The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1851-08-07
PENNSYLVANIA.

The readers of the Era will remember that
several weeks since we published series of ques-
tions, from the North American, Of Philadelphia,
to Colonel Bigler, the Democratic nominee for
Governor, as to his position on the Wilmot Pro-
viso, for which he voted, and also on the law of
ls47, refusing the of the jails Of the Common
wealth to incarcerate slaves. After a long ST.
lence, Col. Bigler has at length taken his posi-
ton, as will be seen by the following extract
from letter published in the Pennsylvania, and
dated Clearfeld, July 90
q observe that the North american is still in
doubt about my position in reference TO the great
question now agitating the country. 1t assumes
what ia incorrect in reference to the law of 1S47.
| did not vote for it; took no part in the pro-
ceedings Of the Senate on the subject, nor could
| it, in my opinion have become q law, il its full
sssrng had been psr s q the tins . Rss
not influence my present position in reference to
"My views are in entire accordance with the
sentiments adopted at the Reading Convention
and had not supposed that disposition could
be found anywhere to regard them otherwise
am for all the Compromise measures, and in favor
Of thorough and ebfciem execution of them as tie,
are and against all future Congressional agita
ton of the questions settled by them.
with sentiments of high regard, remain
dear sir yours, WIN. BIGLERn
Upon which the North american remarks:
awe assumed nothing but what the Legisls-
tive record justified and substantiates. Ii may
be technically true that Colonel Bigler did not
vote-that is, did not record his vote-in favor OF
the act of lS47, denying the use Of our jails for
fugitive slaves; but that ne morally and legally
so voted-that he voted in fact and according to
every Parliamentary usage and form, cannot be
denied. He was present in the State Senate--as
is shown by his motion instantly following the
passage of the bill-and neither demanded divi-
sion nor raised an objection to law which, for a
convenient purpose, he now pronounces to be
unconstitutional and unjust in its operation -
thereby Representing the memory Of Governor
| Skunk who signed 1t after nine days considers-
ton. When the bill was called up, 80 unanimous
was the Senate in its favor, that the ordinary
rules we're dispensed with, and the second and
third readings succeeded each other without de-
lay, or the appearance Of an objection. In his
attempted explanation at this late day, Colonel
Bigler convicts himself of ignorance, or some
thing worse; or why-if bis opinions then were
| what they are professed to be now--occupying a
seat when the final forms of legislation were pro-
crossing to completion, did he aliow an unoon-
stitutonal and unjust law to be contaminated ~
Colonel Bigler does not deny that he voted for
the Wilmot Proviso instruction resolutions His
vote in their favor may be found on page 1919, vol.
| l. Of Senate Journal on the 9th Of January,
ls47. But times change, and we change with
them" Colonel Bigler but follows the illustri-
Gus example of Glass; Webster, and others, and
supports the Compromise measures as the perfec-
ton of human wisdom. Let the Free Democracy
Of Pennsylvania fully understand the position of
this renegade, who solicts their votes for the
highest Office in the gift of the State He is thus
far explicit: 81 am for all the Compromise meas.
ures," and "against all future Congressional agi-
tation Of the questions settled by them" In other
words, he sustains the Fugitive Slave Law, depre-
Gates agitation against it, and fully endorses the
resolutions of the Reading Convention. II the
Free Democracy of Pennsylvania can support
Colonel Bigler after this avowsl, this cringng to
the behests of the Hunker politicians, they will
show that they regard the success of men as Of
more importance than a stern devotion to prin-
| ciples