The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-10-18

The Wing party of the North has never attempt
ed any encroachment upon the constitutional rights
of the southern members OF the Confederacy. On
the contrary, we have observed and respected them
with sincere and honorable fidelity. Our southern
brethren are secure In the peaceful enjoyment OF
their institutions, and they may safely dismiss
from their minds all apprehensions OF injustice or
assault from the Wings OF the free States upon IN
terests which the Constitution has left under the
exclusive control of municipal legislation.
am aware of the diversity of opinion which ex-
lists in reference to recent measures OF Congress for
the adjustment OF the territorial questions 10 which
have adverted. Men, animated by the same sem
timents and principles, differ honestly in opinion
as TO the precise effect of some Of those
Time will solve every doubt. II has appeared TO
me that these dversites of opinion call for the
ercise of mutual liberation and forbearance.
checruy accord to our Representatives who diff
fered as TO the best means OF terminating the
test, equal credit for rectitude and patriotism The
nature of the question made it impossible that the
views Of all should be gratihed. We may well re-
joice in the admission Of California free State.
In some respects, the territorial bills, and the terms
of settlement with Texas, did not accord with my
wishes and opinions But we must acquesce in
the constitutional action OF Congress, as we acqui
esced in the annexation OF Texas and the treaty
with Mexico.
yield the more cheerfully, in the confident hope
that the people of New Mexico who have already
declared against the introduction of slavery, will
in due time come forward and successfully assert
their right TO admission into the Union a free
State Opposed as have been and always
shall be to the extension of slavery trust the future
action of the Government will be such to pro-
ducc conflicts involving the assertion of this
principle. 1t ID a principle which pervades the
northern mind, and our southern friends must not
ask our people to renounce it. May not hope,
then, that the rapacious spirit of conquest which
opened the fountains of bitterness and discord may
be arrested; that our Government will pursue a
genial and conservative policy in future, and that
the friends of the Union--the wise, the rational,
and patriotic everywherc--wi unite to resist all
- L.. a.
reproduce the dangers from which the country has
been rescued
In surveying the measures of Congress connected
with the slavery question, we should rejoice in the
prohibition OF the slave trade in the District of Co
lumbia. Ihail this great measure of patriot
ism and humanity. II removes from the capital a
traffic which shocked the sentiments Of the people
and brought reproach upon our national charac-
ter.
l should be wanting in candor if omitted to say
that deplore the passage of the Fugitive Slave law
in its present FORM Recognising to the fullest ex-
tent the constitutional obligation which it is in
tended enforce, regret the features of this bill
which calculated not to agitation, but to
make it more intense and universal. 1t could not
have been well considered, and needs essential
notifications. The summary operation of its pro.
visions conflicts with all our notions of personal
right and security derived from the common law
and recognised by every free constitution.
have expressed my views thus freely on the
topics to which you call my attention conceiving
it due to you and to all, in the present posture OF
affairs, that my sentiments should be uttered with
out reserve. ! have opinions to conceal Ac-
cording to my view OF the subject, there are nc
such grounds Of division as should prevent the
Wings of the State and of the Nation from uniting
and acting together In support OF their ancient and
wel-dehned principles. Differences of sectional
feeling ought not now, more than in times past to
separate Northern and Southern Wings in their
efforts to secure wise and honest administration
| of our common Government. May it ever be ad-
minstered in spirit of justice toward all sections
-. IL
doctrines of the Wing faith. The Constitution does
not belong to the North nor the South. We all
concerned in the exercise Of its powers for the be-
nefcent purposes which it was designed TO fulfil.
The accountability and Limitation of the executive
power; the independence Of Congress; the protec-
ton of our national industry; the improvement OF
navigation and intercourse on all our channels OF
| commerce; the observance of justice in rela-
tons with all countries; these objects which
demand our thoughts and our energies. Upon
them we can all unite. In regard TO these and
many other views which actuate the Wings there
no geographical distinctions The diversity OF
sentiment between the two great sections to which
have alluded, so long all will consent to be
guided by the chart of the Constitution, will not
endanger the Union, nor sever those cherished ties
which bind the Wing party together
You and have witnessed the patriotism and true
national feeling evinced by our Wing brethren OF
the South, during years of personal association
with them in the halls of Congress. II is inpossi-
BILE that we ever should be separated from them in
feeling or political principle. | will not surrender
my claim to live and die in the same national
party with Clay and Crittenden, Bell and Man
gum, Stanly and Gentry,
There peculiar incentives TO union and har
mony at the present crisis. We have Wing ad-
ministration worthy of our highest confidence, in
both our National and State governments We are
bound to support them with efficiency in carrying
out the measures for which we have labored through
50 many years of effort and vicissitude
My sentiments are fully before you. l. find my
self placed (by no agency or solicitation of my
OWN in position Of unusual delicacy. | am not
responsible for the existing discussions. Having
no resentments to crafty and no personal ends to
promote, 1t has been my constant effort 70 alay
imosites, to heal divisions and preserve that har-
mony which ensures vigorous and successful ac-
ton.
II the Wing party is TO perish by it's own feuds,
! am guiltess of the great calamity. 1t is for the
Wings Of this State TO determine whether all their
efforts and sacrifices shall to this ingorious
conclusion.
Ii is proper for TO and, that the article in the
Epening Journal, to which your letter REFERS con-
tains correct and authorized expression of my
views
remain, with great respect, yours truly,
WASHINGTON HUNT.
Hon. FRANCIS GRANGER.
From he Columbus Enquirer.
TEL \