The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-04-07


on the homestead bill of MIR. johnson, Of Tennessee;
and then the House adjourned.
Hon Mr. Townshsnd, OF Onto
We insert in our columns to-day the speech OF this
gentleman the compromise measures. in order that our
readers may what is said both sides OF the ques
ton The leading point in the speech is the attempt to
aside the argument in favor of the fugitve-save law
by quotations from the Virginia and Kentucky resolu-
tons OF 1898. The honorable member would treat the
law as nuIly, and refers to the case OF the alien and
sediton laws he would to judicial precedent As
long as such misconceptions exist it becomes important
that public opinion should awaken those charged with
the administration OF our political system proper
of the danger which surrounds II the southern States
are to lose that provision Of the constitution which Sc
cures to them the peaceable recovery OF their fugitive
property it evident that sedeience will require them
assume their original rights and no longer acknowl-
edge copacs which are interpreted only in the sense of
injury and aggression But fortunately this public opn-
ion is still what il was when Mr. Jefferson said that it
can safely tolerate error when truth free to combat it,
and we have already the evidence that within the range
of its corrective power heresy like that of the honor
able member from Ohio is likely TO have any serious in
huence in our national councils The proposition too
plain to be denied, that this Uni formed voluntarily
by sovereign States and that t0cbAdons under which
they established common government must be strictly
fulfilled, that that government loses its authority
Were it otherwise, this government would be one with
out limitation of powers II would be as reasonable to
take away from the North the trial by jury as to take
from the South its constitutional right TO be protected in
its demand for its fugitive property This right is above
all legislation 1t is one Of the conditions Of Union,
and to nullify il is to abroxate the constitution.
II is because we see the speech under consideration
the most grave errors that And the most cogent
sons for those declarations of opinion which have placed
the democratic party the platform Of acquiescence in
the compromise measures That acquiescence. in our
Judgment, excludes all the preensions which have been
urged in favor OF the repeal Of the fugitive. slave law
Amongst those who have been led away from the
democratic party OF Jefferson and Jackson by the Of
know many gentlemen OF talents and attain
ments that would grace and adorn the most elevated
positions in the confederacy, and whose patriotism
and moral worth we cannot suspect or doubt, We
deeply regret that their ability to be useful has been in
measure lost to the country by their misudged
We trust they will yet that the harmony Of the
democratic party the OF its principles. and the
safety OF the beloved Union, demand OF them the
sacrifice m is regarded by them such) OF their opn
ions on this subject and the Cancellation Of the aceraed
feelings of the South The federal Union be pre-
serued-i< compromises Of The constitution must BE- main
tanned.
Position OF Parties this House 81 Representatives
on the Maintenance Of the ComProsaiss.
We place in our columns to-day carefully prepared
analysis, both political and sectional Of the votes given
on Monday las, in the House of Representatives on the
COMPROMISE presented by Messs Jackson and
Hiyer. -.H.t9 aa,a
The resolution presented by Mr. Jackson reads as fol-
lows:
Rssoved That we recognise the binding eic Of tho
the constitutions and believe II TO be tho In
OF the people generally we hereby docase Il to
be individually to abide such compromises, and to
sustain the laws carry them out-the pro-
visions for the delivery fugitive slaves and tho act Of tho
Congress for that purpose included and that we dep
all further agitation OF questions growing out OF that
provision questions embraced Ia the OF the ast
Congress known the Compounds, and Of Questions
orally with the institution OF slavery, as unneces
sary, useless and dangerous
The resolution presented by Mr. Hillyer reads as fol-
| lows
Rssopsd, That the series OF acts passed during the frat
session OF 3l Congress- known the Compromse,
regarded final adjustment and permanent settlement
of questions therein embraced, and should be regard
! ed maintained, and executed as SUCH sE-
i On the motion to amend MIR. Jackson's resolution by
sdding 10 the resolution Of Mr. Hyer the vote stands
Il Ina folloivs. <