The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-09-12
MI. Duer to his Constituents.
10 the Wing Electors Of The Tmenty- Thira
Congressional District of Nei1 York

To the Wing Electors Of The Tuenty- Third
Congressional District Of New York.
Within few weeks past | have received
letters from several of you, inquir ng whether
would consent to be candidate for reelection
to the House Of Representatives. If had been
aware that there YVES any doubt of my intentions
in that respect should have sooner removed it,
say now publicly to you all, what | have al
ready said in answer to private communications,
that | adhere to the resolution long since formed
that the close of my present term must terminate
my connection with you as your Representative
in Congress.
In taking final leave of my constituents it
would be ungracous not to express my heart
felt thanks for their repeated fay or,. and espu-
clally for their confidence and support under
trying circumstances during the present event
tul session Of Congress.
Nor can suffer this occ9s on to pass without
congratulating you upon the termination of Il
dangerous sectional controversy, by means of
the final passage of the Senate bills for the nd.
mission of California, the settlement of the
boundaries of Texas, and the establishment of
Territorial Governments in New Mexico and
Utah. Although was opposed to one of those
measures, the Utah bill, regarded separately and
for that reason, to avoid miscorstruction, did not
vote for it, yet ] approve it as a part of the
general plan of pacification. aud should not have
suffered it to fail for want Of my vote. stand
by and shall mnintain the settlement that has
been made; and am proud to have contributed
though in an humble degree, to its adoption.
1t gives me pain to think that some of YOU
whom | respect and whose good opinion de-
sire, may not be able to approve my action on
these questions That cannot surprise me, since
have doubled myself, and struggled with OPP
posite feelings. But | am not conscious of
having been Influenced at all by anv personal or
interested motive. The reasons that have con.
vinced me will, believe, when YOU shall hear
them, convince yoa; and hope before long to
meet You face to face, when shall stand ready
to vindicate my course in all its parts.
Pardon me now if 90 a step further, and Of
fer to you few words of advice. Whether |
and the majority in Congress with whom have
acted, have done well or i'll, the thing is done
and cannot be undone. No sane man supposes
that ma jority II be elected to Congress that
will change the territorial bills that have just
been passed, by attaching to them the Wilmot
Proviso. There IS no necessity tOr such n change
SArcrY can ncrer 60 into these terrtories. II is
tied By h,cs no,n in force, and mhich Congress
has l.h mrepcaied; and il is opposed besides 10
The knocn opinions Of the people who haze COM
plete pomer orer the question: Under such cir
cumstanccs The continuance Of agitation on The
Suyeci Of slarery can do no possible good, ,chiLe
II is certain 10 do much mischief. They are not
wise connselors, or else not honest, who tell
you that on this question: Si'there is no danger"
II the strife is to continue, the alienation now
existing will in another generation become ha-
tired, until disunion, instead of being regarded
with horror, will be welcomed as blessing 1t
is time there should be peace. The question is
settled; let it rest. The wounds are not yet
deep; ] know that there is n sonnd American
feeling, however soured or perverted, at the bot
tom of every good mans heart. Let US return
to our nationality; and, laying aside the cries Of
the North and the South, rally one and all for
the UEion and our common country.
The settlement that has been made bears the !
marks Of genuine settlement. 1t is not tr !
umph of the North, or triumph of the South
a triumph Of Wings over Democrats, or of Dem
ocrats over Wings II forced itself through by
its intrinsic strength, breaking down party lines
and sectional ties. No party can claim its merit
Yet as Wings we cannot but regard it rs for
tunate, that il happened under the auspices offs
Wing President, and received the hearty well
cGrne of Wing Administration. IL has disem
barrassed The Executive branch Of the Govern
n,e70, and enabled it to pursue its course to-
wards successful prosecution of public affairs
II now, this dead question Of slavery is to be
galvanized, whether for the annoyance of the
President, or to prevent the adoption of benef-
cial measures of policy, can only say, that the
last men who should do this are Wings and the
last Wings who should do it are the Wings of
the State Of New York. 5000
am your felIow-ctizen and friend,
WILLIAM DUER.
w Cont 1870