The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-17
KENTUCKY.

Governor Crittenden in his annual Message
announces his position and that of Kentucky, in
support Of the Union, amidst all perils
/ can entertain no apprehension for the fate
of such Union.
"The approach of any danger to it would be
the signal for ralying to its defence-tbe first mo-
ment of its peril would be the moment of its res
cue. persuade myself that there will be found
in Congress, ON the exciting subject which has
given rise to the late agitation and alarm, wise
forbearance and a wise patience that will secure
US from dagger; and that the very men who, in
the heat and contention of debate, have spoken
most boldly the language of defiance and menace
to the Union, will not be hindmost in making
sacrifices for its preservation.
"The Union has further security in the paren-
tai care and guardianship of its present illustri
Gus Chief Magistrate and far above all other
securities, it has the all-powerful public opinion
and affections of the people.
"To Kentucky and the other Western States in
the valley of the Mississippi, the Union is indis
pepsable to their commercial interests. They oc-
cupy the most fertile region of the world, elo-
auently described by celebrated foreigner as
sthe most magnificent abode that the Almighty
ever prepared as dwelling place for man. These
States, already populous and productive, are rap
idly increasing, and in no long time must become
the most populous and productive portion Of the
United States. They are remote from the sea
and to enable them, with any advantage, TO dis
pose of their boundess productions and purchase
their supplies they will require the use OF all the
channels and avenues Of commerce, and Of all the
markets, ports, and harbors from Boston to New
Orleans. Under our present Union we enjoy all
these facilities, with the further advantage Of
maritime force capable to protect and actually
protecting our commerce in every part Of the
world. -
aDisuniea would deprive us, certainly to some
extent, and most probably to a great extent, Of
those advintAges and of that protection. can
not enlarge on the subject. A moments refec-
tion will show the ruinous consequence of dis
union TO the commerce of Kentucky and the 9th
| er Western States, The most obvious considera-
tons Of interest combine therefore, with all that
are more nober and more generous to make the
Union not only an object of attachment but Of
necessity to us.
Kentucky is not insensible TO the causes
which have produced so much sensibility and ir-
ritaton with her brethren of the Southern States,
nor is she without her sympathies with them.
But she does not permit herself to harbor one
thought against the Union. She deprecates dis
| union as the greatest calsmity-she can see no
remedy in it-none certainly, for any grievance
as yet complained of or to be apprehendedn
In the Lower House of the Kentucky Legisla-
ture, on the second instant Mr. Simms offered
| the following resolutions, lin keeping with the
Union sentiments of Governor Crittenden's Mes
sage, as published above,) and moved their
reference to q select committee.
Resolped, That the union of sovereign States
Of the Republic is the only foundation of its
strength and greatness, and to the American pa
4 4
or fractional interest whatever, arising from geo.
graphical divisions or party feuds, and that every
effort to dissolve it is at enmty with the principles
of the Revolution and is totally destructive of our
highest social and political happiness-to our ma
tional prosperity, and TO our wel-esrned fame
| RsolUed That the union of these States was
| cemented in revolutionary blood and is above all
price, and that Kentucky will stand by it as the
most sacred duty, while she remembers the strug-
giles of 10, and the parting admonitions of the
| Father Of his Country.
"Resolped, That we have full confidence In the
patriotism of our Senators and Representatives in
Congress assembled and that upon this question
they will be true and unyeldng in their devotion
| to the Unionr
| Some discussion sprung up on referring the
resolutions.
| Mr. Hooe said he hoped It was not the intention
of the gentleman who offered the motion to commit
the House against nstructing the Senators of Ken
4 lucky. He did not wish TO be trammelled by the
| declaration that had the fullest confidence in
| their opinions and patriotism lie knew that the
people Of Kentucky felt deep interest upon this
subject, and because Of the efforts of Northern
men to trample upon the rights Of the Southern
portion of this great Confederscy-be believed
| the people required their Senators in Congress TO
vote against the aboliiiopof Slavery in the Dis
trict Of Columbia and against the Wilmot Proviso,
as being unconstitutional and inexpedient. He
| said that IL was understood In the country that
| MIR. CLAY had identified himself with the friends
| Of the Wilmot Proviso; that he Mr.. Clay had
written a letter, which had been published, in
which he had declared his opposition to the ex-
tension of Slavery also, that Mr.. Underwood
was charged by some as occupying the same posi-
ton lie tMr. Hooe) thought the voice of the
people Of this State should be heard upon these
questions He was no Disunionist
Mr. Simms said he did not intend the resolu-
lions be had the honor to offer as sanctioning
| any opinion our Senators might entertain In re-
gard to the great questions which were now agi-
| tating the country He believed that both Messrs.
| Clay and Underwood had the interest OF their
| country at heart, and would rather, far rather,
see the lines Of party oblterated, and even the
parties themselves dissolved and scattered, than
that the Anon Of the States should be dissolved
| From the wellknown character OF such men as
our Senator'S he coold not see any objection to
| the sentiment contained in this resolution. lie
knew the discussion was premature, yet be would
say that he desired no censnre on the South, or
any other section Of the country but from what.
\ ever quarter the question Of disuDion should
| come whether North or South, East or West, he
| was prepared to cepsnre any man or set OF men
who advocated dissolution or the Union.
Mr.. r.. +. Baird said he regarded the fate OF
some such resolution a test question, in decar-
ing the sentiments Of the people Of Kentucky in
regard to the union OF the States. The resolution
now before the House said nothing about the
Wiimot Proviso. Mr. Baird said be believed the
people OF Kentucky desired the integrity Of the
Union to be preserved, no matter what laws Con-
gress might pass. He repeated the assertion,
that no law Congress would pass would drive the
people of this State from their position on this
subject.
The resolutions were then referred TO q select
committee Of Messrs. Simms, u. +. Baird Doni-
phsn, Breckipridge, Mason, and Brsuner.