Washington telegraph., 1850-06-12
Gated by Mr.. Johnson, but by the princi-

Gated by Mr.. Johnson, but by the princi-
pal advocates of the conventiOn-to wit:
disunion would be worse than anything
as yet experienced. When the letter got
into Mr. Johnson's private pocket it
woald have been as we'll for the author
and better for the public if he had kept it
there until his necessities suggested its
only Legitimate appropriation. MIR. Cal
houn considered such documents incen-
diary and scandalous and their dissemin.
alton by the North one or the principal
grounds Of complaint the South had.
l do not care how you put them before
the public, whether by direct abolition
instrumentality or by our own papers;
the effect is the same, to add bitterness
to contention, and ALLEVIATE the bonds of
political fraternity that ought to exist be-
tween us as members of the political
family: and in the language OF Webster
':may my tongue cleave to the roof of my
mouth, rather than shall utter one word
to increase the excitement tina: unfor-
nately PREVAILS and in the language of
that noble old man Gen. Cass, Il will
accept of the compromise committee or
any other measure that promises to res
tore peace and harmony to my distracted
country. We never were more prosper
Gus, never more discontented."
Mr.. johnson in our opinion is in error
in relation to the views and conduct of
the people of Arkansas as regards his
circular. In the main, it was we'll
thought of, generally read, considered by
some too violent, others thought it point
ed 20 a dissolution of the Union as rem
edy for the South Notwithstanding the
disclaimer it contained on that point.
Upon the whole, however, it was we'll
received. 1t is true there have been but
few meetings and but few delegates ap-
pointed to the convention. AS to that
question the people acted for themselves
in the exercise of their own judgment,
intending no disrespect to Mr.. johnson;
and so far as have heard any expression
of opinion the reasons for declining has
ty action, at present, are good.
The projected convention was at first,
when it was generally believed Congress
was about to violate the constitution. re-
ceived with considerable favor; and it was
believed that if a united, conservative
and dispassionate action could be had by
the whole slave States, through the con-
vention or otherwise. with which to op.
pose the aggressive unconstitutional and
fanatic action OF the North on the sub
ject of slavery, much good might he ac-
complished; the country relieved from ag-
itation and an amicable settlement ettec-
ted; but as soon as the politicians and pa
pers throughout the country openly avow-
ing disunion commenced advocating the
convention as a measure tending to pro-
mote their views, the conservative pOr-
ton of the community abandoned it, and
concluded in the language OF the Virgin
ia resolution "that heavy as have been
our losses by the vile and pestilent inter
medinrs of the abolitlonists; and ready
as we are to resist their aggressions, un-
der the Egis of the Union and the con-
stitution, we well know, ard care not to
conceal that our losses would be increas-
ed. our power to resist would be weaken
ed if that Egis was taken away" There
is nothing in the circumstances of the
country to demand such a measure
There exists no such exigency in our
public affairs as to make the meeting of a
convention, tending to array parties per-
manently on geographical divisions, eth
er necessary or proper: Congress has as yet
done nothing openly in violation OF our
rights, unless it is the exclusion of slavery
from territories north oflatitude thirty six.
In that we have acquiesced with the la
mented Mr.. Polk. our leader, and 1t is
too late now to complain. The exercise
of the power of Congress in excluding
slavery from territories is time-honored,
it's coLstitutionality justly questioned, its
exercise to be resisted, and resisted to
the last whenever it is attempted to be
employed Cor the avowed purpose of pro-
ducng political inequality, or for the pur-
pose of expressing one portion OF our
country, not for the political, moral or
religious advancement of the other pOr,
ton, but for the qualification of spirit
of political intolerance and fanaticism,
deserving at all times of universal con'
demnation. | should regard the extend
ing of the Proviso to our southern territo-
ries, AL unwarranted exercise of the pow
er, insulting and intolerant, designed to
oppfess and degrade us. requiring prompt
and efficient resistance; but Congress
has not passed it yet. The wisdom and
patriotism of that body, in my opinion,
will triumphantly reject it, l know 9TH
ers predict its passage. Be this as it
may, il would be unwise for the South
in matter of such great moment, to act
upon an hypothesis. l therefore call up
on my countrymen not to precipitate
measures Wait for some overt act,
something tangible and incontrovertible.
Remain in the defensive, be calm, act ju-
diciously and wnen oppression and tyran-
nv are thrust upon US, let US then act,
and act manly. No bravado, no idle de-
clamation, no feints, but let US do honor