The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-08

cheap postage.
Also. the petition Of B. Burwell, and other cih
zens of Erie county, New York, in favor Of cheap
postage.
From the NssO York Courier and Eaquiyer
The proceedings at Washington, and especially
Il evident that Slavery and Free Soil are the absorb
ing topics Of the day. They are an pervading an
thought-rising above every other popular consid-
eration-taxing every intellect, infiaming every
passion; feeding morbid casuistry, stimulating
blind fanaticism, encouraging ambitious schemes
| and working baneful influence that il poisoning
the fountains of social life and sappng the ounda-
tons Of our glorious republic.
Great men and small, good men and bad, public
men and private, are more or less under the domin-
ion OF these influences, and intentionally minis
tering to train of most mischievous consequences
The popular phrenzy upon these subjects il leading
muititudes into great errors, IL not into great
crimes.
The public mind is divided upon the great issue,
prejudices-the most dangerous of all domestic d.
visions, because they have countervailing check
and no neutralizng influences within their respec-
tive limits Each is a unit In action, measuring
strength In this matter upon abstract proposition
OF relative rights and conflicting interests Pride
OF opinion, love of power, and the ambition Of vic
tory enter into the struggle and blind the eye the
national identity feelings and provoking
results alien to common brotherhood and the
plighted faith Of common destiny. If thex are
allowed to go unchecked and uncontrolled BY rea-
son and prudence. they will work out inevitably
Our danger is not 30 much in the settled purpose
OF any to push this controversy to dismcmber-
ment ofthe Union, as in the increasing momentum
that Is given to 1t by heated controversy, incc1ant
agitation and guilty proyocatives. II may get be-
yond the mastery Of prudence and patriotism, and
make common shipwreck Of the heritage Of our
fathers, and the hopes of world whose eye on uo
The men who were foremost in discussing, de-
batting, and writing upon the abstract questions of
government and the rights Of man, which preceded
and led to the sanguinary and cruel revolution in
France, never believed that they provoking q
revolutionary tempest beyond their control, and
never thought that their blood would be demanded
a. Precipitation to the spirit of the storm But his
tory has recorded their mistake in the horrors of
revolution and the sacrifice of their lives the
geance of the mob
In the face of the dangers there are ahcad in con-
sderation Of the stake that i involved; in remens-
brance OF the past, and the hopes Of the future; in
obedience 70 the duty that devolves upon every
who loves the integrity of the Union, and The count
less blessings that are vouchsafed TO under the
covenant of the Constitution, there should be q
pause in this exciting controversy. Every honest
heart should bring It's tribute to heal offended feel
ings 70 allay the irritation Of mutual elimination
and discrimination, and acknowledge that their
highest duty is not to section Of Union. but to
our whole country.
l. This was the spirit that inspired the trainers OF
our Government under similar, but much stverer
Trials Let US not claim 10 be wiser and better than
they. Let US emulate their example, that posteri-
ty may award TO a portion of that glory which
we are proud to give those who endured their trials
pse sss a osrs we now shsy made SAC
upon an enduring basis, Il il our duty 10 defend
that great boon with the devotion Of every heart,
and the energy OF every arm.
Much OF the controversy about slavery In the
new Territories rests upon mere abstract specula-
ton, influenced by heated imagnations and cult
waited prejudiccs Where In the necessity or wis
dom OF contending ierccly for abstract right
in reference to slavery in recently acquired terri
tory from Mexico, which all admit can never be
practically improved Natural causes have placed
their unaiterabe interdict upon it, introduction.
and the keen calculations Of interest will de-
sert its best rewards merely TO contend with the
great laws Of nature for bootcss victory. This,
while II may convince one party that they
gagged In a work OF supcrcrogation, should satsfy
the other that they require concessions without sub
stance, and without enjoymcnts beyond the work.
ings OF the imagination and the pride that seeks
10 triumph.
The evils that are anticipated ON either sidc.
great az they may be, bear no proportion TO that
greatest Of all calamities that could bcf this
try-tbe dismsmbvm<nf Of this Union. To see this
glorious Republic, In the ruition Of greater blcss-
ings than have been allotted TO any other ma
tion with every In the future Of the most
commanding greatness and fame, and with the
prospect that we shall be bcsoon-l light 70 guide
nations 10 the enjoyment OF their imprcscrptible
rights, h a happy and sublime contemplation. To
turn away from Il with indifference, and hazard
all in a mad struggle about a question Of abstract
right, would be The very height Of htuity and sui
cidsl guilt.
The people Of this country have an abiding dcvo-
ton 20 the unbroken bond Of the Union that rises
above any and every consideration that might by
possibility cndsnRcr II. In its broken fragments,
they would feel their weakness and their ruin-in
the oonvulsivc throcs that would tear Il ssunder,
they would encounter the demon of discord and
civil strife and the glorious monument erected by
seven year, war for civil liberty would crush, In
lie fall. not only The twenty millions Of people now
living and worshipping in this temple, but would
extinguish overnight that bazcs from IL altsrs,
and cheers the hopes Of many les favored iands.
The representatives Of the people In every depart
ment Of this Government arc scntincls on duty 10
protect the peoples rights, and execute the peoples
will Let those especially, who belong 10 the legis
stivc branch Of the Government. be careful not 20
mistake 1ber viii for that Of their masters, and
their prejudiccs for popular feeling Let them re-
member that reason, tempered by Kindness, II more
powerful for good than inhsmmatory appeal and
passionate dcnuncistions. Let them not mislcsda
con6dng constituency by false evidence and false
issues. Let them not deceive themselves In the
quality and extent Of their resources. Let them
not prove sithlcss 10 sduty, honor and patriotism
in the hour OF trial and danger. Let them bear In
mind that they have sacred trust above all price,
and an awful responsibility 10 meet, which has
reached eliminating point, at which every eye IL
directed with hope, and not without fear.