The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-07-17

he extended 10 the Pacific ocean, originates In a
strong conviction that II ia essential TO the peace
and tranquility of the country, and TO the exist
ence of the Union. IL | were hsunionist, i
should desire the continued agitation of the slave
question, and the preparation of further injustice
on the South by the Government of the United
States. should desire the adoption Of measures
OF restriction and retaliation, OF mutual crimina-
uon and recrimlnatloD, until excitement should
glow into irritation, and irritation should deepen
1910 hate believe that the line &c deg 30 min
Is the nearest approach to Justice which the South
may reasonably hope, whilst il affords the only
prospect of quoting the agitation on the subject
OF slavery. The territories would no longer slim
uate the cupIdity and selfishness of the North,
nor present an object for aggression, whilst the
South, reposing behind the line as rampant Of
safety, might indulge in sense of security until
their resentment might subaide and gradually ex.
pire. @ 45l f tT.hf s.a
The policy OF the North on the subject Of sla-
very stands now fully revealed Attack, harrass,
distress, annoy, wherever il can be done. Sur
round them in, and prevent its expansion, until
by density II becomes redundant; by redundancy
It becomes burdensome and its defenders, without
further motive 20 maintain it, shall, from very
WEAKNESS, surrender, In the beginning, the free
soil principle existed only north of Mason's and
Dixons line. Its authority was circumscrbed
within narrow limits. BY straagem it extended
Its dominions TO the Mississippi, being bounded on
the south by the Ohio. This was the achieve
ment of the Ordinance Of 1887 Next by the
Missouri Compromise they pressed. their conquest
to the Rocky Mountains; and crowding down
ntil farther on the South, they planted themselves
on IS degrees 80 minutes, establishing their pow
er that line throughout the whole extent of our
western dominions, And now, gaining strength
with time, and arrogance with strength, they de-
spise our weakness, and marching down TO our
extreme Southern borders, they plant themselves
III Triumph on the confines of Mexico. There
they stand, to push forward their principles and
extend their power over any future acquisition,
until eventually they will have accomplished their
magnificent conception of surrounding the slav e
States--of circumvalatng the besieged. sl,
II, by Divine Providence, it be arranged that
our Union shall endure, it is essential the line
shall be extended to the Pacific, to counterfeit
these ambitious and hostile designs. If, by
Divine Providence, it be decided that our Union
shall be crushed, and its glittering fragments scat
tered among the nations Of the earth as memorials
of the folly of injustice and ambition, it will be
Indispensable TO the South that the line shall be
established; to afford us access to the Pacifc--o
enable us TO enter into honorable competition for
the commerce Of the Indies and OF the ocean
Fellow Citizens--as advance, find my theme
to expand, until 1t becomes indefinite. therefore
bring it TO an abrupt conclusion. But feel it due
to the members of the Nashville Convention, to
assure you, that, as body of men, of distin-
guished reputation and eminent ability, they might
have been contemplated with pride as the repre-
senatiyes of the American people, whilst | feel a
deep conviction that they were animated by a
noble spirit Of lofty patriotism and glowing
attachment TO the institutions Of our beloved
country. They have adjourned TO meet again,
six weeks after the rising Of Congress, and their
future conduct must depend on the intervening
action Of that body. What hovers on the dark
future, no human eye can penetrate.--But, under
the guidance Of Divine Providence, earnestly
pray, that all may eventuate in the safety Of the
South, the preservation of the Union and the har-
mony and happiness Of the country. f
This communication has been hastily prepared,
under unfavorable circumstances Of physical en-
haustion, and state of health not too robust. 1t
is sent to press in its first draft and must abound
IN irregularities and defornlities; but confding all
to your kind indulgence, subscribe myself, faith
fully yours, ... ga ia.
VIM. O. GOODE.
Richmond, June 25, 1850.