The New York herald., 1850-06-13
The Voxei Question.
NJ. VAN sClIAlcK TO SENATOR pIcKrNso

Hon. DANIEI. >. DCxINsoN:--
Dear Sir-The talents, attention and industry
which you have displayed in the Senate OF the
United States entiile you to the favorable consider
alton Of the public. ! have nothing IN the
course that you have pursued, in relation 10 politi-
Cal questions, which ought TO deprive you of the
confidence and regard of the democratic party; for
| am confident that the dispute m relation to slave
ry and free soil does not involve fundamental prin
cples, as our government is organized, and that
the advocacy of either side Of these exciting topics
ought not 10 impair the standing Of any tried friend
OF popular nights.
That unGcnerous and despotic policy of party,
which teaches that il is necessary 20 crush all op
position, not only OF your enemies, but every diff
ference OF opinion among political friends in all
cases whatsoever; which requires implicit obedience
TO every mandate, wise or stupid, which may be j.
sued from conc lave of political leaders; which
usregaIds alike the scrupes OF conscience and the
claims of frieDdship-ihat despotsm of soTdid aud
selfish minds abhor, and would be unwilling 10
initiate or revenge.
Under the impulse OF sentiments like these, |
have signed an invitation 10 you for a public dln-
ner, and MS is usual with me in such cases, stipu
lated for the preservation OF my quiet habits IN de-
clining to attend the feast; but | very checrfully
gave my name TO the invitation, as a mark OF re-
spect for Senator from this State, who has well
performed his public duties. AVID who is therefore
entitled TO the support of his political friends.
The wings do not divide their forces on the free
soil question. Why should the democrats split
their power in twain, on a temporary point Of pub
lie policy and sectional feeling! When the ques-
tion is settled, the political deiusions with which
II has been surrounded will vanish. We must
quickly have reunion our ancient grounds,
and shall do whatever may be Just to effect that
object. FOR fourteen years, declined all active
participation in public affairs, and have had no con-
nectiOn with the aspirations OF ambition or the
tumu Of politics.; and now, as TO any results con-
sequent upon measures TO be pursued, or as 10 any
combinations by which prominent whig OF this
State is TO be promoted to the dignity Of President
Of the United States, denounce and repudiate
them entirely. lie, any other candidate, elected
by the force of sectional opinions could only be
the President of part OF the Union, and not of the
whole. No circumstance, or motive of hope or
despair, could ever induce me deliberately 10 pur-
sue line Of policy which might entanele me in
the dilemma Of being obliged to support such Il
candidate.
Slavery may, and probably will, in process of
time, be broken up or extirpaied: but not by the
formation of any party in the free states, intending
to operate on principles different from those Of the
sbolYiion party has Induced d slave owners to com
bne their influence, to in unson and to defend
their position: Thirty years ago OF more, and be-
fore the abolition excitement was introduced into
Boston and other cities, from England, our South
ern brethren were more sensitive in regard 20 the
dangers Of their domestic condition than they mp
pear TO be at present; and the benevolent senti-
| menf, that one human being should not hold
another in the bondage OF mind and boiy, was
prevalent among them. The growth OF opn-
ions in favor of emancipation has received no
aid from the action of the abolition party. On
the contrary, their interference has been disas-
irous 10 the bondman, and tiphtened his chains.
Still the slave owners good and mcrciful
as other men, and some Of them can afford 10
lose the value Of their slaves and f the people Of
the South are permitted 10 remain unmoiested by
fanatics and incendiaries, they may the sooner lind
a way 10 escape from the burthen which oppresses
ard exhsusts many portions of their soil. And
whether they do or not, we have right TO inter-
fere with their domestic poy, 10 put their peace
and safety in jeopardy by sgtstng the subject at
emancipation with fierce and virulent dennncis-
tt.Aa .u .ltl tl.A. Lsks. laa,s
compelled by considerations Of self defence against
the introduction Of secret cmissaries from abroad,
into the midst Of their population, TO enact laws for
the detention OF persons Of color. though freemen,
who may arrive by land or into their ports by sea.
To this strong meaure Of self preservation, not
even the powerful government Of Great Britain has
deemed IL polite 10 make an exception. And who
shall dare 10 limit the measures Of preca1tion and
resistance 10 which communities of men may re-
sort, for the security and protection OF their wives,
children and tresides
The sensibility Of the North, in relation to the
extension OF slavery into new territory, forms the
ground work of extensive political operations; and
the numerical increase Of the free soil party must
necessarily eventuate, not m any dmnuiion of the
strength of the whg party. bot either IN the absorp-
ton Of the democratic party into the body Of the
free soil party or, II that be impracicahle as is
most certain, then the separation between them
will continue, and establish the supremacy Of the
whig party so long as the separation. shall continue,
end the question out oi which Il has arisen shall
remain open and undecided In this event. the free
coil party will have been marshalled and trained
for the exclusive advantage OF the whig party.
The democratic IN asses Of this State have pro-
badly not yet discovered that this is to be the in
eyiebe and political result OF the free soil move
meni, If II shall be continued in active employment
for some years longer.
ancient landmarks Of the great democratic family
shall be subverted, and Its power be annihlated by
the introduction Of any new iest questions, which
have no relation to the established and unconiro-
II .llnl
government.
Into that family entered in 1872, by subscribing
10 one OF the war loans, and voting the democratic
ticket. Such vote | have uniformly given since
that time, with the exception that hold u 10 be The
duty of every honest citizen 20 strike out of his
ticket the maine of any corrupt or bad man who may
happen 70 have been smugRled upon IL.
AZ that period, one Of the distinguishing matiras
a the democratic party was the strict construction
Of the constitution in reference to every grant Of
power TO the general government, and particu larly
ss 10 those grants which Affected the rights cf the
States This principle constituted the bond OF har-
mony between the Southern and Northern portions
of the democratic party. Its acknowledgement pre-
served the smtude and unity OF our leaders, and
| the steady movement Of the machine OF govern
ment, enabling the democratic party TO maintain
the sscendsncy, and to place its statesmen 81 the
head OF silairs.
That cord Of sympathy and interstate connection
has been fusiured Ia its stead we arc trratcacd
with division Of parties, separated not by rrnci
pies alone, but by geographical lines exclusively.
This division will take form or less pcrmt.
ncnt according ss the subjects IN controversy shall
be settled sooner or later. There is DANGER there
| fore, IN delay The Southern States can gain no
| advantage by the postponemeni Of hnal arrange
mdnt 10 the decision " future events II the repre-
sentsyes Of those states refuse TO consent to any
sdjusinlrut except on their own terms the result
musi be that the excitement will be protscted, and
| they must be answerhbe for the conseque noes.
Iut Congress shall, At is present. session, make
final disposition of the most exciting subjects be-
/ foie them, by admitting Californ1 "a she is now
constituted, ~ drawing the line of Texas, and by
authorizing the organization OF the Territories, with
civil governments suited 10 their condition, the free
soil party must lay down iis arms, aud turn into
the ranks Of it, former associates, and the whig
party will soon be compelled to content itself with
its former distinction, Of q very respectable mi-
| nority.
II would be difficult 10 turn back the tide Of our
prosperity for ssty years, and 70 prove from the
prcsRiicp VI our material and moral interests,
thstsny injury had been inflicted On the country IA
4 ma a. ff the ehoic~ II r.bfrs Of Csa-