Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-01-11
THE UNION PARTY.

The UNION PARTY.
The Hon. II. S. Foote has felt himself called
upon by various reasons which have found publ
city through the press, and especially by letter
in the Washington Union, to address to the editor
| that paper an explanation ofwhat has be n done
in Washington, within his knowledge, towards
the formation off Union party. The letter init
mated that certain movements were supposed to
be IN progress, looking to the early assemblage in
the city of Washington of Mass Union Con-
venon-having in view the attainment of politi-
cal results of various kinds, and especially the
election in 1852 of President and Vice Presi-
dent OF the United States, as nominees ofa Nation
al Union Convention"
Gen. Foote, after reviewing the state of fittings
involving great peril 10 the Union, which existed
previously to the recent Union manifestations in
| various Northern and Southern States. proceeds
to say
When there was thus every thing in the prospect oil
me nture TO discourage and to alarm the friends of The
Unon,two great, patriotic and truly imposing popular
movements were almost simultaneously made in the
great cities of New York and Philadelphia to bring to-
gethe and to Unite in bonds OF traerna association
an VINO were willing to sustain the constitution and
laws ana to aid IN putting down sediton, whether
hlbng its gorgon either north or south of Mason
ana n, DlTon,s line. The meetings in New York and
rnliaoelpha alluded to were quickly followed up in
various States both of the North and the Souh and
something like regular Union party is already known
10 nave brought into existence in various northern and
southern States which party predict will continue TO
exist, and to operate with efficient conservative in
huence, without seriously disturbing the organization
OF the two old national parties, but purifying and i'm
proving both OF hem as trust, until the dangers which
| have heretofore menaced institutions shall have
| disappeared Such is, as nearly as can describe it,
the condition OF things, far the formation of
| Union party is concerned, at the present moment.
VIII now offer short explanation of what has re-
Gently occurred. Several gentlemen including myse IT,
We're written to about ten days since by the Unon Safe
tycommittee OF New York, requesting us to express
| our opinion to the expedency of holding Union
Mass Convention in Washington. Ii was thought that
such convention might he We the effect of imparting
additional zeal and efficiency to the movements OF the
friends OF the Union in every pat of the republic. Ii
was expected that at this convention resolutions would
be adopted declaring the determination of its members
to sustain the plan OF adjustment in all its parts and to
cooperate in the prostraton Of faction and tactonss
wherever they might be found to exist. The idea was
also suggested and generally if not unanimously ap-
proved that it should be recommended by the conven-
ton to Union. loving citizens everywhere celebrate
the approaching anniversary OF Washington's birth.
day by the holding OF Union meetings in every village
town and city on the continent confess that the pro-
position met with much favor with me in the begin.
ming; and did n OF hesitate to declare at once that
the movement proposed could be kept entirely dscon
neced with the presidential question: should be more
than willing TO participate in it, But this separation
deemed Indispensable; and had the convention assem-
bed, designed offering a resolution to that effect
which do not doubt would have been unanimously
sanctioned
Only few days had elapsed after the reception O
this letter from New York before various rumors OBJ
tanned circulation touching proposed conventional
meeting; and grave suspicious found expression, also
which seemed TO admonsh those who had at first ia
vored It's assembling, that, for several reasons Wash
ington would not be the most suitable place in all re-
spects Tor our theatre OF action; and believe that al
VINO have written on the subject TO the New York com
mittee have perfectly harmonized in their views upor
this subject, In regard TO all important points, from tn
beginning to the end. So far from any division ant
I'll 1eelng having arisen among u.s. respect to the
mnaton OF Union candidates tor the presidency ant
vice presidency do not believe that the subject Of thu
presidential election was ever thought oi Certainly nj
person ever suggested the proprety of such action
that referred to me, or in my hearing. Indeed had
thought that 1t was decidedly too early for any specif
body OF politicians to be making defnve arrangement
IN regard to the next presidential election For one
at least cannot hesitate to declare that, until shall
ascertain the Union to be SAFE shall strive to think
little possible either upon old party issues or upon tn
election OF Chief Magistrate in 1852. Until the re
public shall be rescued from threatened ruin shou
scorn myself II could participate in any scheme what
ever whether looking to mere personal advancement
10 the triumph OF party; and can those who d.
not seem 10 appreciate the high attributes that belong
.ne cnafacer OF such men as your correspondent ha
specially alluded o-Clay, CaSs, Dickinson, Webster
Cobb, douglas, and others-that have never heart
one OF these gentlemen, IN the most remote manner al
Jude to his own claims TO official advancement since thu
plan of adjustment lyreported in the Senate
by the memorable Committee Of Thirteen.
Thus have endeavored to supply such statemen
OF particulars as know to be abso utey true and as
hope will prove satisfactory to the American people
general confess that do not expect to satisfy ehe
abolonsts or disunonists their organs or allies; no
am either ambitious OF their appreciation in dreat
OF their censures
Most cordially, yours, &c. &c.,
H. S. FOOTE.
Il WASHINGTON, Jan. 7, 1851