Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-08-01
Great Letter from d. s. Dickinson.

Il.
Gentlemen-You kind and complimentary note of
a recent date inviting me to communicate with Won
the approaching anniversary Of our National In
dependence, concerning the grave questions which
agtate the country, found me too much engaged to
receive more than a hasty notice. But, my views
upon this subject can be given in few words ard
without circuit Or pretension although perhaps,
they have been too frequently and freely expressed
to excite either attention interest.
have regarded the ferocious and reasonable All
tation which dsturbs our federate relations,
from the beginning as originating in wanton and
unproyoked assaults upon the constitutional rights
of the South, founded in pretences as empty and
hypocritcal as they pharisaical and brazen.-
The pompous embassy of negro philanthropy which
was to force the Southern people into humiliating
and AFFECT compliance, by the despotc exercise Of
arbitrary power and consign their liberties to the
dungeon in the name of freedom, was for time ex-
cused as the harmless ranngs of ignorance. bgotry
and fanaticism, but can be thus excused no longer
While these diseases continue to disfgnre society
they have associates base and mischievous thar
themselves. From this small grain has sprung up
tree in which unclean birds rest and prey upon the
vitas of the Constitution. Anti-slavery now consti
tutes the stock in trade of political demagogues and
mole-eyed statesmen--it constructs platforms for
Presidential asprants, and its galvanic power is in
voked to quicken the remains of deceased politicians
1t desecrates the sacred desk where il is too often
employed by those who offer cant and grimace
substitute for religion. IN short, it has become sy-
nonymOus with treason and disunion. The honest
masses who were in a moment of delusion, BETRAYED
into its support. have fed from its contagon, and
hereafter its followers and supporters will be
bes, whose dark designs and evil actions are hatch
ed in the same foul with the basest of crimes a.
gainst the State
The compromise measures of the late Congress
were designed to SETTLE so far this could be at
tanned by legislation, the whole controversy on the
sub ect of slavery and. though not satisfactory to
all the friends of adjustment, whole regar
ded reasonably fair, and the best which could be
secured The question replete with difficulty
and danger, and has been passed upon by Congress
and it's action sanctioned by large majority of the
American people. The South could not with honor
have claimed less, and yet as people, in spirit of
true devotion to the Union they propose to stand by
this settlement in its true import so long it is faith
fully observed by the free States. With the North
then rests the responsibility of maintaining involate
this mutual pledge of faith. upon which hang events
so momentous for gOof or evil!
The anniversary of our national birthday. sacred
to the cause of freedom. and halowed by so many
dear and interesting recollecons, is well chosen for
an interchange of sentiments upon this great and
perilous question and for reviewing the relations
which the states bear each other. and to the
ion, under the federal compact 1t will enable the pat
riotic to hold sweet communion together irrespec-
tive of miserable partzan divisions, the absor-
bing question which concerns political peace,
and to strengthen each others hearts and hands for
renewed efforts in the cause of equality The timid
and doubling may seize the occasion to gather light
and courage. Those conscious of honest error, can
retraee their protless wanderings, and last, though
not least the bad be held up public execration
and scorn, and be shorn of their power to do HARM
they who would despo and devastae this fair heri-
tage of Heaven, to indulge at best morbid, sckly
and mistaken senment,-to blot forever all there is
valued and beautiful from train of events which
has long furnished wonder and admiration for en-
vious and censorous world to cast down the strong
and impossible barrier which free constitution has
erected between freedom and despotism,
And shut the gates of mercy on mankind
have the honor to be- with profound regard. your
friend D. s. DICKINSON.
Messrs. E. F. Probst, j. Crooks, B. NJ Youells.