The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-11

the distinguished Democrats of Richmond.
We quote from the resolutions adopted
by the Democratic convention of Rock
ingham district
Resolved, That, while we abide steadfasty by
the compromises in the Constitution are firmly
opposed TO the further extension Q sldUery and are
fauor of abolishing Slavery and the slave trade IN
the District Of Columbia
Resolved, That the frauds and misrepresenta-
tons by which Gen. TAYLOR obtained office have
been found out, and, although he processes to be
opposed to the veto power, yet the people, by their
recent elections, have put their veto ON him and
| his advisers"
Here is another indication of what is
meant by the ''permanent settlement OF
the territorial question, in opposition to
the policy of President TAYLOR. In
view of these indications, we would ask
if there is any probability Of adjusting
this vexed question in any other mode
than that indicated by the message of the
PRESIDENT, if we hope to satisfy and
soothe the excitement prevailing both at
the North and the SOUTH
There is no feeling wounded, there is
no pride humbled, there is no principle
sacrificed, there is no peril incurred-if
the National Legislature will only agree
TO refer this question to the people, whose
right it is to settle it in the last resort.
That right is the common ground, and to
us it seems the only common ground on
which all patriotic citizens can stand,
and stand securely 1t is a right beyond
cavil or question; it is right fortified by
all our traditions, by all our principles, by
all our laws, customs and usages, by all
that we have struggled for in past times,
and all that We hope for and believe in the
future. 1t is sustained by faith as uni
versal with us as the air we breathe-and
as dear to US as the life we enjoy. 1t is
the foundation of our Union and our Con-
stitution-itis the great element of vitality
and strength in our political system-it is
the great antagonist principle to that which
binds together the immemorial dynasties
of Europe, aud in the potency Of which
we can bid defiance to world in arms.
Here we have all the facilities of adjust
| ment, and all the elements of peace.
Here is path direct and unimpeded to
the end, which all good men desire; and a
path paved, hedged in, arched over,
through its entire length, with indestructi-
BILE principles. Whatever else may be
denied or doubted, belief in the rightful
SOVEREIGNTY OF PEOPLE can never be
shaken in the heart of an American citizen.
What new chapter it is now in the
power of the United States to introduce
into the history of conquestsl What a
step they may advance in the great march
of civilization What more noble spec
tacle can be presented than that of great
people saying, by their actions, TO weak
and subjugated province, awe waive in
your behalf the rights which the laws of
nations annex to your condition. We
impose upon you no strangers yoke
We will release your friends from their
captivity. We will repel your enemies,
and protect your firesides. And when,
in the security of peace, and in the full
exercise of the popular sovereignty, you
shall have framed your own institutions
to your own liking, we will admit you,
with perfect parity of privileges, into
an association of republican States"
Let him realize this result-let him
carry through this policy with success
let him thus peacefully solve the disturb
ing and doubtful problem in our affairs
let him thus introduce a new era in the
destinies of subjugated nations-and the
glory which General TAYLOR has acquired
as soldier will fade in the lustre of his
civic fame.