The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-12
r,on m, Jrra, Stafs Ga=efts.

From the signs of the times, it is not too much
To predict II at Northern agitation and aggression
upon the rights of the South, will never cease to
be carried on, whilst slavery and the union Of the
TWO sections exist. The late so called compro-
mise has utterly failed to allay the wide pervading
spirit of hostility so long manifested at the North
towards Southern slavery. The late movements
of the Wing party IN New York, clearly show
that large proportion Of the Northern people are
fast falling into the ranks OF the Abolitionists;
and the time is probably not distant when Sew
ardism, which teaches that the end jusfes the
means, will he triumphant, and sway the Admin
straton and congressional majority. Already
this party have accomplished enough TO encourage
them to make still greater efforts They have OBJ
tanned all their wishes, with the exception OF the
Fugitive slave law, which they now proclaim they
will repeal-and that light speedily. Next SEES
sion, or the next, they will admit New Mexico,
to he soon followed by Utah, Oregon, and Mime
sofa, when il is not difficult to with whom the
power will rest in both branches OF the National
Legislature, or in what manner they will use it.
There are thousands and thousands at the North
who say that " if our Constitution is too rigid to
yield to the expanding convictions Of the human
mind as to what is humane or equitable, then it
will be rent and demolished by power greater
than itself" Upon this doctrine the issue is made
up, and the fight must come. And the Southern
people may find to their cost, that they should
have marched up boldly to the assertion and
maintenance of their rights, before the reinforce
mentS OF the enemy nau arrived on the Helu. but
they failed to do so when there was an oppor-
tunity Of securing their rights in the contest, we
cannot see in the future any other alternative for
the South than that which we believe will be pre-
scented before a great whie-submission to the
domination Of the Northern States and the aboi-
ton of slavery, secession. "To this complexion
it must come at last"
But one step more is required to complete the
triumph Of fanatcism, and that is in fair way of
accomplishment. Resistance to the Fugitive slave
law we do not doubt, from the indications of pub
lie sentiment at the North, will terminate only
with its repeal. OF the thirty thousand fugitive
slaves now tn the free States, but THREE have
been recovered and though the law should be
permitted to remain on the pages of the statute
book, it will have but little more effect than so
much waste paper. The Constitution Of the Union
has lost its vitality in those points where its pro-
visions conflict with the "hg her law" ideas Of a
growing party at the North. And the Constu-
tlon--the observance of which constitutes the on
| ly safeguard which the South has for protection
against tanatica ma orities-belng set aside, pru-
dence and self respect, well as essity, would
seem to dictate that the Southern people should
beg in to look at matters they actually stand
and take counsel and act together for their COM
mon security and welfare. We hope this may be
the aim and object of every citizen, who has a
mind capable otappreciating Southern ghts and
Il heart 10 defend them.
1t will be recollected that Mr.. B. R. Hardin, son
Of Ben Hardin, of Kentucky, disappeared rather
suddenly from Panama, shortly after he had re-
ceived the revocation of his appointment of Secre-
tary of Legation to Chill. The Panama Star says:
"On Friday last, us party Of gentlemen were
| ascending the mountain in the rear Of the city,
about midway up they discovered the remains Of
Il human being. Though there is now no part of
that human frame left but the bare bones, there is
sufficient evidence to render almost certain the de-
Iuction that they are those Of the unfortunate
| Hardin. These evidences consist Of letter found
in one of the pockets dated Havana, December,
| 1919, addressed to Hon. Ben Hardin, Bardstown,
| (Ky.) commencing " My dear father" and end
ing with your affectionate son, Rowan Besides
this there were silk handkerchief, two keys, n
knife, and part Of silk purse. From the ap-
! that he was murdered"