The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-05-14

we aomh he iohoWng correspondence ~ tne request
Of the honorable member from South Carolina; but we
feel bound to accompany il with declaration Of our dis
sent from the propositions contained in the letter Of Mr.
Wigfa touching the alteration Of the constitution. We
do not in present state Of things consider asra-
ton in the constitution practicable nor. indeed do we
deem necessary Il the present constitution is carried out
in that spirit OF justice. mutual forbeaance. and compo
mise. in which was conceived by its usrious trainers
To make alteration of the constitution, such as Mr.
Wigfall proposes, qua non the settlement OF the
present unhappy controversy between the North and the
South, would, in Judgment be tantamount TO the
total abrogaon Of that instrument and the dissolution Of
the Unon for, in the present Of public sentiment
in the non-slayeholding States. we look upon such
changes in the constitution, however just in themselves.
and however desirable by the South impossible. We
are willing to try the present constitution little longer
Fairly construed and honestly administered we believe
il viii give TO the South that security and peace which
they have right to expect and demand from their sister
States We believe that after the present unhappy
roversy shall have been amcably settled, such win be
the result We are for preserving the constitution and
the Union as they are. based upon the equal rights
OF the States and the equal rights Of the people, the only
sound conditions Of public liberty
We hope much from the settlement Of the pending
questions in controversy between the great sections
of the Union and therefore give and cordial
support 10 the now before Congress- having in
view such settlement We believe they win give peace
and tranquility to the country and restore that spirit Of
friendship, harmony and union which should exist be-
the sovereign States OF national confederacy III
fas in the accomplishment OF these results. we shall
be both disappointed and greved. We willing try
the experiment and trust in God and the people for its
success
We must also protest most solemny against the decla.
ration OF Colonel Wgfa when he says he shall regard
any congressional compromise which can be made as
the greatest calamity that befall the country" We
trust that such sentiments confined to few; for if
they prevail any great extent must dismiss every
hope connected with the peace OF the country and the
pemanency of institutions. Surely Colonel Wig
falls mind was heated and his eyes blinded when his
letter written; for there whatever for
his assertion, that about onehalf Of the time of the
present Congress has been occupied in attempting
promise the right given to Texas by the resolutions Of
annexation to form four States from her territory. We
have been naientve observers Of passing and
yet we do not know that single day hour has
been thus SPENT and is. that the compromise
ported by the Committee Of Thirteen expressly recognises
the right Of Texas TO the fullest extent.
WAsnISGroN CITY, May II, 1850.
GENTLEMEN: send you interesting correspondence
the sectional question that entirely engrosses public
attention at this moment. and ask that you viii publish
it in the Union.
am persuaded that it will be found interesting to your
readers.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant.
| ARMISTEAD BURT.
| Messrs. RrrcHM BuRKE
CORRESPONDENTS ON THE SOUTHERN CUES
Henderson and Colonel Wigfa We publish only 90
much OF the letter of the latter refers the question
under consideration 1t written to General Hender-
Nashville Convention His absence from home prevent
ed earlier reply. We recommend this correspondence
to the careful and candid consideration of readers
All must desire permanent settlement OF the unfortunate
controversy that divides and dstracts country
Such adjustment cannot be expected. uness strike
at the root OF the evil Some such plan as that suggest
adopted if expect the Union outline the present
generation. We differ with Messrs Wigfall and Hender
son. however in thinking il necessary TO await the as.
sembling OF the Nashville Convention for proposing 10
the North settlement Of the question basis OF this
character We hope that member OF Congress will
present the matter before that body The time has arrived
ing Our own destnes and that of our glorious
Union depend upon the wise settlement OF this ques-
| ton.
GEu,r.e, nom Col, wisAns lsasrl
MAnsHAIL. March 8, 1850
DEAR GENERAL
In reference this last matter let premise that there
nsaperabe objection every plan that has yet been
suggested Tor promising this question. The party by
whom is proposed II shall be settled have power 10 do
because Whatever done by this Congress may be
undone by the One Congress cannot bind another
and any Legislative therefore which may be
entered into have bur little validity than private
between the number OF respectable gen
uemen from the sections OF the country Entertaining
these views shall regard any congressional compromise
which can be made as the greatest calamity that could be-
i fall country. Are Incapable Of acquiring wisdom
from experience But four years the Texas compo-
mise made by Congress- and already 10 proposed TO
disturb H. BY that com promise. IL was agreed that our
territory should when desired H. be carved ont into
four Of them Sates-and the other
also, unless chose locate entirely above IS
degrees 30 minutes Of north latitude. And yet strange
say about one-ha Of the time OF the present Congress
has been occupied In attempting 70 comprotnise this mat
The joint resolutions TO be quite forgotten by all
naly settled lof5 discussed with the freedom
they that time have said that would regard
that be made by present Congress-
serious calamity 10 the country II everything IL
newing the attack Demagegues the North, with the
hope riding into upon the question, would inn
mediaeiy begin 10 agate. The unhoy coalition of the
stakeholder and the "doughace' would be denounced.
would be bszoned-RErrAL- Angry discussions, such rs
the halls
would occupy the time Of its members the neglect
oil all business The line between the North and south
would grow stronger and Scenes OF violence
upon the floors OF Congress would become frequent The
passions OF the people In both sections OF happy
Union would become more nfamed. Moderate men
would be left al home and the violent be sent sup
ply their places Is this and what lead
4 In 10 disunioa nd bonds which NOW