The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-07-26
Model Political LETTER

The following excellent letter FROM the Hon.
ID. :. Dickinson, was read at Easton, Pa, on the
occasion Of the late national anniversary
BINoHAMToN, June 30, 1851.
GENTLEMEN ~ our kind and com plimentary ote
OF recent date, inviting me to comm unca,e with
you on the oaching anniversary of our National
Independence, concerning the grave questions which
agitate the country, found me too much engaged 10
receive more than a hasty notice. But my views
upon this subject can be given in few words. and
without crcuity or pretension; although, perhaps,
they have been too frequently and freely expressed
to excite either attention or interest.
have regarded the ferocious and reasonable
agitation which now dsturbs our federate relations,
from the beginning, as originating in wanton aad
unprov0ked assaults upon the constitutional rights
OF the South, founded in pretences as empty and
hypocritical as they were pharsacal and brazen.
The pompous embassy of negro philanthropy,
which was to force the Southern people into hum
iating and abject compliance, by the despotic ex.
eIcse Oh arbitrary power and consign their liber-
ties TO the dungeon, in the name OF freedom, was
for time excused the harmless rantings of gno-
rance, bgory, and fanaticism, but can DO thus eS-
cused no longer. While these diseases continue to
disfgure society, they have associates more base
and mischievous than themselves From this small
grain has sprung up tree, in which unclean birds
rest and prey upon the vitals Of tt constitution.
Anti-slavery now constitutes the stock in trade of
political dcmagogues and mole-eyed statesmen it
constructs platforms for Presidential aspirants and
it's galvanc power is invoked to quicken the re-
mans OF deceased politicians. IL desecrates tue
sacred desk, where it is too often employed by
u
religion. In short, IL has become SYNONYMOUS with
treason and disunion. The honest masses who
were, IL moment of delusion, betrayed iuto it,
support, have ied from its contagion and hereafter
its followers and supporters will be incurablcs, and
those whose dark designs aud evil actions are
hatcbcd IN the same foul nest with the basest of
crimes against the state.
The comproUise measures OF the late Coo sress
were designed 10 settle, go far as this could be
attained by legislation, the whole controversy on
the subec OF slavery; and, though not satisfactory
TO I'll the friends Of adjustment, were as whole
regarded as reasonably fair, and tho best which
could be secured. The question r. pletc with
difficulty aud danger, and has been passed upon by
Congress, and its action sanctioned by large
nalmity o. the American people. Inc South
could not with honor have claimed less, and yet.
% aTcoTlc, in a spirit Of devotion TO the Union,
they propose TO stand BY this settlement In rs true
inrort, 20 long as ii is faithfully observed by che
hCc states. With the North, thcr. rests the re-
sICnsibilty If maintaining inviolate this mutual
pledge Il faith, upon which hangs events so mo-
mentous for good or evil
The anniversary o. our national birthday, sacred
TO the cause OF freedom, and ballOsed by 50 many
dear and Interesting rceolectipns, is well CHOSEN
Tor an Interchange Ut sentiments upon this great
asa Itrilous question, and for reviewing the true
relations which the states bear to each other aud
TO the jniun, under the federal compact. IL will
enable the patriotic 70 hold sweet communion to-
griher, ircsI cctyc Of miserable partisan divisions
over The great ard absorbing qucstios which con-
Germs cur political peace, and TO strengthen each
others hearts aud hands for renewed eif0rs la the
cause Of equality. The timii aud doubling may
.eise the occasion TO gather light AMI courage
ihose toiscous of houtst error can retrace their
politics. vanderings; and last, though not least,
the bad can be held up 10 public execra,ion and
scoin, aud be shorD o. their power 10 do harm
they Who would despOil AMI devastate this fair
heritage Of Heaven, 20 indulge at bcs, morbid,
sickly, end mistaken sentimentto blot forever all
there j. valued aud beautiful Fl on train OF events
which has long furnished wonder and admiration
for an envious and oensorious world-to cast down
the strong aud impossible barrier which y free
constitution has erected between freedom and de.-
Toiism-
and shut the gates of mercy on rnankint
have the honor to be, viii profound regard,
your friend, ID. >. DIcRISsJs.