The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-01-16
THE UNION.


The governors msss~Ss.
This important State paper reached this city Szur
day last Upon The whole we have been axreeably dis
appointed in its contents We had apprehendcd that II
would follow the opinions OF MIR Benton implicitly, and
contribute TO the OF the abolition fanatics
We are truly gratifed 10 find il the OF what we
had expected IN this respect.
The sentiments expressed by him upon the power of
Congress legsate uPoE slavery in the Territories. and
upon the compromise OF the last session. m
sludng the fugitive slave bill. such as well become
the executive of slsveholding State We are more than
gratfed find that he maintains that pestilent heresy.
the Wmo Proviso 10 be unconstitutional AZ well as M
expedent; and that he esteems the fusve,slave oil
constitutional judIcous, and eftlcaci0us. From the
known relations heretofore subsstng between his ex-
ceency and that senator who has proved TO be traitor
to the rights Of the South, we had INDUCED the worst
forebodngs That be has had the independence and Inc
fmness take stand adverse TO that arrogant onen-
sive. and anprincped demagogue and TO denonnce IN
fitting terms his corrupt allies, the northern abolition
lists" who are moving Heaven and earth TO nui,ty the
law, destroy the constitution, and break up the Union
will be of just pride to every true son OF our soil
and II those sentiments are sincerely entertained ana
firmly adhered to, they will do much towards oberating
that hostile prejudice which his unfortunate atachmen,
the worst man Of his time and country has engen-
dered.
We call especial attention to the following extract from
the message the bold and determined spirit OF which
most cordially approve is highly gratifying to every
true of the South and friend OF the constitution. to
find the governor Of Missouri under the peculiar circum
stances surrounding him, openly procaimng In the name
OF people that the fugitive slave law must stand un
changed, if the Union is to be perpetuated:
"The conduct OF aboitionss, sustained they
by political demagogues in reference TO the law for the
capture of fugitive slaves SUCH US TO excite jus, apPe,
OF the of enacmens designed by Congress TO
harmony among the different sections of the Union
still il properly be termed, OF ITSELF act OF com.
PROMISE which conflicting interests adjusted
mutual concessions Its but the discharge
ioned by the constitution from which Congress could
without total disregard OF imperative obligation
Tor its support solely the good faith 70 observe
il, which springs from its connection with other measures
recently passed. connected with the question OF slavery
the absolute and unqualified duty imposed by the constu
every good citizen conform to its provisions with
cav or evasion. In insisting upon the rigid execution
of the law and its connuanc in full force the statute
book, the people Of the siavehodng States assert only
plain constitutional right, guaranteed to them when they
catered he Union and of which they cannot be deprived
long the constitution and Union stand Hence all
sauts upon tho laval efforts prevent its execution-a
movements deprive the South OF its benefits, whether
dictated by morbid sympathy with the fugitive Slaye by
hostility the Of domestic slavery as i. exists-are
aimed directly at the constitution, and consequently the
perpetuty OF the Union"
The hit at "the conduct of the abolitonists" and
above all, at the "politca demagogues" who sustain
those fanatics cannot be mistaken. Bentons support
of the aboltonists in their upon the compromise
measures and particularly upon the law is
fact well established that must consider him in.
cuded In the pointed denuncation OF the governor. II
the passage OF that law solemn duty enoined by
the constitution, from which Congress could not shrink
without total disregard of an imperative obligation, "
what be said OF Bentons shrinking from faithful
discharge Of that imperative obligation eDjoned upon him
by the constitution, and Of his cavils and evaslons
aboa the iudicious and etcacious character OF law to
enforce tina, plain constitutional right which" the
very existence OF the constitution and Union stands "
His movements, then. aimed directly at the consti.
tuition, and consequently the perpetuty OF the Union,
and deserve the unqualified appreciation OF every patriot
The governor says, also:
No subject likely to arise out Of which to fol-
low such fatal that of the agitation of the
slavery question in Congress IL hoped by the lovers
of the Union everywhere that end this agia
ton by the measures adopted by the last Congress But In
| this, il seems, are doomed to disappointment"
| What them shall be said OF Benton's effort in his
last rotundo speech 10 the agitation