Burlington hawk-eye. [volume] (Burlington, Iowa) 1845-185?, 1851-06-12

Ths Union must b preserved at al hasards.
The more we reflect on this great theme which
has enlisted the pens and the intellects OF the
mightiest minds in our country, the more we are
convinced Of the propriety Of the axiom ''ths
Union must be preserved" The very discussion
Of the subject has not only evolved the fact that
two parties exist, but it has also demonstrated an
other more alarming one still, which is, that the
Union is in danger. How far the discussion it
self has trailed US 10 this precipicc, we are moi
prepared to say. 1t is neither our province o,
design to criminate any one. For long time We
remained unconvinced that there was any real
danger. Wethought we loved the Union as dear.
" . those who loved it most. We so professed.
We think we can now see why our reservations
to this effect were not credited. We did not be-
lieve there was danger, and those who did, count
ed our professions as insincere and hollow
While there was no want of sincerity on our part,
actually, there seemed to be. While we make
such an admission, we must be allowed to say
that the making acquiescence in or hostility to any
Or al Of the compromise measures an issue for or
against the Union, was no creation Of ours. Into
hat shape it has been woven, and on its manu-
facturers must rest the responsibility.
Itisa an anomaly in our free government in itself
somewhat alarming, that any question, however
inAammable in its nature or design, could be made
to involve in its mere discussion, actual treason
on the one hand and patriotism on the other
The Compromise question has assumed, to large
hos h.,
counted enemies to the Union. Those who APP
prove Of the measures involved in this question,
are set down as its only friends. From such a
verdict there is no appeal. Whether righteous or
otherwise, to It all must submit Opposition to
it win be viewed as proof positive Of hostility to
tie Union. No one could have foreseen that this
Or any other question could have been so stated,
. to make these who think they sincerely love
the Union occupy position in opposition to tn.
Union. Itcan only be explained by the fact that
they seem to love something else better than the
Union. II they do, if any other earthly object is
paramount to the Union in their view, it must be
given up-thc sacrifice must be made-though it
be IS dear to them as right hand or right eye.
We make these remarks becarss we see no
other alternative, while the question is viewed
than for all to sssuffer it to be so now. The
false position that many, who are by no means
abolitionists, are forced to occupy. cannot now
be safely retained. Persisting to remain in it
win serve to keep up agitation, and only agita-
ton. The whole humiliation of slavery could
not in the slightest degree compensate for the
dissolution Of this blessed Union. The attempt
to repeal the fugitive slave law, threatens such
dissolution, and gives occasion to the real enc
mics Of the Union to heap reproach and contume-
y upon il.
We know that harsh words and keen epithets
Were it not 50, their employment is dstasteful to
~; and # we cannot be pointed and emphatic
without their use, we must be pointless and un-
emphatic. For the sake Of peace and quiet, we
hope al who oppose any or all the Compromise
measures will lay aside their opposition. Let
them lay it as sacrifice on the altar Of their
country. This sacrifice is required, not on the
principle Of recommending doing evil that good
may come, as some may conscientiously view it
but as relinquishing the shadow for the purpose
Of retaining the substance. Our duty, our con.
science, the love we bear our country, and tbs
well-grounded impression that it was raised ny
to be light and blessing to the world, constrair
u to do all we can towards preserving the Tn
ion.
We At one time thought the question Of repeal
ing the fugitive slave law was legitimate ans
even harmless subject Of discussion. Under or
binary circumstances il would assuredly be so.-
At that time we acquiesced in the MAINTENANCE,
Of the fugitive slave law reluctantly, because W,
thought the South was encroaching upon III,
North and asking too much; but now we do il
rhcerfully, believing that the south will do nc
material harm, only as she may feel encouraged
to do 30, BY certain course Of action on the part
Of the north, and because we can see serious mi,
chief in the advocacy Of the repeal Of that law.
We cannot, therefore, consent to give the South
any farther occasion to threaten the dissolution
q the Union, BY opposing the fugitive slave law.
Neither shall we be found in the ranks Of those
who AK for its repeal, Until they offer such rea-
sonabis snbstitute-which they have not vet done
thai viii sustain the compromises OF the Con-
sotation and harmonic with the great idea of
preserving the Union.
The true issue can now be apprehended, and
beng -, there can be few, we should hope, who
would put the repeal Of the fugitive slave law in
composition with the safety Of the Union. The
snaveEsal apprehension Of this issue viii modify
the public sentiment in wonderful mann.r
where they have hitherto been under the de,n.;on
Of the cry Of peace, peace, and no danger. when
there was ne peace and nothing but danger an
around then and where they have looked s;mnl,,
% NE maintenance Of their own rights, withon,
iooannS 1t the tendency Of such course. in rela.
oon 70 the maintenance Of the rights Of others,
We can already see such modification going On
N innuentai places. II IS not absolutely neces.
sary for individuals or public bodies to m,le An
open declaration Of a change or modification -
opinion. They may evince such chan.p i ~,
other way, and which viii serve as ! tmer ;n.,.,
to show the platform on which they stand n -
the other. We shall furnish what we con,;a.r
an illustration Of this, BY quoting from an edi,o-
rial article in the last New York Independent
A new church was recently organized at win.
iamsburg. on Long Island, with Thomas K.
Beecher Tor its Pastor. In the account given Of
this organization, we find the following:
SIT q proper nessioa that the DELEGATE f,o. a..
First Coz gsgatoaai Church in william sburrh an
church nader the pastoral care Of Rev g. r. jocevn
nay Withdrew from the council before the public
me covsnaat Of the church about 10 b or
Isnseo o.d NOT menoE specifically liQuos.sells and
laveheldng ~ discplinable Offences But tho con.c;i
.es nol convened to organize Tempeyance Society
Neral .s6fm Society, ~ .isiave Society, or any