Weekly national intelligencer., 1850-03-02
TO THE EDITORS.

Il
GENTLEMEN: observe that for some week
past, you have selected and republished such ex
pressions of sentiment from the Southern countr
indicate an indisposition on the part of its pes
pie to participate in any measure of resistance 1
the action of the Government in regard to slavery
fully appreciate the motive which prompts you i
this course recognise it an effort on your par
to strengthen the Union. Allow me to say, how
ever. that the very opposite result from that which
you intend and desire may follow this proceeding
on your part You are conductors of journa
which has a wide circulation, and which carrie.
with influence public sentiment especially through
the Northern Staes second that of paper publish
cd in the United States and your opinions received by
numerous readers conclusive upon public questions
share your desire the calamtes which threaten
and your anxiety the Union does exceed mine
My attachment the Union is sincere and profound have
yet attempted to calculate its value have any
permitted myself look its disruption as rene
dy for political evils there be within the United States
class Of men who aim desire to break up the Union which
embraces the American States, wish it be understood
that do belong that class My object has been, and
still and shall be- the preservation of the Union but de-
sire to in its spirit in its power, and its glory
wish to keep alive the soul which animaes it. and without
| which it cannot exist-the Constitution.
Having thus freely stated my sentiments may be allow
ed say that confident the dangers which attend the
question deeply affecting the public mind UNDER
rated There exists the part Of the Southern people
lively sensibhty in regard the slave question and is
the settled purpose of very large majority of hem be-
eve to suffer encroachmens their rights in relation
the property which that question affects Any of Con-
gress for instance which should abolish slavery in this Dis
c interfere with the slave trade between the States or
exclude the people of the savehodng States from fixing their
|
and enjoying without moesaon their property of every de-
scpion, would certainly lead to of resistance
commissions would follow, and disruption of the Union
might ensue.
1t is not to be supposed for that the Union can
be maintained by force 1t is to be preserved by wse mag
nanimous patriotic policy the part of the Government.
by chehng sincere respect for the institutions of the diff
een sections of these widespread States by forbeaance
when there springs up conflict of sentiment between them
BY observing the Constitution in its pristine spr-his
save the Unon but bayonets cannot.
ought to be understood that the country at this mo-
mcn in danger and that the remedy impending troubles
is to be found in generous and patriotic of power on the
part of the MAJORITY. ..
For one, believe that there patriotism enough in the
country to save a patriotism which belongs alike the
North and to the South; and believe that if the condition
Of the country could be comprehended this patriotism would
q
lee shore The North would display its ancient spirit in be-
half of the country and would put forth its strength save
it, not by mastering armed force march down upon
brave people indignant what they conceive be great
wrong, but by calling its Representatives forbear the
exercise Of doubtful power and respect the sentiment
of kindred people.
Having lost neither heart hope for the country cond
ing still In the patriotism Of the American people, have in
place in the House of Representatives spoken out freely
and uttered truthful of what conceived to be the
rights the feelings and the purposes of the people whom
come and write to you now to you let the real
condition of the country be seen by full exposition of the
sentiment which pervades the Southern people need not
say that do not question the purpose with which your
IS guided SO far from it. honor your motives You are
well known to me, gentlemen, and / familiar with
the pages Of the Intelligencer, that am confident
in your understanding and appreciation of my ankness
The usy mariner who the lead from the vessels side
make known the dangers which surround his notes
Of warning may interrupt for moment the tranquility the
but when they reach the deeper and the broader
seas they will hail him their deliverer.
Recognising, Dr. Franklin did, the hand of Providence
in the affairs Of country, look Him who guides the
universe you look, deliver from the great
dangers which now surround US. Very respectfully,
H. w. HILLIARD.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY %, 1850.