The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-10
WAsnINoroN, May %, 1850.

WAsHINGroN, May %, 1850.
DEAR Sir: l have had the pleasure to receive
your letter, transmitting the proceedings of meet
ing of the Wings of Cazenovia approving the plan
of the President for the settlement of the sectional
controversy growing out OF the recent acquisition
Of territory, and sanctionng the course that, as
their Representative, have pursued in supporting
that plan.
This unsolicited testimony in my favor has
afforded Inc the deepest qualification. From the
Wings of my district | have experienced nothing
but kindness; and especially those of Cazcnovia
have at all times manifested towards me warmth
of regard, and reposed in Inc generous confidence
for which know not how, properly sufficiently,
to acknowledge my gratitude.
proceedings which regards public questions. than
with that which is personal to myself, recognise
in the resolutions adopted the spirit and sentiments
Of true National Wings. They are firm and manly,
but tolerant and temperate. II is SO that honest
men speak. II is 30 that wise men act in times Of
danger
The opinions of the Wings Of Cazenovia are my
opinions. j shall oppose now, as always, and in
such a manner as may seem to me under the cir
cumstances most wise and practical, the extension
of slavery to free territory But, in my opposition
TO slavery, shall not seek to take away impair
any constitutional right which the South may pos
scss. No member of Congress has any business in
his official capacity to intermediate with slavery
within the States; and it is his sworn duty faithful
ly to execute every provision OF the Constitution
Upon these points can consent to no Interpolation
in the Wing creed. l am content with the work of
the patriots and sages of the revolution. The party
to which belong is a constitutional, and not an
abolition party. Under the Constitution we have
prospered. The sun never shone Oh twenty three
millions Of people enjoying an equal amount OF
physical comfort, of liberty without disorder, and
Of moral and intellectual culture. Who will pull
out one Of the stones which this edfce rests?
Who dare place in hazard this great sum of human
happiness? Il is in defence of the Constitution that
the Wing party has hitherto rallied; it be
rallied under no other, They who are not content
with this, must seek other alliance
desire an end in one way another TO the sec
tional strife that disturbs US. If we can live in
peace under the Union, let do SO if not, let
know it. Though six seven States may not be
able to dissolve the Confedcracy, they may make it
intolerabe. II is time that there should be frank
and perfect understanding, reconciliation, or
else that we prepare our minds for separation. If
the North will not confine its hostility to slavery
within the pale Of the Constitution, it is certain
that cannot live together. Nor, the other
hand, can there be stability to the government if
the South per sist in efforts to make il subsidiary to
the increase Of slavery Northern opinion on this
point is too strong and resolutc TO be vanqushed
it may, very likely, be defeated for time, but in
the end it will crush every combination that may
array itself against it. IL may be fatal day when
that happens. We want not truce, but peace. Ii
is not enough that present difficulties may be
ranged; require security for The future. We
must understand each other.
IL is well to look this danger in the face; II not
imminent, it is real. By keeping it constantly be-
fore our eyes, we may best avoid it. But have
strong faith in the good sense and patriotism OF my
countrymen. They will not spoil their high dcsti-
ny and convert into contempt the admiration OF the
world. The Union will stand it is only some
demagogues that may fall
am, very truly and respectfully. yours,
WILLIAM DUER.
H. A. COOLIDGE, esq, Secretary.