The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-06
aance Of the requirements Of the

Union, In pursuance of the requirements of the
Constitution.
Rsso'rsd. That we have an abiding confidence in
the PATRIOTISM and intelligence of the Congress of
our country, and We hope and believe that high
body VIII settle all dstracting questions in spirit
OF fair and honorable compromise.
Resolved, finally That II, notwithstanding our
hopes and our prayers in behalf Of the prosperity
and permanency Of the Union, il should be put in
jeopardy, by the rash acts excited counsel OF any
men, we pledge ourselves TO defend the Constellation
and me Union TO the full extent OF all our means of
defence.
Washington's March was then performed by the
band; after which, VIM. H. Collins, esq. came
forward and made the following remarks
rise, Mr.. President, to second the resolutions
proposed by my honorable friend, and in doing SC
must do myself the justice TO say that feel sin
cere dihdence in appearing on this occasion; unpre
pared as am, to great extent, because thought
that To others and to ADLER hands would have been
entrusted the duty which am now called upon to
discharge. Absence in one case, and sickness in
another, have pressed upon me this duty; and
have assumed it not as a matter of choice, but OF
solemn obligation. In the few remarks which
shall make shall endeavour TO maintain that fair
and candid spirit which the perilous nature of the
times demands
The South had right to complain of wrong at
the hands oil the North. When this Union was
formed, the institution Of slavery existed at the
South, and yet the North had consented to the
union and consented to share her destiny The
North was aware OF the existence of the institution,
for better and for Nations, it has been said
were immortal. If man were immortal, 30 should
the marriage rite be immortal.
On the subject Of persons escaping from service
and labor, the North had not done its duty towards
the South. There had also been too much inter
ference with matters existing in the South which
existed when the Union was formed and with
which the North had no right to intermeddle.
In regard to the admission of California and New
Mexico, have said it to my friends in the South,
and repeat 1t here that were the question left to
me would not introduce slavery there. But never
would do any thing to sever the Union, not for all
OF New Mexico and California. Any honorable
our glorious confederacy, and the people of Bati-
more will unite with me in the sentiment that the
Union is not to be divided, and that under the Con-
sntuton this and all other questions be settled
The spirit of compromise abroad in the land.
MIR, Clay, Mr.. Benton, and Mr.. Cass had all spoken
in favor of compromise. There was one other man
whom he had not heard-one who had said, when
disunion was once before spoken of, Liberty and
Union, now and forever one and inseparable." If
his voice could reach that giant of the North whose
intellect had given to him the greatest hold the
affections of the people of the North he would say
to him, fold your arms around the lettering col
umns Of your country's edifce, and if they must
fall, perish With it.
Mr.. Collins concluded with the remark, that when
this question had been settled, when concessions
had been made, and the guarantees of the Constiu-
ton carried out, he hoped that the word disunion
would be expunged from the American language,
never again to be uttered by American lips.
The question was then taken ON the resolutions,
which were adopted unanimously, and the meeting
adjourned with nine hearty cheers for the Union.
The remarks of the speakers, mere outline only
Of which we pretend to give, were exceedingly well
received, and the whole demonstration went off in
the best possible manner