Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-02-26
THE QUESTION OF THE DAY.

We publish, to-day, portion of deeply nte-
resting debate which took place in the Senate of
the United States on Wednesday last. The re-
marks of Gen Cass seem to us TO be indicative OF
a deplorable state of things in Congress. Avail
ing himself of an allusion made to his Opinions
by MIR. Clemens, in by no means a dlscourteous
spirit he comes forward to proclaim, In effect the
surrender of his purpose to stand up in the Senate
for the integrity of the constitution Although he
sees plainly that the Union is in imminent danger,
he recoils from resoute effort to save it, and ac-
knowledges himself borne down by political op-
position
Whilst we cannot but regret to see prominent
Northern statesman, to whom large portion OF
the Southern people were lately desrous TO con-
de their best interests, thus falling us In the nour
of need it must be admitted that Southern men III
Congress may derive useful lesson from his de-
lection 1t is too much the fashion amongst those
gentlemen to vie with each otherin what are call
ed strong Southern speeches. Argument and
speculation are pushed to extremes that are who'll
ly unnecessary to the firm maintenance of the po-
sition which the Southern States have generally
assumed. Contingencies of the gravest charac-
ter are contemplated, either with levity which
hazards the imputation OF insincery, or with an
overheated excitement which can only beget irrita-
ton and retaliation. If Southern Senators and
Representatives really desire to obtain Justice to
the South, IN the Union, they should demean
themselves with becoming soemnity and reserve.
The question of a dsmemberment OF this confe-
deracy is one of mighty moment, and one which
it would be we'll if no Hotspur in debate ever had
an opportunity to discuss. We hold the opinion
that the South is now called upon to take united
stand, once and forever, against all encroachments
through the Federal Government upon the ms THU
ton of slavery.
But how can that stand be taken with any hope
of its being eectual, if the contest in Congress,
on the part of the South is to consist merely in
violent speeches, announcing widely different
views, and exhibiting the want of any common
principle of action? In the tone of despair as
sumed by Gen. Cass, and the excited speeches OF
Messrs. Bissell, Campbell and Thaddeus Stevens,
in the House, we fear that the legitimate fruits of
the distracted course of Southern men may be dis
cerned. 1t is time for every constituency in the
Southern States to send up to Washington So
Tenn declaration of its wishes concerning the
great question of the day.
WHIG FESTIVAL. IN PHILADELPHIA.
The Wing FESTIVAL on the night of the 22d
instant, in Philadelphia, was large and brilliant
affair. 1t was held in the Musical Fund Hail. the
main hall of which, together with the banqueting
room, were superbly decorated. Mr.. Clay enter
ed the Hall at an early hour, and remained until
IL O'clock He was most enthusiastically re-
ceiyed with cheers, waving of handkerchiefs and
clapping of hands Before he left, number of
ladies' got possession of his hat, in the manager
room, and would not let him leave till he had re-
deemed it, by kissing every one OF them This
duty he performed with his accustomed gallantry.