The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-01-03
From the Indiana State Sentinel.
Letter from the Editor to Hon G. N Fitch

WASHINGTON, Dec. 49, 1850.
DEAR SR:-The following article is from .ks
CDR. FITCH.
DR.. Graham N. Fitch, passed through the
city last week, en- route for Washington The
Doctor assures US that the disunon humbug was
the veriest farce imaginable, that he opposed
to the passage Of the Fugitive slave bill went to
Bill Brown and urged him not to vote for it, and
for himself was determined to vote for its repeal
He regards the Fugitive slave bill an utter abomi-
nation"
1t refers to an alleged conversation between
yourself and the editor, (not intended, presume,
for publication,) in which my name is used and
in such manner as to imply a controversy between
you and myself, relative to the Fugitive slave bill.
In legslating, have aimed to consult my own
Judgment, and what regard the interests and
wishes Of my constituents, and to vote according
w. In doing so, often differ with my colleagues;
but never call in question their votes Under your
instructions and pledges, regarded your vote on
the Fugitive slave bill correct Being different
y situated, and under no pledges, voted differ
emily. AS DR.. Ellis has made the alleged CONVEX
sation public through the columns Of his paper,
should be pleased to know to what extent you
authorized him so to do, and whether he has cor
recly represented you
Very respectfully your OBJ p ss5y,,
REPLY OF HON. G. N. FITCH TO THE ABOVE.
WAsHNeroN, Dec. 10, 1850.
DEAN Sin: ! regret much that my old friend, the
editor of the Statesman, should so far step aside
from the courtesies Of social life to build an
editorial involving others, and eractiy in accordance
,cih his prejtldces and uie,cs out Of private
| conversation, and without my knowledge or con-
| sent. Ii is impossible to remember the details of
| the half hours conversation with him. That !
expressed no fears Of immediate dsunion is doubt
less true-havng entertained none such; though
that civil war would have ensued had not the
Texas and New Mexico boundary been settled |
have no doubt have usually in conversations
upon the subject whether did in this instance
or mott stated my conviction, that continued
causes Of dissatisfaction, elimination and recrimi-
nation, between North and South, must inevita-
bly, result in few years in attempted dissolution
of the Union; and therefore, the sooner such
causes ceased their operation the better and safer
for the country. This conviction has been coupled
with another, viz: that there were those, North
and South, who desired such catastrophe, dds
union J and would leave effort unried to bring
| il about NV opinion Of the Fugitive slave bill
can readily be ascerained by any one DESTROYS Of
| knowing, without going to private conversations,
| by reference to synopsis in the Phnros, of my
sDeech in I.ogansport in October last. | regret
the temper of the article to which you have called
nv attention, as it manifess disposition to make
| an issue between myself and those Of my col
leagues who voted for the bill. My opinion rela-
tive to il was well known to my colleagues;
hence, whether did or did not urge you or any
one else to vote against it, be Of very little
ment remember to have solicited you, either
personally, or through one Of our colleagues, to
vote against proposed amendment OF the slave
trade bill; and probably so stated to the editor of
the Statesman.
I presume it was this statement to which the
editor desired to allude, as do not remember to
have made any other to him relative to your votes.
The Indiana delegation differed in their opinion Of
the Fugitive slave bill but the difference
an honest one. Each voted according to the die
tates of his own judgment. trust shall be the
last one To introduce encourage the introduc-
ton of difference Of opinion relative to that bill,
or any other sectional question, us an issue among
Democrats Such course should be deprecated by
all good Democrats unwise, unnecessary and
mschievous We have national objects and prin
ciples upon which TO write, and should avoid at
tempting to engraft upon them any sectional ques-
tons as such attempts can only lead to disastrous
decisions. | regret furthermore, the temper ofthe
article became il by implication makes me party
TO the personal feeling apparently entertained by
the editor towards yourself, one OF my colleagues,
with all Of whom my relations are and have been
of the most friendly character. would no more
be uncourteous in language or act toward col
league, than toward the editor OF the Statesman
with whom, as editor Of the Goshen Democrat, it
was my pride for many years to cooperate polit-
ically in the same congressional district, The ar