The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-04-08
THE R EP UBLIC.
Letter OF Delegate TO the Nashville Con-
vention.

|
tFrom the Dallas (Alabama) Gazsttel
PLEASANT HILL March Ia, 1850.
MY DEAR SIN Yours of the 22d ult. would have
received timely acknowledgment, had been at
home when it reached this post Office, and you will
allow me to thank you for the compliment paid in
asking my opinion of the positions assumed in
your editorial notice OF Mr.. Clay's compromise
Your paper and letter did not come together-the
first being duly received the day on which it was
mailed, was hastily read, put by, and has been
misaid. Should, therefore, more extended re-
the paper. As l remember, its gravest and most
important feature your avowed hostility to
| "compromses in general
Moved by the most friendly feeling, you must
allow me liberty to say that habitual has been
your hostility TO all things said done by this
great statesman and noble and chivarous patriot,
that your acquiescence in his propositions OF COM
or admirer of his. With you will take another
liberty, which is to say: had you known me inti-
mately-and ] regret you do motor had you
known my political sympathies-the strictly con-
servative character of my political principles and
my innate love of order, you would have readily
imagined our great discrepancy on the subject Of
compromises. 1t is now certain that Mr.. Clay's
resolutions will not be adopted in terms, though
they may, and believe will be, the basis of COM
promise. SHALL therefore, not notice them further
than to say that much contained in them has my
appreciation, and that cannot too greatly admire
the self-sacrihcing spirit which has induced him
his country. For the same reason, l shall not no.
tice here the remarks made by you thereon.
Most widely do differ from you on the subject
Of Legislative compromises, for verify do believe
that the spirit that nvokes them is of the guar
dian angels of social and governmental happiness
In all ages, the period of primitive parents not
excepted, has this spirit been called imperatively
into exstence il lives in all relations social and
corporate; springs or is awakened by our unhomo-
geneous moral and mental proclivities; presides
over our diversified conflicts in life, and even
our friendships and hatreds. In walk of life
each diversity of opinion be carried out and except
by compromises how can they be reconciled? II
has, think, been well said that in intermediates
always lays truth In our own country, so diver
sfed by soil, climate, and pursuit, he that disre-
CARDS its spirit must always be at fault, while he
that treasures just remembrance of the common
sacrifices of our common ancestors-our common
glory, achievements, and our brilliant future,
must hold ii to his heart the very mirror of his
| nature. Few acts of legislation, operating over
and being felt by whole people, have had or
| can have, different foundation. You doubtless
ask do you intend to extend this view to constitu-
tonal construction, and hold that il would be safe?
| In administering the law different rule would
hold, but in Legislative assemblies strict adher
ence, in great emergencies, may be departed from,
as, for instance, in the Missouri compromise; or
would it have avoided domestic conflict in the
| of the territorial government TO Oregon,
| After the remarks made, need not tell you that
l am in favor Of compromising the questions grow
| ing out of the requirement of Mexican territory,
| and of extending the same spirit to the several
| questions arising out OF the annexation of Texas
and our subsequent procurements within her sfafu-
/ tory limits, by purchase am well aware that,
| with many, these expressions viii not be well or
properly accounted for, greatly abused has been
| q large portion Of the public mind by unfair
discussion Of these questions both North and South;
very many bad feelings have been engendered even
in good bosoms and good minds have been phren-
zied that even our Union is in peril. No man more
regrets this than J. and gladly, If could, would
hush the voice Of disconten but while all tables
| proan with matter more ft for revolutionary
camps than peaceful hearth stones, the most pow.
erful is weak indeed, for the purposes of virtuous
interference. But, sir that you have requested it,
and that II Is due to my present position, should
have troubled no man with my thoughts any oi
these grave questions. ] am disunionist; far
from il; and would 10 God there were none, as
hope there are not. The first emotions Of political
character that much moved my blood were pro-
duced by fears entertained for the safety of this
| Union; and the same broad base on which my love
for IL then rested. firm the centre rock Of the
mountain, is there still. Others may raise their
| hands and tear its ligstures asunder-mine shall
never assist 10 perform 20 unhallowed purpose,
| until its necessity Is automatic.
You allude 10 my appointments as a delegate from
this congressional district TO the Nashville conven-
ton, and say that "my constituents would like to
know my opinions on the questions" bringing its
members together. So far as deemed IL now ne.
cessary, have expressed myself; IL is their right
to hear from me, and II is equally their right tc
select another whose opinions may more nearly ap-
proximate their own, and in which none will ac-
| quiesce more readily than myself old not ask
i'll do not covet it'll shall not shrink from it.
have, however, no idea that this convention will
| ever be held Sufficiently long have shallow and
selfish politicians been at work 20 exasperate
sober and Just discomfort; Il is 10 be hoped that the
grave and good, seeing the auspcious moment
will not suffer IL 10 pass unused, and that once
| they will throw themselves the altar Of their
country's good, and seal up in perpetual bonds o
happiness and smity this great and prosperous
people.
You are at liberty 10 this you like. Per.
haps its publication s due 20 the people Of this dis
trict. With very kind feelings, am yours,
Mr.. G. r. HAYSEs. J. s. HUNTER.