North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-07-30
From the N. Y. Journal of commerce.

1E1vrER FROM MR.. DICKINSON.
The following excellent letter from the Hon. D.
s. Dickinson was read at Easton, pennsylvania, on
the occasion Of the late national anniversary
BINGHAMPoRT, June 80, 1851.
GeNrIEmEN: Your kind and complimentary note
of = recent date, inviting me to communicate with
Won on the approaching anniversary of our national
independence concerning the grave questions which
agitate the country, found me too much engaged to
receive more than hasty notice. Butamy views on
this subject be given in few words, and without
circuit or preension although, perhaps, they have
been too frequently and freely expressed 10 excite
either attention or interest. = 2
have regarded the ferocious and reasonable agi-
,ation which disturbs our federal relations from
the beginning originating in wanton and unpro-
voked assaults upon the constitutional rights of the
South, founded in preences empty and hypoorlti-
CA they were pharisaical and brazen. The POM
pous embassy of negro philanthropy which was to
force the southern people into humiliatng and AFFECT
compliance by the despotc exercise of arbitrary pow
err, and consign their liberties the dungeon in the
name Of freedom, was for time excused as the harm
less rantings of ignorance, bigotry and fanatcism,
but can be thus excused no longer. While these di-
continue to disgure society, they have assoc
ciates more base and miscievous than themselves.
From this small grain has sprung up tree, in which
unciean birds rest and prey upon the vials of the
constitution. Anti-sayery const utes the stock
in trade of political dema and moleeyed states
men; it constructs platforms for presidential asplr-
ants and tits galvanic power is invoked to quicken
the remains Of deceased politicians. 1t desecrates
the sacred desk, where It is too often employed by
those who offer cant and grimace substitute for
religion. In short, it has become synonymous with
treason and disunon. The honest masses who were
in a moment of delusion, betrayed into its support
have fled from its contagon, and hereafter its follow
ers and supporters will be incurabie as those whose
dark designs and evil actions Matched in the same
foul nest with the basest crimes against saints.
The compromise measures OF the late Congress
designed TO settle, far this could be attained
by legislation the whole controversy on the subject
of slavery, and though not satisfactory to the friends
Of adjustment whole regarded as reason
ably fair and the best which would be secured. The
question which was replote with difficulty and dam
ger, and has been passed upon by Congress- and its
action sanctioned by large majority of the American
people. The South could not with honor have claim
cd less and YETI people, in spirit of devotion
to the Union, they propose to stand by this settlement
in lis import so long it is faithfully observed
by the free States With the North, then rests the
responsibility Of maintaining involate s-tbe mutual
pledge of faith, upon which hung events so momen-
tous for good or evil. "a.
The anniversary of our national birthday, sacred
to the cause of freedom, and hallowed by many
dear and interesting recollecons is well chosen for
interchange of sentiments upon this great and per-
ious question, and for reviewing the true relations
which the States bear each other. and the Union
under the federal compact 1t will enable the patri-
otto to hold sweet communion together, irrespective
of miserable partisan divisions, over the great and
absorbing question which concerns political peace,
and strengthen each others hearts and hands for
renewed efforts in the of equality. The timld
and doubling may seize the occasion to gather light
ana courage lnoSe conscious OF honest error can
retrace their Proftless wanderngs, and last, though
not least, the bad be held up public execration
and scorn, and be shorn of their power do harm
they who would despoil and devasate this fair heri
tage of Heaven to indulge at best morbid, sicky,
and mistaken sentment-to find forever all there is
valued and beautiful from train Of events which has
long furnished wonder and admiration for envous
and erroneous world-to cast down the strong and
impossible barrier which free constitution has erec-
ted between freedom and despotism,
''And shut the gates of mercy OIL mankind -
have the honor to be, with profound regard, your
friend, d. S. DICKINSON.