The southern press., 1850-09-05
From the 't.Macon Telegraph"
Replies to invitations given to attend tho
Mass Meeting.


unite with my fellow citizens in urging the adoption
of a measure which will secure q portion of our
rights, and save the honor of the South, viz The
Missouri line with recognition of slavery and
protection south Oft.
And also, to condemn measure which is, in my
opinion, faaght with the most evil consequences
to the South, and which subjects to dishonor
and disgrace, by practically carrying into effect,
the much hated Wilmot Proviso, viz Clay's Sur
rcider bill.
trust you have a large and enthusiastic meet
ing, and that its influence may be shed abroad
throughout the length and breadth of our noble
State, and kindle in every heart flame Of resis-
lance to tyranny aad oppression, which, never can be
exIinguished.
Very respectfully FL ~ yours w,,on
To Mesars. Samuel J; Ray. Charles Collins, A.
II. Colquit, B. III. Moultrie, and others.
WAsHMGToN, August II, 1850.
Gentlemen II duly received your letter inviting
me to attend a Mass Meeting Of the citizens Of
Georgia, to be held at Macon, on the god inst,
and have delayed my reply from the pressure of
watch the progress Of events here. regret very
much that cannot be with you-but do not feel
that could leave my seat in the Senate, either in
Justice to you, or to my own feelings.
The immediate object of your assembage, the
Compromise bill, has been disposed Of in conform
lty 10 your WSneS-Dut queStiOnS Ot ueep ltlttreSt
remain, and will no doubt engage your attention.
Allow me to speak frankly with you, although
must necessarily do so briefly. The efforts of your
representatives here, have been paralyzed by our
divisions at home. Georgia occupied high posi-
ton among the States Of the Union. II her citi-
zens had united in a firm and temperate demand OF
her rights, we could have obtained them. The alb
of this Union Of sentiment has weakened
us, and strengthened our opponents. With nu-
merical superiority in both Houses in Congress,
they have felt that they could exert it without
hazard, as their interests, or inclinations might
dictate Looking, as they have studioasly done
10 the course of the press, and to conflicting results
of the various public meetings in our State; it has
been impossible to make them believe that we
could be brought to unite in any mode of determ-
med resistance. These considerations have also
had their influence on Southern representatives.
They are adverted to in no querulous spirit, but
to urge you respectpectfully, but earnestly, you
value your constitutional rights to union in future.
Stimulated by the prospect of success, which
awaits system of measures calculated to destroy
your political equality, our opponents will not
pause in this crusade against our domestic insitu
tions, unless they are met by united counses, ana
a spirit of determined resistance, calm deliberate
frmness, which shall manifest its sincerity. That
political equality is indispensable to our position
in the Union. Its obtainment should be the great
leading principle Of political action, and every
patriot Georgian, under whatever party banner lie
may have been heretofore ranged, should rally to
the standard Of great and united Southern Re-
publican party, whose motto should be Equal
iy Of Rights, under our constitutional bond Of
union, and determined resistance to all who oppose
them.
My views on this subject were expressed at an
early period ofthe present session Of Congress, in
speech which was published in Georgia. For
convenience of reference, send copy by this
mail. Our right to equality in the distribution of
the public domain, has never been assaed by
even plausible argument In my judgment, we
ought TO have stood immoveaby on that ground.
Every departure from it, in the form Of compro-
mise of any sort, diminished our strength until at
last, there is too much ground to believe that we
destined to be beaten in detail, far relates
10 the measures now pending here.
had occasion, few days since to discuss the
question OF tie admission of California My re-
marks not having yet been published in ramphe,
form, beg leave to refer you to the National In
,eigencer of the 18th inst, and to that of the l9h
for letter, casually omitted in the publication Of
the l7th. | send also, a copy Of my remarks o,
the Texas question-delivered on the compromise
bill. So long as there was any prospect Of sc
amending that bill SO to render it's provisions us
10 the South, endeavored to perfect it. The pro
posal Of adjustment with Texas has received my
aupport-
!. AS evncing a disposition to Cancellation
which strengthened our cause.
2. Because Texas, as a sovereign State, was
the party entitled to decide question Of the dis
posal of her own territory. IF any State had in
,erfered between and the United States, in our
cesson Of 1902, would have considered il intru-
sion.
3. Because the territory to be ceded would be-
come part Of New Mexico, and free from the
proviso.
A. Principally, because relieving Texas from
her debt, it would develope her energies, and
consider strong slaveholding State, in that quar-
oc ,,1,l>l IN; an1
cessarily leading to the formation Of others
Your deliberations will not, | suppose, extend
10 mode of resistance to these aggressions fthey
should be continued. That presume will belong
to the convention, should it be necessary to assem-
bic it forbear, therefore, any suggestions on
that subect-and conclude this reply by the ex-
preston Of the earnest hope, that your counsels
may be characterized by unanimity, by ardent,
unfaterng devotion to the Union, and by de-
termination as immoveable, to maintain your equal
position in il.
lam, very respectfully, gentlemen, your friend
~ JNo. MCPHERSON BERR1EN.
To Samuel J. Ray, ESQ.,, and others, in behalf OF
the citizens Of Macon.
WASHINGTON, August 10Th, 1850.
To Messrs. S. J. Ray, Charles Collins, ant
others.
GENTLEMEN Il have the honor to acknowl
euSc TcCeipt VI yOuI iSuCi, iie " ot
tend Mass Meeting, of "those opposed to tn,
Compromise Bill and in favor Of the Missour
Line" to be held in the city Of Macon, on the
22d instant.
assure you, Gentlemen, there is no portion
of my fellow citizens, whom would be more
happy to at this time than the citizens Of the
State of Georgia, but regret that my duties
here, will deny me this pleasure. am sure you
do not overate ''the magnitude Of the subject ant
importance Of the crisis which calls you to
gether.
There is no period in the pas, history of ou
country, at ali comparable to the present, fo
never have such outrages on Southern Right.
been threatened nor such determined purpos
to enforce them been manifested, as at the presen
day:
The whole structure Of your Government il
about to be subverted, and you are now called
upon to live under an alliance which your ances
tors would have scorned to become parties to-
They never would have severed their connection
with a limited monarchy, to place themselves un
der the dominion Of an unlimited despotsm.
Coming into this Confederacy as equal and sov
ereign States, we are now to be degraded befor