The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-05-29
Letter from d. S. Dickinson, Esq.

BlKGHAmroN, N Y, May 20, 1852
My DEAR SIR Your favor OF the nth, suggesting
that, amongst other names, mine had been associated
with the democratic nomination for the presidency, and
propoundng for my consideration certain nerrogatores,
reached me last evening.
have not at any time regarded myself as candidate
for the distinguished honor mentioned and, presume
generally known early declared my preferences for
of the eminent statesmen whose names have long been
conspcuously before the public. Under these crcum-
stances, feel some delcacy in publishing al this time
the opinions OF private citizen, though none in express
ing them.
Il is due as well 10 the kind partially which has pre-.
sen,ed the inquiries as TO my own determination whether
acting private citizen public servant, TO practise
no evasons or conceanents upon vital questions that
an answer should be given IN spirit Of irankness which
becomes the occasion, and It is given accordingly
long since declared il to be my fixed intention and pur
pose, in whatsoever station the vcissudes OF life might
place me- 10 sustain BY any aud every just within
my CONTROL the measures OF adjustment OF $780, believing
their adoption a whole TO have been wise, and their
operation sanitary regard it as the highest duty and
dearest privilege OF the citizen 10 cherish and preserve
Union OF States which has conferred such lncalcula
bic blessings upon mankind and this only be
pshed by maintaining, in letter and ia spirit the nteg
rIty OF the constitution.
That constitution provides for the restoration of flg
byes from service, and The act OF 1850 simply provides
Tor its execution.
On The 2sth OF February, 1910. while discussing Mr.
Walkers amendment providing for the temporary gov
ernment Of the Territories, said in the Senate
They tlhe aorthem poople) read too 10 the cOastiiu-
ton lsis aed % service by the laws OF oe sate
rom whence they lednot 10 be cnslaved il ,iley
have their rights adindicaod by the laws OF lie State
where the service is claimed. All refecring
and know that il violation oil letter and
sp OF tho constitution, Ia the sight OF God and in the
judgment Of men, harbor and fugitive from The
lave OF State which held him service, shelter
aud protec, fugitive from justice, and the
less 4aestonabe in exPedency fragrant in morals than
the {. e o.,
tai law and he who violates llen, either OF them,
der the shallow Justification that they arc OF no moral
force violates the primary duties Of citizenship, and
mis- treason against his goycmuSnt"
On the 26lh Of August, 1850, the final reading of
the fngiive-slsvc bill which passed aud is a
law, said:
The l793 providing FOR restoration OF fugitive
slaves under the constitutions would In my Judgment have
answered the purposes for which It Designed IL IL had
been fairly construed and faithfully executed and although
obviste defects which experience has de-
.sng mandates, yet whole difficulty has rested in
neglect to comply with plain provision Of the consiu.
tag public feeling and obi.
Saton among the people Of the Tree Statos'' No.
ofhs Union solcmny covcnan'ed with each other to re.
rgves from justice and from service, and these pro-
visions too plainly written IN the constitution 10 be mis-
taken disregarded with mppnity"
After citing each branch OF the article, add
!" In both fugitive be delivered ~ sam.
than the other, IS he TO be pot upon TRIAL In the
State to which he has fed Congress do than
the conpact is the fugitive will Justly dealt win IN
the jurisdiction TO which he is returned was ssscnted
70 IN this conhdng spirit and have yet to learn that the
Practice In otherwise"
These opinions have been confirmed by subsequent ex.
perience, and am prepared, under all circumstances,
whenever and wheresoever my action shall be required,
to resist any attempt to disturb change the prov
ions of the existing law reduce il beneath the consl-
uional standard and thus render il less eecua for
curing the people OF the South their conceded rights
II would clearly be the duty Of the Executive under these
circumstances 10 resist any such attempt by incrposng
bis veto; and should II be my fortune 10 be clothed
with such authority, and The occasion should arise, il
would most surely be exercised
II you believe the publication OF this hasly letter at
this time viii advance the interests OF the democratic
party, ii Is al your service accordingly; otherwise, for
reasons hereinbctore stated, should prefer not claim
for myself in this respect the consideration OF The public
haze the honor 10 be, with high regard yours, &C.
d. 5. DICKINSON.
Eosr G. ScorT, esq.