The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-07-23
From the New York Journal Of Commerce
Letter from MIR Dickinson


The following excellent letter from the Hon d. s.
Dickinson read at Eason, Pennsy lvania on the oc
casion OF the late national anniversary:
BIsoHAMPros, June 30, 1851
GENTLEMEN. Your kind and complimentary note OF a
recent date, inviting me TO communicate with you the
approaching anniversary OF our national Independence
conce rning the grave questions which agitae the
try, found too much engaged to receive than
hssy notice. But my views upon this subject can be
given in few words, and without circuit or pre'ension
although perhaps, they have been too frequently and
freely expressed excite either attention interest
have regarded the erocious and reasonable agitation
which ds,arbs our federal relations from the begin
ding originating in wanton and unprovoked assaults
upon the constitutional rights OF the South. founded
preiences empty and hypocr'tica they were phar
saca and brazen. The pompous embassy Of negro phi.
lanihropy which was 10 force The southern people into
Illuminating and ablect compliance by the despoc exer
else OF arbitrary power, and consign their liberties 10
the dungeon in the name OF freedom, was Tor time
the harmless ranngs OF ignorance bgolry, and
fanatcism, but be thus excused no longer. While
these diseases continue 10 ds6gure society, they have
associates more base and mschIevous than themselves
From this small grain has sprung up tree, IN which
unolean birds rest and prey upon the vals OF the
siituiion. Anti slavery constitutes the stock in
trade OF poucal demagogues and mole eyed statesmen
IL constructs platforms Tor presidential asprants and
galvanc power invose ed 10 quicken the remaas of de-
ceased politicians II desecraies the sacred DESK where
| il is too often employed by those who offer cant and
gtimace substitute Tor religion. Ia short 1t has be.
come synonymous with treason and disunion The hon
masses who were, in moment OF delusion beraye ed
into It's support have He'd from lis conagon, and here
alter its followers and supporters will be neuroHe az
those whose dark designs aud evil actions Matched
in the same foul nest with the basest OF crimes against
saints.
The compromise measures OF the late Congress were
designed to settle, far this could be attained by
| legislation, the whole controversy the subject OF
slavery and though not satisfactory all the friend.
OF adjustment, were AZ whole regarded reasonably
fair and the best which could be secured The question
was replete with difficulty and danger. and has been
passed upon by Congress, and iis action sanctioned by
a large majority of the American people. The South
could not with honor have claimed less and yet.
peope in a spirit of devotion 10 The Union they pro-
pose 10 stand by this settlement in s import long
as it is faithfully observed by the free States With the
NORTH them rests the responsibility OF maintaining invo-
hi. mutual pledge OF faith, upon which hang events
40 nomentous for good or evil
The anniversary Of national birthday sacred 10 the
cause OF frsedom and haowea by so many dear and in
teresting recoectons, well chosen Tor interchange
OF sentiments upon this great and perilous Question: and