The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-10-26

institutions have been assailed our property stolen
denied us: insulting resolutions aimed directly al
us, have been passed by Congress itself our feel
ings have been outraged and instead OF that con-
sideration and respect, which are due to US, as
equals, they begin 10 treat with an oveTbearlng
arrogance, which plainly admonshes us that we
hereafter 10 be regarded as a subjugated peo-
pie, dependent upon distant and irresponsible
lege even Of political existence. And now, in |
the very wantonness of power, they are about TO |
infiict upon us the crowning act OF their nJusuce
They demand now, that we shall not only be ex. |
cluded with slaves from all territories north OF
SO deg 80 min, but from every portion of the pub
lie domain south of that line and also from |
large portion of Texas, which was secured to
the South by the solemnity Of treaty. And
all this is done, in a manner, and with declarations
SO offensive, TO mark the depth of contempt, and
disparagement, to which our donkey Passiveness,
las they may suppose) our timidity has sunk US,
and if further, TO laugh scorn the stupid Gre
duity which has put faith in their promises.
1t should be noted here, however. in apology for
those few Southern men who gave their sanction 10
the "Mssonn compromise" that they had MOI
then, as we have now, such evidence of the faith
lessness of the ahti-slavery power in Congress,
upon all questions which affect our Southern in
situations Our enemies, approached US then. as
"bretbren," and our Southern heart kndling AT
the appeal yielded to their exactions, for the pur-
pose Of living at peace with them.
But if the leading men of that day beguied some
OF our predecessors with entcing words, and then
should be without apology and be recreant to pos
teriiy, il we shut eyes 10 the fact that we have
deal now with the same Judas, who will again
betray US, if not for the thirty pieces of silver, yet
or the honors and spos of office at home. We
annot now retrace our steps in the Missouri CON-
promise, or recall the advantages we then forever
parted with. But now, that another and similar
crisis is at hand. we can profit by the experience OF
the past and planting ourselves upon our rights,
and resolving not TO yield another hairs breadth OF
them TO any dover on earth, leave 10 others the
responsibility of pushing us, 1t they dare, from our
osition.
Our judgments, when enlightened by
areful review of the whole question, in
tuct us, and our experience confirms the
important truths FIrst-That no concessions on
the subject of slavery has ever, or can ever
satistfy our enemies. 2d-That the anti
slavery spirit is not only aggressive, but rapidly
progressive; and 3d-that later the battle
will have 10 be fought on the final issue, viz
whether we shall continue our slavery institutions
in the States, or whether the North shall take that
matter into their own hands, and regulate 1t for us,
according 10 their own caprfce, and not for our
own, but their benefit. The only alternatives for
10 indulge choice in, are, as to the time when,
and The manner how, we shall meet the great lnal
issue.
Shall we meet it, and fight the great battle now,
whilst we have strength and allies, and the spirit
of our people unbroken or shall we postpone 1t
little later by compromising and temporislng; when
our enemies shall have multiplied IN numbers and
increased in power; when our strength shall have
diminished. our allies deserted Is, and the spirit OF
our people crushed ard discouraged! These are
the alternatives which we have to choose be-
tween
But il may be objected to by some one who is
afraid of his own shadow, or perchancc OF ghosts,
the shadows of other imaginary things, and who Is
afraid to do what il right, what Is his duty "De-
cause something may happen" If We are TO
| make no concessions on the subject OF savery-lt
we are to allow of no compromise, what then
How is the question to be settled, except by dis
union or civil war :"
| Now, il is freely admitted, that if they who
have the power 10 do us justice, refuse 10 90
! so, and prefer to drive us over the precipice,
that we must either submit TO their encroachments,
| with all the fearful and degrading consequences,
which have but only glanced at, or encounter the
alternate consequences of disuuion, or perchance,
of civil Ii either of the latter alternatives are
pressed upon us We at least, snail not be respensi
bic for the conse quences and we shall have the
advantage Of appearing before mankind in the atti-
tade Of men who are contending not only for their
just rights, but for rights which are indispensable
| for their political existence.
But as States, as well as individuals, men should
| take important step without celebrating upon
| the consequences OF the act IL becomes the South
| TO examine well what will be the effect upon their
destiny, of disunion or civil war. And hrst OF dis
union;
| In order to understand the abundant resources Of
the Southern States, towards becoming n great,
| powerful and independent nation, capable OF pro-
Iectipg herself from all aggression from abroad or
at home, and of becoming wealthy and prosperous
10 a degree heretofore seldom enjoyed by any peo-
pie, examine hrst the map OF the United states,
and then indulge IN certain considerations, which
obviously present themselves, but which the occa-
sion will allow only very briefly to glance at.
Beginning at the Capes of the Delaware, go up
| that bay until we reach the southern boundary of
| Pennsylvania. Pursue that boundary west 10 the
Ohio Tiver, then down that river TO its junction
with the Mississippi, then up that river TO the nor
| thern boundary OF the State of Missouri, then
around the northern and the western boundary OF
that State 10 the line OF 80 30, thence west that
line to the Pacific ocean OF, II II be preferred,
until II strikes the upper waters of the Rio Grande,
| then down that river TO the Gulf of Mexico, and
thence around TO the Atlantic. Within these
| boundaries we have the Southern United States OF
North America, ms magnificent country as ever
the sun shone upon-solit, compact, and seif-sup-
porting for oil purposes OF defence, with noble
rivers, a fertile soil, great mineral resources,
| genial climate, for all purposes OF agriculture,
manufactures and commerce, and with population
at this time of about 6,000, 900 whites, hardy
| Tace--enterT1islng, courageous, intelligent, and
generous; but unhappily for themselves, too con-
hding in those who are lulling them into security,
| TO betray, and then ruin them. These states also
| possess a black population OF about 3OOO,UOO-a
! doc,le, obedieni, orderly, and athletic people;
when let alone, happy, cont, nted, and attached TO
their owners; and with their labor directed by the
superior intelligence Of the white race, aud aided
by their capital, constituting OF the most ETH
Gent and profitable classes OF laborers IN the
world.
Examining these States next, in their capabilities
| to afford sustenance and wealth To man, we hnd
| them producing a superabundance OF meats, and
| fruits, and grams and roots, and yielding for
large export the valuable agricultural staples
| that the world knows-stap pies which bring mli-
lions of people, in other nations, dependant apon
them for the raw material upon which again de-
pend the manufactures and the commerce OF those
nations. The cotton, fice, tobacco, sugar, and
other articles exported from those States amount
TO over 95,OOO,OOO annually besides what are kept
back, and used freely for their own comforts, or
manufactures at home. This affords, not only
very large income TO the inhabitants, but imports
are in proportion To exports, and the revenue OF
natl IN IN hmm
moderate tariff Of duties, an overlooking treasu.
~, which will enable the Southern United States
to do, (what has heretofore been denied them,)
and that IL, by expendpg within themselves, and
for their own benefit those immense sums which
have been hitherto extoited from them and squan-
dered elsewhere, amply to fortity themselves, and