The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-24
The slavery Question.

The letter which follows, addressed to
a WHO member of Congress from Ken
lucky, by an eminent citizen of that State,
has been enclosed to us with the article
from the Journal to which it refers.
Though not intended for publication, we
have taken the liberty to print the letter
in illustration of the article; and we trans
fer the article to our columns for the bet
ter appreciation of the letter. When
citizens of State so eminently consid-
crate, iudicious, deliberate and Union
loving as Kentucky, become alarmed or
excited upon any question Of national in
terest, it behoves wise and prudent men
of all parties and sections to pause and
consider The union of such men in
Congress, on the platform presented by
the late special message of President
TAYLOR, will defeat the ultraists of both
sections Of the countryside Abolition
lists and the Disunionists. We think
that there has been bullying and brow
beating enough on this subject, and that
it is hard to say which set of agitators
have outraged the other. The people
would be much indebted to Congress if,
after having expended time and money to
the extent they have, in getting ready TO
do business, they would just proceed to
carry out, in good faith, the policy recon-
mended by the PRESIDENT, and, at the
same time, pay little attention to other
affairs of the nation, Of greater interest
than the quarTels of faction.
PANS, (Kentucky,) Jan. 10, 1850.
DEAR Sra: | enclose to you the Journal Of the 9th,
and commend TO you the article, which
should be republishcd in the National Intsligeneo
and the Republic.
The failure to elect Speaker for three weeks,
the delay in cecting your clerk, and your angry
and threatening debates touching slavery, NOR
flying and alarming to many OF our people. II
cannot be, that people enjoying the fulness Of
liberty and prosperity could madly rush into dis-
union.
There must be enough of good sense in our rulers
at Washington to dispel the clouds which now
seem TO overhang the capitol.
II has so happened that Kentucky has not become
angry the slavery agitatious in Congress. ]
hope she may continue TO keep cool but shall
be forced TO take sides very soon, if these collisions
and threats arc kept up.
The remedy proposed by the South Is inadmissi-
bic. Kentucky cannot, will not, agree to disunion
If she can prevent IL. But, TO begin with the be-
ginning Of the quarrel, the free States In the
wrong.
The wilmot proviso, which, in substance, Il an
appropriation Of the territories TO the exclusive
Of the North, is unquestionably unjust. The North
has wealth, strength, and numbers both present
and prospective, and she must perceive that by
these elements Of power she is gaining all which
she would rasbly seize by insult, injustice and OPP
precision. II the North will, in her schools,
churches, and ballot boxes, educate her people TO
on the slave property Of the South, she must
be prepared for the consequences.
Both parties in this State are united in the reso-
luton to stand by the South in the protection OF
their property. The free States need not look TO
Kentucky, as they have done in times past, for any
countcnance 20 their covert or open sggrcssions
on slavery. IF the Wings Of the North count upon
Kentucky, as Wing State, they must give up
such delusons, unless they will repudate all con-
neSion with the Abolitionists. You have wit
messed the majority Of Democrats in our conven-
ton growing out Of the slave question. The Dem
ocrat are sound the slavery question in this
State, and majorityof the Wings are also, as
believe, sound; but there are many who incline to
northern snti-savcry afinities, which, IL fastened
upon the Wing party, win ruin IT,
You have seen the article in the yownai-a faith
fol view Of what Kentucky thinks and feels ON the
subject referred 10. You know that Mr.. Prentice,
who is a northern man. is inclined, ne far public
sentiment will suffer, TO 60 with the North think
that the publication Of this article in Of the
eastern prints would open the eyes Of tho North
to dangers into which she is pressing us.
Very truly yours, -.