The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-02

Of toll and suffering, and amid sacrifices the
most profuse OF blood and treasure, that this
Union was maintained by our forefathers; and
we are unworthy to be called their sons il we
will make no efforts, and submit to no sacrifices,
to preserve tho priceless heritage The eyes of
the American people are upon YOU The friends
OF the Union look to you for suceor and en-
'couragement. They look to Philadelphia now,
as did those who have gone before us, when the
patriots and sages of the revolution were assem-
bled at your city in l776 and 1887. Great was
the work which then was accomplished; and the
American people look now for re-signing aud
re-sealing of the Constitution in your city
Proclaim it now, in tones which shall reach every
State, every city, and every county, that the Con-
stitu:ion and the Union can and shall be pre-
served. Tell your brethren of the South that
Pennsylvania will stand firm as her everlasting
hills in maintaining all their rights under the
Constitution. Say to the countrymen Of Wash
ington and Jefferson, of Madison and Monroe,
of Henry and of Mason, of Marion and Sumter,
that your hearts are linked to theirs by every tie
of interest and affection, and that Pennsylvania
will roll back the tide of fanaticism which
threatens to deiuge in blood our common coun-
try!
Fellow-citizens venture thus to address you
as one of your countymen, invited to partici-
pate in your meeting. | speak to you as M
tive OF Pennsylvania, whose soil was defended
by departed sire in the war Of the revolution
If speak to you in words of solemn import it
is because know that the danger is great and
pressing The eyes not only Of our country
men, but OF the world are upon you. Despots,
and the satellites and mercenary emissares of
despots, are looking on, in the vain hope that
the Union and the Constitution will be per-
mitted to perish in the very city where both
Were first promulgated. There are Others, also
who will ponder upon your proceedings. II is the
friends Of free government throughout the world
it is the oppressed children of Ireland and
Hungary, of Germany and Poland, and of every
spot of earth where freedom has found friend
that look to this Union as the last hope and
asylum Of freedom. Let them learn that this
Union is overthrown, and you will do more to
sustain their cruel oppressors than if you had
sent an army to join the forces of the Russian
Gar or Austrian despot Perhaps this very day
you hold in your hands not only the fate of
your own country, but the cause Of free govern
ment throughout the globe.
| Mere paper resolutions, however just as patri-
otto, will avail but little now to save the country
unless followed by acts by which those resolu
tons will be carried promptly into full aud ON
pete operation. When our forefathers estab
ished the Union, they were not satisfied with
paper declarations, but proceeded, amid every
sacrifice Of blood and treasure-by acts, prompt
and energetic-to carry those resolutions into
effect; and will no sacrifice be made by their
descendants to maintain and perpetuate that glo-
rious Union! Let that question be answered by
this meeting and by acts corresponding with its
just and patriotic resolutions, and believe that
Pennsylvania can still preserve the Union. Let
her take her stand upon the Constitution, and
resolve that all its provisions and its guarantees
shall be carried into full and perfect operation
that justice shall be done to every State and
every section; that they regard the people Of
the South as their countrymen; that they know
no difference, either in interest or affection, and
will permit none to be made, between the NortI,
the South, the East, or the West; that all ar,
equal, and that the rights, and feelings, and in
terests Of all shall he respected; that their fan
atical enemies shall be rebuked; that no resolu
ton shall be gotten up against the South, ant
least of all an African resolution and faithful
history will record, among all your other grea
and glorious achievements, that Pennsylvania
has sared the Union!
| Very truly, your friend and felow-cizcn,
r. ]. WALKER.
To Messrs. Josiah Randall, Isaac Hazlehurst
John s. Riddle, John w. Forney, c. Ingerso
and Robert NJ. Lee.