The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-04-23
Mr.. Buchanan,s Letter.

We have not happened to meet TILL this mo-
ment with Mr.. BucHANAN's letter to the Cen
trail Southern Rights Association Of Virginia, in
| reply to their invitation to the ex-senator and
| ex:Secretary to visit Richmond. Mr.. BUcHA
NAN plants himself on safe ground-the resolu-
tons of '9S! If he fails by this demonstration
to connect himself with the old Richmond dy-
nasty, there is no hope for him. We do not
know how these notions will suit the north
western Democracy; but we think they have
had more than they feel to be good for them of
Virginia distractions" We hardly think that
Mr.. BUoHANAn's views on the River and Har-
Dor Improvement question will suit Cleveland
and Chicago:
WHEATLAND, (near Lancaster April 10, 1851.
NV DEAR SIRs; have received your kind letter
othe I'd instant, with the resolutions adopted by the
Central Southern Rights Association of Virginia,
inviting to address the Association at such time
may suit my convenience, and to counsel with
them "in regard to the best means to be adopted,
in the present ming crisis, for the maintenance
of the Constitution and the union Of the States in
their original purity
should esteem it both high honor and great
privilege to comply with this request; and there
fore regret to say that engagements, which need
not specify, render 1t impossible for me to visit
Richmond during the present, or possibly the next
month.
Tho Association do me more than justice
when attribpting to me strong desire "for the
maintenance of the Constitution and the union OF
the States in their original purity" Whilst few
m n in this country would venture to ayov a diff.
ferent sentiment, yet the question still remains, by
what means can this allimportant purpose be best
accomplished? feel no hesitaton in answering, by
return to the old Virginia platform Of States
rights, presented by the resolutions of 1898 and
'99, and Mr.. Madson's report. The powers con-
ferred by the Constitution upon the General Gov
eminent must be construed strictly, and Congress
must abstain from the exercise of all doubtful
powers. But it il said these arc mere up
meaning abstrac tions-and 90 they are, unleas
honestly carried into practice. Like the Chris
tian's faith, however, when it IL genuine, good
works will inevitably flow from sincere be-
lief in such strict construction Of the Constitu.
ton. Were this old republican principle adopted
in practice. we should no longer witness unwar-
rantable and dangerous attempts in Congress to
interfere with the institutions Of domestic slavery,
which belong exclusively to the States where it
exists; there would be no efforts to establish high
protective tariffs-the public money would not be
squandered upon grand system of internal i'm
provements. general in name, but partial in its
very nature, and corruptng in ts tendency, both to
the Government and to the people; and we would
rctrench our present extravaganza expenditures, pay
our national debt, and return to the practice of
wise economy SO essential both to public and pri-
vate prosperity. Were ! permitted to address
your Association, these are the counsels l should
give and some of the topics should discuss as the
best means "for the maintena nee, both Of the Con-
stituon and the union of the States in their origi
nal purity and for the pcrpetuation Of our great
and glorious Confederacy.
With sentiments of high regard, remain yours,
very respectfully, JAMES BUCHANAN.
Ro. G. Scott, c. g. Morgan. and Thos. E. Jeter,
Committee of the Central Southern Rights Associ-
alton of Virginia.