Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-11-13
MOVEMENTS AT THE NORTH.

No one doubts now that an overwhelming major
ily Of The Southern people in favor Of standing
by the Union, and the only apprehension is that the
spirit OF fanaticsm exhibited in opposition to late
law of Congress, will get the ascendency at the
North Recent movements, however, in number
of the free States tend somewhat to dissipate such
fears. "Every days mail" says the National Intel
ligencer "brings us the proceedings of some large
assembage Of citizens in the free States holden to
give uterance to sentiments of loyalty to the Con-
sttuton aud the Laws, and of disapprobaton of the
spirit of lanaiicsm which, with clamor greatly dis
proportioned TO The number of its disciples, would
mady resist all law that does not square with lis own
bigoted notions"
We can only refer specially to the great meetings
at Dayton, Ohio, and at Chicago, Illinois. At the
former, letter was read from Judge CRANE, ven
cradle and distinguished citizen of Ohio, in support
of the Fugitive Slave Law, and series of resolutions
concluding as follows, was adopted with enthusiastic
cheers:
We regard the Fugitive Act Of 1850 as a constitutional
and necessary enactmen-an application and fulfment
Of the constitutional compact founded directly upon and de-
manded BY it, and stringent than that compact au-
thorzed and the exigencles OF the times required.
The meeting at Chicago was called in consequence
ofthe high-handed proceedings ofthe Common Coun-
Gil Of The city. That body, made up principally of
Abolitionis!s had undertaken to nuly the Fugitive
law. The meeting is said to have been the largest
ever convened in Chicago. Senator DOUGLASS made
speech, after which resolutions were adopted, one
of which declares shat the law enacted by Congress
8 A. l..
as such by all good and law-abding citizens and
should be faithfully carried into effect by the officers
charged with its execution" The Council have since
repealed their resolutions in opposition to the law
We are sorry to see no symptoms of repentance
among the Boston people on account Of their late
proceedings. One of the city papers says that if the
law is forcibly resisted it "will notwithstanding be
surely executed" But while no forcble resistance
is manifested, every obstruction is thrown in the way
Of the law and even the legal tribunals lend them
selves TO prevent It's execution. Forcible resistance
is not likely to be made, so long as other means &C
complsh the object more efectually. We can only
hope that "sober, second thought"wil bring about
different state of things.
The issue Of union or disunion is now virtually 10
be decided BY the North. If the Union is dissolved
it will be by the agitation and lawless conduct of
Northern fanatics-if it is to be sustained Northern
men must arouse themselves to the task. The move
ments alluded to above, indicate that they are doing
so; and, together with corresponding movements at
the South we trust they also indicate that the Con-
siitution-like tree, which shaken by the wind PEN
etrates deeper INTO the earth-s taking faster hold
on the hearts of the mass of the people, and will bear
up, be borne up bravey agaas! all the assaults Of
fanatics and malcontents.