The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-08-14

10urtn resolution OF the series.
9s
Honest Differences of Opinion.
The Republic. in its overweenng zeal in its voca-
ton, carps at incidental remark Of the Union. that
honest statesmen in free republic may entertain honest
differences Of opinion practical matters That paper
assumes that our remark was intended to encourage u
trasm on all Sides and especially the part Of the
northern democracy Its conclusion is perverse in the
extreme. Nothing can be unwarantable than
the idea that we have ever said anything to en-
courage ultraism in any shape We deprecae il alike
at the North and the South Nevertheless, we hest
tate not 10 admit that such honest differences Of opin
ion ever will exk on great national questions Every
observer will perceive this tendency not only among
those from opposite sections but the persons may
honestly vary in sentiment in long Of expe
renee Nor is this all. Sections OF wide country
som etmes change their policy regard political
omy There time, in this country, when the north
srn Atlantic States ncaed 10 free trade than
their southern peghbop and Mr. Webster, after the
close OF the war vita England, one OF the ablest
champions OF free trade Nothing would be easier than
TO prove from the record that Of the most disin
gulrhed statesmen have changed front Bnt this
not be attributed necessarily any lack Of patriotism.
but rather to the operation Of certain tariffs systems of
political economy II is an old maxim. that honest men
may undergo changes Of opinion but fools never The
reason is obvious obstinate adhere to ancient dog
mas, because they are dogmats,s by natures crude
tons get such absolute possession Of their minds
battle all reason and common sense. They become blind
TO reason. and adhere to with periinacy worthy
Of better cause. Their motto is. determined not
to be convinced like Thomas, whose was Ddy
mus Such obtuse- minded men can never have much in.
huence in free republic. II one wishes to have infu
ence he must first show himself to be open conviction,
and then prove his own position by fair argument
We are now in the midst Of great crisis in the affairs
Of the nation There is most remarkable tendency to
dverge into opposite extremes OF measures and what is
still more uncommon, the acknowledged champions OF
the opposite sections meet to put down the moderate
Of both OF the great parties, from different parts of the
country Such state Of things has never before existed
to such extent in the nation. Our most experienced
statesmen are justly alarmed at such crisis They have
met together in council 10 devise some scheme OF adj
jusment by which all perpexng questions may be set
lied in harmony forever and the Union placed per-
pe.ual basis. Can anything be more pairioici One
would suppose that would enlist every sensible Of
the North and the South. But no, SO. The ulIas OF
the North combine with the utras OF the South to frus.
traie the grand object
One thlnG - cerain NO man OF cirque Can ChlSulate
the value Of this Union They may hastily set il down
as rope OF sand. They may take for granted that
the constitution failure, and that the government is
an oppressive despotism, unworthy Of public favor They
may sophisticate and into the widest speculatons
in regard to perfect form Of government, Still their
views may all prove Utopian and imaginary. We have
had sixty years Of practical experience under the cons
tuition In the of this time, we have advanced in
power and prosperity beyond any parallel in history.
We have Hourlshed in peace. we have riumphed in
war, and from handful have become Of the most
powerful nations on the earth, and one Of the most
happy. Under onward course the people Of Europe
have respected u.s. and their monarchs have than
once irembled on their thrones There be posi-
BILE mistake 10 regard to our general prosperity and
cess under the constitution. Now, put the question
to all refomers Of the South Of The North. Are they
quite sure that should get along better under any
change that can be devised We do not ask whether
we can blunder along vs but we certain that we
could succeed BETTER under any sudden change that has
been proposed Unless this question can be answered
in the affirmative. then had better leave well alone.
Do the people Of either exremeof the North Of the
Souihexpect gain anything by separation Of these
Satcsi We have had common history common pros
perify, common vcissudes in war and peace, common
"reminiscences and common monuments. We have lived
together, we have umphed together and ought still
10 continue together Are that the South would
be more prosperous and tranquil by dissolution Of
the Union than she is now; though il is clear that
the South has great cause OF complaint against the ag
gressons Of the fanatics Of the North and IL this solemn
compact be made between the North and the South,
their fanatcism must be put down. or the Union cannot
withstand these eternal shocksi Are the northern er
chants, manufacturers, mechanics and shp-owners per-
ecy sure that they would be prosperous after sep
araton Of the States Are we quite sure that. as common
possessors and arbiters OF the faes portion Of North
America, we should be as much respected by the
civilized world in state Of beligerent factions as we
are under the glorious flag Of this Union These are
questions that must all be answered in the Affirmative
and clearly settled before can decide on separation
Of these States.
LrrrrR Grr wooI Having been solicited 70 al
low the Of his ss the democratic candidates.
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