The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-24
Union Meetings.

Union Meetings.
| We publish to-day, in another column, a let
ter from the Hon WILLIAM DUER to the com
mttee OF Union meeting, then about to be
held at Ellcottville. The views and opinions
| therein stated are in accordance with the known
sentiments Of the writer, and do equal credit to
his good judgment and sound patriotism. The
letter was written some five weeks since, with
in which period there has been general ten
dency to a subsistence of the waters of agitation.
When it was recently proposed to hold central
Union meeting at Washington, it was supposed
that the crisis had passed, and that there was
therefore hardly necessity for such marked
and emphatic demonstration.
We perceive, however, that the mayor of the
city of New York has recommended that the
22d of February, WAsHINGToN's BIRTHDAY,
be signallzed in that place by Union celebra-
ton, for the purpose of recalling the sentiments
naturally suggested by that anniversary, and
thus renewing and establishing the attachment
of the people to the Union. This suggestion
seems to have met with great favor, and the
day is likely to be celebrated at New York in
a manner worthy of the occasion 1t seems
that Union meetings will alsb be held in other
of which will no doubt be to allay excitement,
to give confidence to the friends of the Union,
and to rebuke untoward and mischievous agta-
ton
We believe, indeed, that even without such
demonstrations, the country may be regarded
as safe. Nevertheless, there are still signs of
uneasiness, clouds of evil omen which we
should be glad to see dissipated. In the North
we feel assured that the people are disposed to
acquiesce in the great Compromise. The Flu
gitive Slave law is indeed distastefal to many
there, but they will not obstruct its opera
ton. If unprincipled ringleaders, whose i'm
portance wholly depends upon agitation, would
let the matter rest, the great body of the peo-
pie in the free States would be content, and
doubtless rejoice in their hearts at the prospect
of peace and quiet. But as these leaders will
still seek to stir up strife, a combined expires
sion of public opinion in behalf of the Union, in
behalf of tranquility, in behalf of the Adjust
ment, may serve to trample out the incendiary
fires they would rekindle and scatter over the
country.
In the South, the rumblings of the tempest
that has swept by are still heard--its echoes
breaking even upon this city. There is here
an active and energetic press openly devoted to
disunion. One State on the Atlantic border
stands ready to lift the flag Of secession, if it
can get sufficient number of recruits to march
beneath that reasonable banner. Another
State, through its Legislature, has declared the
right of secession, and recent convention of
delegates from several States has sanctioned
the same doctrine. 1t is announced through
various authoritative channels that the southern
States will regard the constitutional compact as
violated, and no longer binding upon them, if
the free States shall fail in good faith to carry
out, on their part, the measures of the Compro-
mise.
When we say, therefore, that we regard the
Union as safe, it is only because we believe
that the people of the country at large are pro-
foundly conscious that we have passed through
crisis of imminent danger; and that this crisis
will Immediately return, if the citizens of every
section of the country do not sacrifice local
prejudices, narrow interests, and petty passions,
upon the altar of public good. Whatever
tends to substitute national and patriotic SEN
timents in the hearts of the people, for
little and unmanly motives, must be Of sal
utary tendency, and serve to anchor these
States in the safe and peaceful harbor Of per-
feet tlion--the end and object Of the federal
compact. The proposed meetings-consisting
of members Of all political parties, and having
no party object in view--we think, will con-
tribute to these ends, without provoking susp-
cion of sinister designs, or rousing the warning
fires of opposition or agitation.