Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-09-06
Letter from Mr.. Berrien to the W
WAsHIas

Letter from Mr.. Berrien to the "
WAsHINs
GentIemen--I duly receivs
to attend Mass Meeting
to be held at Macon, on the
my reply from the pressure
from the desire to watch
| regret very much that
do not feel that lcould
ate, either in justice to W
The immediate object
promise bill, has been,
your wishes-but quest Il
will, no doubt, engage l5htion n ia Il,
speak frankly with you HI | must pec Jtsarily do
SO briefly The efor II yoi,r repres< MA here.
have been paralyzed our DIVISIONS a. h0lle. Eeor-
Union r fhsr hs sosd Il fri firm snd Tempe BE-
rate demand Of hi rights, we could have obtained
them. The absencEPf this union Of sentiment has
weakened US and Strengthened our opponents. With
a numercal' superiority in both Houses n Ceneress,
they have tet hatthey could exert withoM hazard
as their interests or nclnations might dictate
Looking they have studiousy done, to the course
Of the press and conflicting results Of the various
public meetings in State, it has been impossible to
make them believe that could be brought to unite in
any mode of determined resistance. These considera-
tons have also had their influence Southern repre-
sentativcs They are adverted to in no querul-
Gus spirit but to urge you respectfully, but earn
estly, as you value your constitutional rights to
union in future. Stimulated by the prospect Of
success which awaits a system Of measures calcula-
ted to destroy your political equality, opponents
will not pause in this crusade against domestic in
situations unless they are met by united counses and
spirit of determined reslstance calm, deliberate firm
ness which shall manifest itself in sincerity. That po-
tcal equality is indispensable to position in the
Union Its obtainment should be the great leading
principle of political action, and every patriot Geor-
gan under whatever party banner he may have been
heretofore ranged, should rally to the standard OF
great and united Southern Republican party, whose
motto should be Equalityof Rights under constitu
tonal bond OF union, and determined resistance to all
who oppose them.
Nv yeWS this subject. axprassed at an early
period of the present session of Congress, in speech
which was published in Georgia. For convenience
preference send copy by this mail. Our right to
equality in the distribution of the public domain, has
never been assaed by even plausible argument ln
my Judgment, ought to have stood immovabyson
that ground. Every departure from it in the form OF
compromise OF any Sort diminished our strength until
at last there is too much ground believe that
destined to be beat In detail so lar as relates TO the
measures now pending here.
had occasion, few days since, to discuss the ques
ton of the admission OF California My remarks not
having yet been published in pamphlet form, beg leave
to refer you to the National lntegencer OF the l7lh
ns and to that OF the 18th tor letter casually omit
ted in the publication OF the 18th. send, also, copy
of my remarks on the Texas question delivered onthe
compromise bill. So long as there was any prospect
of amending that bill so as to render its provisions
Just TO the South, endeavored to perfect IT, ~
proposal OF adjustment with Texas has received s.
support ~
l. As evincing a disposition to Cancellation, which
strengthened our cause.
becaus 6xaS, as sovereign ctalcy was lilo party
entitled decide question Of the disposal OF her own
territory Ii any Stare had interfered between US and
the u. States, in cession of 1902 Would have
considered it intrusion
8. Because the territory to be ceded would become
part of New Mexico, and free from the Provso.
4. Principally because relieving Texas from her debt
would develop her energies; and consider strong
slayehodng State il that quarter, as Of lncalculabe
importance in ITSELF and necessariay leading to the
| formation otothers.
Your deliberations will not, suppose. extend to a
mode OF resistance these aggressions they should
Convention should it be necessary TO assemble it.
iorbear, therefore, any suggestion on that sbecand
conclude this reply by the expression Of the earnest
nmy by ardent rntaterng devotion TO the Union, and
| by determination as mmovabe, to maintain your
| squaI position in it,
| i am yery respectfully, gentlemen, your friend and
| fellow citizen. JNO. MACPHERSON BERRIEN.
To Samuel j. Ray Esq, and others, in behalf Of the
| citizens of Macon