Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-01-28
From the Cattaraugus IN. " Republican.
HON VIM, DUEB.

|
| HON VIM. DUER.
The following letter has been received by the COM
mttee, from the loa. William Duer, since the Union
meeting, and which take pleasure in laying before
our readers:
| WASHINGTON, Dec. g. 1880
| GENTLEMEN--l have had the honor to receive your
communicates inviting me to attend Union meeting
| TO be held at Ellicotvle on the lth inst.
regret that public duties necessarily deain me here
otherwise 1t would give me pleasure to take counsel
with you how we may best preserve the Union and the
Consultation, now threatened by fanatics and traitors
we have passed through an interesting and eventual
period OF our history. When long and angry con-
! troversy had reached an alarming height when vjo-
ence and folly reigned, and good men were beginning
TO deSpond some OF the most eminent statesmen of the
nation, embracing among others Clay and Cas-, and
| Fillmore and Webster, and Cobb and Dickinson for
getting past differences, united together in a common
effort to save their country 1t seemed at first if
they were destined to be swept away by the tempest
they resisted but they succeeded last in gathering
around them body of patriotic from both politi-
cal parties and from both sections OF the Unon and by
| these men settlement was at length effected.
nat settlement not in all its parts in accordance
wlthmy wishes and opinions There are particular pro-
visions in the Fugitive Slave bill which cannot ap-
prove. But if we seek to open the adjustment in those
parts in which is not agreeable TO expect
that friends at the South will refrain from doing
likewise We should then be at large agtators would
resume their power and the whole controversy would
| be renewed in form more dangerous than ever.
In several OF the southern States the enemies of the
Union are open, active and powerful in one at least
secession is contemplated. At the North dsunion has
assumed different but not less dangerous FORM one
that strikes at all law and at every organization of So
ciety. sect has grown up with its preachers Law
and canoncal that denies Divine authority to human
government, and claims to live under sort ftheocra-
cy One OF Its doctrines appears to be that each ind
vIdual is to Judge tor himself whether by internal con-
science special revelaon what laws are pleasing TO
Heaven and resist with violence those that seem to
nm TO be otherwise. 1t is announced by these oraces
that the Constitution Of the United States is contrary
to the law OF God, and the compact by which the Union
is formed was sligmatized as an "atrocous bargain"
| have bad some opportunity to know with what fury
this madness RACES in portions ofthe North, and with
what art and assiduity it is stimulated. Under such
Influences large number OF members of Congress have
been elected who pledged to renew agitation in
every form of (which susceptible and in utter dsre--
gard otthe setemen-to apply thu Wilmot proviso to
the Ierrlores--to vote tor the repeal OF the Fugitive
Slave bill and the abolition of slavery in the District of
Columbla-and even to assume an extra constitutional
supervision Qhongh IN violation OF solemn and ire
pealable compacs) the right Of the people OF the
several States to regulate their domestic institu-
tons.
Such is the state of things at the South and at the
North. And the question Tor us to consider is, wheth
er it prudent, under such circumstances open the
door to renewed agitation If admitted in one shape it
will spring up in hundred others; animoses now dy-
ing away will be revived; Abolitonists and Disunonts
will revive their dropping spirits, and every thing that
has been done will be done in vain. can safe
ty but in strict and religious adherence to the COM
pact long least The South shall observe it, and
abstain from efforts to extend slavery beyond its cons
tutional guarantees.
Those who effected the settlement did not think
that when the bills were passed the work was DONE
| They were not SO ignorant oil human nature to
suppose that those who their consequence to sec
tional agitation would voluntarily abandon it, 1t will
continue SO long Office be gained by it, and it
will cease when that motive is removed 1t is in
powerto apply the proper corrective and tits our duty
to do So The time has arrived when the friends of the
Union, both at the North and at the South ought to
make the question OF adherence the compromise bills
paramount to all Others For myself, so long as the
present state OF things exists it is my intention
vote for any man for the Office of President OF Vice
President, or Tor any legislative office the State in
the Nation, who is in favor of disturbing the compro-
mise that has been made, and reopening agitation up
on the subject OF slavery. What | intended when |
voted for the compromise bills, and what | mean to
have now, is peape--a lasting, cordial Peace; and
will cooperate now in any measures, however radi-
cal, that may be necessary to secure that end.
Go on, then, gentlemen with Union meetings and
Union associations. The violence with which they are
assaed is the best proof OF their efficacy and utility.
Let it be your object to and strengthen patti
otto devotion to the Union to cultivate friendly relations
with sister States, and to support the Constitution
OF the United States, and the laws made in pursuance
thereof. Make manifest the power which you possess,
and your determination to exercise it, and before long
the dangers which threaten will pass away. And it
will be something to be proud OF as long as you live
that you have contributed your Fshare towards the
maintenance and preservation of Government that is
rapidly advancing to power and grandeur OF which
the world has no example. but whose chief glory not
in its strength, but in lis benehcence, 10 its being the
bllwaik OF civil liberty and the guardian Of human
happiness
l am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
WILLIAM DUER.
To S. N. Clark, E. Harmon, r. H. Shank land J.
B. Saunton, w. H. Wood, and c. ?. Washbum,
| esqs.