Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1851-11-14

Hon. Howell Cobb, of Georgia, delivered bis inau-
gural address, on the 5th inst, at Medgeville, be-
fore both branches of the Legislature of that State,
together with large concourse of citizens. After
allusion to the great prosperity of Georgia. in ag
ricuture manufactures, and works of internal i'm
provement, His Excelency speaks of the compro-
mise and the position of National politics follows:
&c Nor, gentlemen is the present less interesting
period, when considered in reference TO federal
relations. Our federal government is now passing
through an ordeal which may Justly be regarded
the which il has ever been subjected
In the issue involved not only our own peace
and happiness, but the solution of that great problem
which has engaged so much of the time Of the bie>t
and purest men who have ever ved-the capacity of
man for SELF government.
AT the commencement of the last Congress the
country convused with bitter sectional contro
Versy, growing ont Of the institution of slavery ii
exists in the southern States. The ahlest heads
appalled, with the magnitude of the danger that threat
ened the integrity of the republic, and the stoutes
hearts faltered under the weight Of responsibility. 1t
would be inappropriate 10 this occasion 10 review the
history of that angry and threatening controversy, nor
would necessarily refresh your memories with many
of its painful refeciions hut there lessons and ad
moniions 10 be drawn from IFS consideration which
cannot be too deeply and forcbIy impressed upon the
public mind of the country.
"Ihls threatening issue ultimately brought 10
close in national legislature by the adoption of
series of measures Familiarity known 10 the country as
the Compromise. That Compromise based upon
two important principles The first recognised the
great American doctrine of the right of every people in
| the organization of their State governments to deter
mine for themselves whether not they would have
the institution of slavery part OF their social sys
em-a principle dear every republican heart, and one
upon which rests the whole fabric of American inst-
tutons-hus repudating that other doctrine, justly
odious TO the people of the South, of the right and da
into the Union because her constitution tolerated the
institution of slavery The other cardinal principle OF
the Compromise recognises the constitutional obIlga
ton TO deliver up fugitive slaves when they may
escape into the non slaveholdng States-a duty ex
presSly imposed by the letter Of the constitution
the enforcement of Which is essential to the permanent
of the republic. After the adoption of this Adjustmen
by Congress, circumstances imposed upon the people
of Georgia the important duty of pronouneing the frs
authoritative judgement upon it.
ITO action the eyes of the whole country wer
directed, and fellow citizens every where looked Il
our movements with anxious sociiude. 1t was undo
these circumstances that Georgia called upon Il
speak She spoke and her voice breathed a GLE
spirit Of ardent devotion to the Union and of patrloti
warning its northern friends. Looking the past
and considering the ghts and interests that had bee
involved in the contest. the dangers and dificpte
which had surrounded the country, and the importas
principles upon which the final action of the govern
ment based, she solemnly declared her determine
ton 10 stand to and abide by the Compromise pei
manent and final settlement of this dangerous and vita
+ ssue-iis fnay and faithful enforcement in all il
parts constituting essential elements commend il
the favor and support of herself and her sister State
of the South.
S Looking to the future, with reference TO the me
naces of threatened aggression which had been free
ly INDUCED in by portion OF the people ofthe Nortl
and regarding the adoption of those measures again
which she raised her warning voice, in the fourth
oution of her convention, nsidious blows aimed
her most vital interest, she has calmly but firmly sa
10 this maddened spirit of fanaticsms, Thus far sha
= thou go. and no farther Her position take
IL with calmness in 1S5O-it has been e-afirmed vii
deliberaton in 1851; and now renew the pledge
my hearty cooperation in maintaining it with frmne
and decision. Georgia has thus placed herself upon
broad national ard patriotic platform ana invites her 81
ter States OF the Union stand by her in the preserv
ton of the MANIFEST and freesi government on earhu