 earnestly trust, gentlemen, that the people o.
Alabama will give steady and cordial support tc
the laws Of the United States, and that they viii
cherish n profound regard for the Government
which binds great States, stretching from the At
| lantc TO the Pacific, in common Union; Gov
| eminent which insurcs domestic tranquility, anC
l makes the American name known and honoroC
| throughout the world. SO far from being ready Il
| cooperate with those who seek TO overthrow II,
shall do whatever il becomes me to do to Strengthen
and 10 uphold IL. should regard its destruction Al
calamity not to the American people alone. bot &
the human So long as 1t confines its power
within the limits ordained by the Constitution,
shall feel bound by the most solemn obligation
which the citizen Of great republic can recognise
TO devote whatever Of strength good Providence
may afford me, TO the maintenance Of it's powe
and its glory.
81 have the honor to be, gentlemen, your frien,
and obedient servant,
"HENRY w. HILLIARD.
"Mcssrs. Henry Lucas, Alexander Garter, anC
others Mount Meigs."