Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1851-04-17
ths wisdom and r,trio.i.m Of those who.

the wisdom and patriotism Of those who, by the
voice Of the country. are charged with those great
interests which are now at hazard, trusting to
discreet and patriotic exercise OF the Legislative
power within It's constitutional limits, and to that
high judicial tribunal IN which we all have conl-
lence to restrain that discretion within its appro-
pirate sphere. There is patriut and devotion
to the Union North and there is like patriotism
and devotion South There is enough of both TO
save the Union; and if it be found in the masses,
it will be found IN their representatives,. My own
observation for the twelve years that have par
tcipatcd in the public councils, has afforded many
decisive proofs of the sound PATRIOTISM ana the
elevated views of those who, on the one side and
the other. have been honored by the public conf
dence
The experience of the last session of Con
rress which at its commencement found us dis
iracted by various and conflicting opinions, deep
ly rooted and most zealously adhered to, bat which
terminated in those measures Of pacihcation 50
generally. if not universally satisfactory to the
country furnishes strong proofthat there is strong
ground for mutual confidence left The cordial
cooperation of the abcsl men of both parties IN
that great work--tho readiness with which those
who could not sustain the measure OF paclhca-
ton in ITS original form come TO the rescue IA the
measures ultimately adopted, give satisfactory
proof that, however we may hive degenerated
since the DAYS of the Revolution, and fallen
short of the elevated craftsmanship and patri-
otism of our predecessors, we are not yet alto
gether unworthy to WELD the deslmes OF our
great Republic.
There are too many considerations connected
with our history and present condition. which
warm the heart and thrill through the veins, TO
preuit as to rush madly upon desperate measures.
Our progress-our unparalleled advance IN all
the elements of national prosperity and greatness
Our present position, commanding the respect
and admiration of the word-our Just national
PRIDE and the glorious prospect of the iuiurc-the
happy results thus far Of the great experiment,
first successfully tried on tins continent appeal
70 every lover of his country and his race, 10
stand by the Union which has wrought out these
results and to irOwn upon every movement which
would render that great experiment a failure
Let not the ndiscret on of this OF that State Leg
isamre disturb the egupoisc of our system.
Let not folly and madness be contagious bullet
reason triumph over fanaticlsm. and devotion 20
the country, and the whole country, triumph over
sectional and party considerations.
Perhaps these remarks are already extended
zoo far. ana grauhed thar your inquiry Inns az
iorded am opportunity to counteract IN some de-
gree, the mlayorable Impressions created at the
South hy am act of my State which ! sincerely
dcprccate. II | have INDUCED in remarks not
called for or unnecessary, attribute IL. beseeCh
Won. TO deep feelings on this uoucutous subject
and an ar1eni desire for the restoration of h1r-
mony. At sll events have this assurance, that,
whether appropriate or not, the sentiments here
expressed If they do no good will work no harm.
AIM, sir. very respectfully. yours.
SAMUEL $. PHELPS.