The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-16


we publish the following letter addressed
by Mr.. CABELL to the Governor of Florida
subsequently to the joint letter which
called forth the answer of Gov. BRowN,
both Of which have hitherto appeared in
the Republic. We also append some ex-
tracts from speech delivered by Mr.. c.
on the 9th instant:
Letter Of Hon. e. C. CabeA
House OF REPREsENTATIvEs,}
February IL, 1885,
Sin; An anxious observance of events transpiring
around me has forced the conviction my mind,
that the rights, interests and honor Of the section
of the Union in part represent are endangered.
As the Representative of the people of Florida,
feel it TO be duty to admonish my constituents of
the perils to which they exposed, and through
you beg leave respectfully to address to them
short communication.
The spirit of abolition fanaticsm to run riot
over the northern States, impelng the people of
those States to encroachments and aggressions,
which not only leopard the Union, but threaten the
very foundation of civil society in the southern
States.
The compromises of the Constitution are, we fear,
about to be entirely disregarded, and the rights of
the South, guaranteed by that sacred instrument.
longer respected, much less secured or enforced.
The article of the Constitution intended to secure
to shareholders the recovery of fugitive slaves,
without which the Federal compact never could
have been formed, Is almost dead letter. Most OF
the non slaveholding States have passed laws,
der heavy penalties against the exercise of that
right, according to the provisions of the act Of Con-
gress of 1893, within their limits; and while it is
true that the United States courts, as far as am
aware, have rendered damages against parties who
obstruct the exercise of the right of reclamation,
when suits have been brought, yet the constitu-
tonal right of recovering the slave is virtually de-
fe bv he tate Leo lat diarie
sent among as to entce away, and to SOW the seeds
of discord and nsurrection among our slaves. De-
nunciation of the South is continually indulged in
by northern men and their representatives, on the
floor of both houses of Congress, with view to
bring odIum upon our people and to destroy our
institutions Insult and ignominy sought to be
heaped upon US, and agitation in the most danger
Gus and offensive manner is persisted in, with the
avowed object to "force emancipation the
South"
Love Of the Union is a cherished sentiment with
the people of the southern States To preserve it,
they have submitted TO wrong and insult from
those they have been taught to believe, and whom
they would regard, friends and brethren. But
submission to aggrcssions, now threatened, would
Nbe degradation. That these aggressions will be
made, and further outrages perpetrated, we do not
doubt, unless We of the South act with promptness
and decision, and in such manner that the people
Of the northern States can no longer doubt our de-
termined purpose to maintain our rights, regard
less of consequences.
The present Congress convened with the fixed
purpose, as believe, to exclude the people Of the
South from all the territories Of the United States
We have fought for and to pay for the country,
and yet we are TO be excluded from its enjoyment.
The STAKEHOLDER is told that he shall not carry with
him his property to this Territory, which is his in
common with citizens of -saveholding States
having been acquired by 'the common blood and
treasure of all" The sentiment is general-al
most universal-with the Representatives from the
non slaveholding States, that mo slave States
shall, under any circumstances, be admitted into
he nj not fail tn have oh ed
action of Legislatures of northern States ON this
subject. New States will be admitted, TO add to
the power of those who will use that power to OPP
press and degrade Slave territory is to be cir
cumscribed, and the slaves of the South confined
10 a limited space, till, by the increase of their
numbers, safety, if not our very exist
ence, will demand their determination or expul-
sion.
blow is proposed TO be struck at the institution
Of slavery by its abolition in the District OF Co
lumbia; and its exclusion from forts, dock
yards and arsenals, is openly advocated by many.
These measures will be temporarily deferred, but
that they will be consummated, unless prevented
by the action of the southern people, do not en-
tertain doubt. Daily We hear the broad declara-
ton made, that "savery shall be abolished IN euery
foot of territory which the United States has
jurisdiction" The Constitution alone protects il
in the States, but IL Is not disguised that il s the
policy and the purpose Of those inimical 20 u.s. TO
admit sufficient number of -slaveholdng
States into the Union to enable them to amend the
Constitution, as TO give 10 Congress the right to
abolish slavery even in the States Believing, as
they profess 10 believe, that slavery is sin against
God and nature-a disgrace 10 the country in which
il exists-a stigma upon our institutionsa sin and
a crime, for which they, constituent members Of
the Coniederacy, are responsible-it is their duty
TO effect its abolition by all constitutional modes
one OF which is, by amending the Constitution. In
this way abolition, with all Its horrors, will be
complishcd at very distant day. But, have
no expectation that fanaticism will defer for
long time the contamination Of its purposes, un-
lp lia IA oh rp1 NJ Mr.
used 10 say that there arc twenty clauses in the
Constitution by virtue of which Congress may abol
ish slavery in the States; and when the power shall
have been acquired, by the admission of non. slave
holding and exclusion of slave States, the majority
will not be long in finding constitutional prctexts
for the exercise of that power.
TO avert these evils, il is, in my opinion, ncces
sary that the people Of the South should adopt
speedy and efficient measures. To render the
remedy cffectual, there should be united action
the part Of those so deeply interested. To secure
this object, have united with the Senators from
our State in the recommendation that the people OF
Florida follow the example Of other southern States
and send delegates To represent them in the con-
yenon proposed 10 be held in the city of Nashville
in the State of Tennessee, on the first Monday in
juno next. To give dignity 10 the convention, and
TO ensure respect for its proceedings, We deem II
important that its members should be chosen by
the authority advice of the governors or Lcgis-
htures of the different States As our Legislature
is not in session. we feel socitous that our recon-
mendation should receive your official sanction
The representatives of all the States, who have
common interest 70 protect, may thus "take coun-
eel together for their common safety" and devise
the proper remedy for their common evils, and
avert an impending danger TO which they arc all
exposed
The course suggested, am aware, is extraordi-
nary, and should only be adopted in an cxttcme
case. But violent remedy is necessary 10 cure
disease, which may otherwise prove fatal
The Southern people will be unworthy the name
of American frecmen, If they submit to these out
RACES Yet we constantly tauntcd with the
sncering allegation, that VIC care not in earnest"
in purpose 10 defend our honor and rights.
Let the South speak through this Convention. Each
State will doubtless send vice and firm men. who
will recommend the best policy TO be adopted and
which will doubtless be approved and acted upon
10y all the southern States. We shall thus show
what IL the ultimate determination of the people OF
the South and the responsibility will rest with the
northern States TO dissolve the Union, or 10 do JUS
tice TO the southern portion Of the Confcdcracy.
Sooner or later self preservation will render the
adoption OF the course we recommend absolutely
fear, if we delay, may BE- TOO late.
We are better prepared for action now than we shall
be at any future time And il is better for all con-
cerned, that the different sections ofh Confcderacy
should fully understand one another.
have been, as you know, opposed 20 the calling