The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-04-17
CITY OF WASHINGTON.


poyed, when member OF the Southern Convention al
Nashville in opposition TO sentiments which were ayow
ed by majority of that body, unloyal 10 the conshtu
ton, and intended 10 prepare the way for southern con-
iederacy This prejudice carried far as TO subject
us 10 the charge in certain quarters Of being ukewarm
in the defence OF southern rights To those who know
us, defence against such mputaton is necessary
10 those who do not, they animated by the spirit OF
hope in institutions, satisfied that further
defence will be necessary than what will be afforded
by the columns of this press. Providence has cast our
lot on the plains OF the South and it is there that The
hopes Of all that is most dear 10 this earth are in
dissoluby anchored, whether for veal or for With
the institution OF slavery therefore, have been familiar
from our infancy; and we say in all sincerity, after
residence of years in the northern States of the
Unon and after the most ample opportunities, afforded by
close observation in Europe of the habits and customs
OF that Old World, that have nothing which
could tempt from the predictions Of early life in our
native land Not that would characterize the nst.
tuition OF slavery as blessing; but such is the mys-
erious connexion with which Providence binds man 10
the institutions under which he is born, that, gen
eral rule, his happiness springs less from the perfection
oil humaa theories respecting the relations oil labor and
service than from the practical observance OF the simple
and plain duties enjoned by the Divine laws. In the
highest and most comprehensive view Of these relations,
there equality among men except in the universal
duty Of all 10 obey the laws OF Gods and these require
sach exercises OF reciprocal and mutual service, that
faithfully pursued they fill up the measure OF individual
life aud leave neither to the rich the poor the strong
nor the weak the The servant any ground OF
controversy and strife But, in the practical and
ordinary view OF these relations, what termed free
dom aud equality necessarily determined in any given
society community by the varying uhsences oil origin
and CASTE age numbers geographical position, and con-
tact with other societies communities and the gradual
appearance of laws and institutions is the result rather OF
the necessities OF such conditions than of the suggestions
4of an original phosophlc standard OF what may be called
the highest reason Thus the liberty and freedom
are not in themselves expressive OF standard which
cudes The idea of dependence and servude do they
afford criterion by which one nation consents 10 be
Judged by another its less perfect civil Or
ganization. There is not despotism in Europe which
is not naered by that its subjects are ireer
an happier than those of other countries. Even the
Eaglishman, having common ancestry with us, visits
America and returned 10 his native land in the presence
Of the millions of his Starving countrynen whom he
passes on every horoughfare boasts OF the superior lib
city and happiness OF the British subject.
If, amongst the disadvantages of our institution Of
slavery be said that il is unlavorable 10 the active &C.
velopmen OF the resources of the country-tha il cult
Yates slowly than some sections which are are not
burdened with il the arts which give employment TO the
largest populations, and extract from the earth the most
abundant OF lis powers OF sustenanceit may be satd on
the other hand that it postpones the coruptions that
are incident to the states OF civilization in which human
beings sink nearly TO the level of the machines with
which they earn a scanty subsistence.
Il may be said too that thus far this institution has
had fortunate influence as an element the diversified
ton Of our n,eressn giving prominence to that feature
in our federal system the absence OF which, in all the
republics that have preceded the most profound states
men have attributed their decline and downfall We re-
fer 10 that feature OF limited sovereignty in the consu
don by which the federal jurisdiction reaches the ind.
vduals OF the several States at the time that The
tendencies of such jurisdiction to absorb the reserved
Of the States are opposed by checks and balances
which can sccey fail to arrest all dangerous encroach-
men,s The institution OF slavery felt as scarce OF
weakness by the southern States to their vigilance
and jealousy great activity in the formation oil the con:
stulion, and must have contributed powerfully 10
an veil the advantages of those limitations the powers
Of the federal which subsequent experience
has proved 10 be the sues safeguard OF our liberties for
if every negro were now removed from our land there
is not State of the Union which would not hold on 10
these limitations unaerabe condition Of the dua-
billy AM success OF our federal system.
But whilst we hold these sentiments a citizen OF The
South we trust we are without prejudice against the
other portions OF the Union, whose advances in popua
on wealth, and greatness have been rapid. In
part Of the world has the theory that popular govern.
ment is the best calculated country its highest
developments OF liberty and happiness been beautifully
illustrated as in the New England and Northwestern por-
tons OF this Union. No resident OF of these States
can be prouder Of this fact than we are. Yet we
do not find in. this fact any motive for the in.
terrupdon of those relations between the slave and
the non Slaveholdpg States Of the Union which are
recognised by the federal compact, Nor do believe
that This interruption ever take place without the loss
Of all the benefits both sections have gained from their co.
operation as members Of the political family. As
al present related those sections benefit each other in
thousand ways which do not strike the eye OF the
superficial observers and although, when conras.ed one
with another, there circumstances which might seem
10 Justify innovation. in order TO remedy evils that
may be supposed exist in that in another
fleets upon the casualties that enter into the calculations
Of the future OF nations must say that II wou be i'm.
pious to disturb what has worked so admrablyhe must
admit that better to improve and expand blessings
hy the basis of pyislnq relations Than b