The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-02-07

= WHY HOlQ yOuI iHcttlHbo iAiO
there any Disunionists in Tarrytown 2" Thus
inquire well-meaning journals. The answer
may be given in a few words. There are
traitors, both at the North and South, who seek
the overthrow Of the Constitution and the dis
solution of the Union. We may as well use
the right word to convey the idea which we
intend We say traitors.
An article on this subject, of peculiar point
and significance, has recently appeared in the
Louisville Journal; and it presents in SO strong
a light the facts which formed the basis Of the
late letters of Mr.. WEBSTER and Mr.. CLAY to
the Union citizens of Westchester, that we
must find place for it, though to our own exclu-
sion from our editorial columns. We ask for it
the calm and candid consideration of our Wine
brethren, who have hitherto looked up to these
leaders of the Wine party for direction and
counsel.
Frec-soilism and Disunionism-Thc meet
ing OF tho Extremes.
President Fillmore, in his admirable message to
Congress at the opening of the present session.
takes occasion to speak of the Compromise .mea
sures of last summer with very decided approval.
He regards those measures as "final settlement"
of the dangerous and exciting subjects which they
embrace. We have no doubt that three fourths of
all the people in the Union perfectly willing to
regard those measures he regards them-as
final settlement of all the subjects embraced in the
Compromise acts.
But it cannot be disguised that there two
classes of men in the country who resolved that
they will never accodc to the Compromise mea-
sures, and who are exceedingly active at this mo-
mcnt in striving to stir up sectional excitements,
and to rcsuscitate the slavery agitation. These
two classes the abolitionists Of the northern
States, and the secessionists of the South. They
are the men to whom President Fillmore referred
when be remarked that call mutual concession in
the nature of compromise must necessarily be
unwelcome to men of extreme opinions" These
men of .'extreme opinions in the aggregate,
constitute a considerable party Of malcontents, in
whose hearts there is no love of Union Separate
ly, they not to be feared. If there were po-
tical abotionists in the non saveholding States,
nobody would fear the disunionists of the South,
and if there were southern disunionsts, the po-
litical abolitionsts would be very generally dsre-
garded But it is the incessant turmoil and din
which these malcontents keep up in both sections
of the Confederacy from which danger is to be ap-
pretended.
Neither the northern nor the southern band OF
factionists, acting separately rs a political party,
could succeed in making their influence felt in the
National Legislature But we have seen, in seve-
raj instances, the evil consequences which flow
from combination formed between the Free soil
party with the old political parties. These Free
soilers who are frequent and fervent in their de-
nuncations of all compromises as deserton Of in
tegrity as violation of the "higher law" for
,ct,
reverence, never refuse to make compromises from
which they themselves can secure any advantages
The recent shameful coalition in the Massachusetts,
Legislature, by which the Locofoco and Frcc-soi
parties agreed to parcel out al, the offices among
themselves, displays eagerness on the part Of
the higher law men to consult the expedcnt, rather
than what they profess to regard right, worthy
of the most tricky Of all miserable demagogucs
They, in body, voted for the Locofoco candidates.
without the slightest reluctance, notwithstanding
they have always declared the doctrines which
some Of these candidates maintain TO be damnable
They voted for men whose principles shocked
them, in consideration that the Locofocos should
likewise debase themselves by voting for candidates
whose doctrines they have always proessed to nbhor
Now, are not these Free soilers entitled to pirate
of "higher law" and to denounce all compro-
misses as originating with the devili
So also this same Frcc-soil party in the Ohio
Legislature offered To sell themselves to either the
Wings or the Locofocos. provided that either Of
them would vote for Frcc-soil candidate for Uni.
ted States Senator, the Locofocos did in the case
| of Mr.. Chase. We are glad to be able to say that
up TO this moment neither party is willing to ac-
cept the offer of the Free sellers, and to enter into
| a coalition disgraccful to all concerned.
Now these efforts Of the Free soilers in tho Legis
latures of Ohio and Massachusetts would in them.
selves warrant any one in denouncng as hollow,
cantng, and hypocritcal, oil their professed rcve-
| renee for higher law than that which springs
from human authoritics. Men who are really and
| truly devoted to the higher law will never condo
scend to act in violation either Of principle or OF
| honor. But the business of coalescing with other
parties has always been carried on by these Free
e0ilers, II Conversational and In lsRslauyA alec.