Weekly national intelligencer., 1851-01-04
CUI BONO !

CUI BONol
II is recommended, we observe, by several es-
teemed contemporaries, that there be held in this
city, on the 22d February next grand convocation
of the Friends Of the Union, from all the States of
the Confederacy. If such Convention were ne
cessary, or even expedient more appropriate day
for it certainly could not be selected than the ami
versary Of the Birthday Of him, that great Man,
to whose other titles Of honor might well be added
that Of Father Of the existing Union. But to throw
out of view the difficulties which oppose the full
execution of this suggestion, we must say that we
have not been able to perceive the advantages which,
it seems to be supposed, will result from such an
assemblage here. The expression of conserva-
tive sentiments by spontaneous gatherings of the
People at their homes, in the different States,
furnish, in our opinion, the most satisfactory guar
antees of attachment to the Union, and obedi-
ence to the laws. There, they are free from
any appearance of extraneous influence or party
purpose. Here, a movement of this sort might be
differently construed. The National Legislature
here assembled, representing every State and Dis
trict of the Union, constitute the fitting assem-
blage at the seat of Government, both for counsel
and action, and an all-suficient exponent of the
sentiments of the country. Moreover, the very
limited accommodation would render it difficult for
any large number of additional visiters to find
quarters here during the session Of Congress for a
single night, and we perceive that one writer re-
commends the assembling Of thirty thousand.
We throw out these suggestions for the consider
alton Of those friends who have favored the propo
sition The annexed extracts from an article in the
Winchester (Va.) Republican, on the subject Of
the proposition by the Governor Of that State for
National Convention, appear to us to be quite app.
cable to the proposed meeting in this city:
.'Let us what practical good could result from such
scheme. If it be intended that but the friends Of the
Union shall form this grand assembly, be done
by them than has already been done by the friends Of the
Union, who have gn6ed their desire for peace in the enhu
astc meetings that have been held from extremity Of the
country to the other Concerning this matter Of the late
compromise, and the intention to preserve its component
parts nvoate, the majority Of the people have already de-
clared yoraby and without equivocaon. More than this
cannot be done at this period. We must leave for time
show whether not the plainly given will be
observed In good faith"
"Let US put the very best construction upon the
action of such Convention the proposed, and then
quesuon ourselves concerning eHcacy IN tue dssen
sions Of the times Can do than Congress has already
done Can do much The reply must be, that
do neither more, much. The action Of Congress is
binding upon the country, and its observance be
forced by law"
"The Unonists satisfied with the Compromise mea-
sures and consider them final adjustment of the vexed ques
on But the fanatics to whom these were dis
tasteful account Of their concatoy tone desire pro-
long agitation that affords them such exquisite sense of
delight Let quiet be restored to the country, and their
ton is gone Excitement is the element in which they
breathe freely and WELL And Of the ways Of keep
ing up this excitement Is to have meetings in prospect
against which they declaim Were they be permitted
to choose there would be National Conventions Southern
Conventions and Northern A~embages in the proportion of
three to Of the present Let take away this
heahu atmosphere of their existence and shall hear Of
them no more.
sThe best mode Of asceaning public sentiment upon the
late compromise measures and whether those will
be sustained is await the silent but influence Of time
For ourselves believe that they will be observed in good
faith ,"