The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-14
lIississippl Parties.


LETTER FROM JUDGE SHARKEy.- This distn-
guished gentleman and jurist, who presided at the
first Nashville convention, but who out from
it when its members showed disposition to come
out from the Union, in letter to the Hon. Luke
Lea, Of the House, dated December oath, says;
al can only give you my own opinion, formed
from the best lights before That the Union
party has very large majority at present is,
think, beyond dispute. Indeed, it is conceded by
many of the other party; but they expect an aces
sion Of strength from northern agitation and the
movements elsewhere. Public opinion for a
time very much unsettled; but the excitement s
now yielding to disposition for quiet acquescence
in the recent compromise measures passed by Con
gress. The result of the Georgia election has had
considerable influence in bringing about this state
of things. Notwithstanding the general excite
ment which for time Prevailed public opinion
was truly reflected by the Legislature i'll its resist
ance measures. That body was composed Of ultra
materials. The members had not been elected
with view to the exciting questions then before
the country; and, as public opinion was not def
nitely known, few Leading spirits welded the
ton of the body to suit their own views.
1.-TWO circumstances contribute very greatly to
swell the number of discontents. In the first place.
the Democratic party has, you know, large
majority in the State Party leaders, with few ex-
ceptons. have taken stand in favor of resistance,
and they are sustained by the party press, with
only few exceptions Under such circumstances,
it is difficult for many who have been in the habit
Of uniting with their party to break off, though
.
the true issue is kept of sight. Disunion is not
presented the necessary end of resistance. In
this way many who are not satisfied with the ad-
mission of California arc induced to unite with the
resistance party and 1t ID true that there are but
few, very lew, who are entirely satisfied with all
the measures of the adjustment.
''Thus stands public opinion now; and, il things
continue in their present state, have doubt our
convention will be conservative body, probably
by an overwhelming majority. But, in view ofthe
existing feeling it Is easy to foresee that this pros
pect might be changed entirely by the action OF the
present session OF Congress. We acquiesce In the
admission of California because we believe the Con-
stituton violated, and not that full justice
done to the South. This, l believe, is very
general sentiment The Fugitive Slave bill we had
a right constitutionally to demand; this has been
conceded to US; and the Wilmot proviso was not
attached to the territorial governments. In this,
too, our demand was complied with To the ad.
ustment of the Texas question we can see no valid
objection. We cannot submit to the features of the
compromise which we did not approve, and which
we think preJudicial to us, and at the same
time consent to be deprived of the clear constiur
tonal rights which it secures to We con-
stantly told by our opponents that the Fugitive
Slave bill will be repealed, and many are induced
to believe it. Congress might as well at once dis.
solve and break up the Union. An explosion would
not certainly follow the application of light
ed match to the touch hole of loaded cannon than
will disruption of the Union. follow the repeal of
the Fugitive Slave bill.
s.Thcre is no division of opinion this subject.
The most conservative men will not pause then;
and say this advsedly, and with as much devotion
to the Union as any one entertalns. have heard
but one opinion on this subject-all men OF all par.
ties speak the same language. An actual repeal Of
the law do not fear as long as Mr.. Fillmore Is
President. His message has given great satstac
ton, and has aided us much; but the repeal OF the
law by the two Houses of Congress would, in all
probability, be equally fatal its actual repeal.
Any serious modification which might tend TO
weaken the law would have the same effect. In
Short any interference with any of the compromise
,iuht frih hr,I he nj
the South would be fatal to the Union. And the
same consequence will follow if the Fugitive Slave
bill cannot be enforced Thus it will be seen that
the northern people hold the destinies of the nation
They can put down the Abolitionists-we cannot
yield any further. Even the agitation Of the save-
ry question, either in or out OF Congress, would be
exceedingly dangerous
"Many OF us are prepared to make allowances for
the agitation of few fanatics in particular locali-
ties-it is nothing more than have expected; but
these things used here by the press to excite the
public mind, which is not in the best condition to
look dispassionately at passing events of that char
actcr. The Boston affair and the movement in
Vermont have had an unfortunate effect. They
are counteracted IN great degree, TO be sure, by
the great Union movement throughout the North.
We rejoice at the spread of the great movement
which commenced in New York. II the whole
North would but follow that patriotic example, we
might defy opponents Our people would be
satisfied that the whole North was not against
| them, We stand in critical situation, and need
the aid of the North. II we can receive it, the
Union may be saved; and we sincerely hope that
it may be checrfully accorded as it is ardcntly
desired. My dear sir, if you can exert any intlu
ence, do 30.
awe are not yet responding, though we sec the
danger, but will struggle on, hoping that we may
avoid that catastrophe which, of all others, is most
to be dreaded. II the present session OF Congress
should pass Off quietly. it will strengthen the con
| fidence Of the South. But they must also abstain
| for the future, or il is but question to time
The South will be content with nothing less than
total abandonment of the disputed ground.
81 have thus, my dear sir, given you general
outline of the state of things in Mississippi, and
believe IT is true ono. Your knowledge of tn,
people Of the State will aid you in judging of tn,
| shall be pleased TO hear from you when it ma
| suit your convenience.
| ''four friend and obodicnt servant,
| "W. l.. SHARKEY."
| MAssAcHusETrs REPRESENTATION IN THE