Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-05-05


this session, expressing as the sense OF the country
that the Compromise measures should be main
tanned as final settlement of the questions they
embraced, and should be fairly and honestly exc
cuted. Nineteen had voted against that resolution
Nine were absent. These, united to the vote o
the Senators, would have been sufficient to over
power the whole representation present from thu
slavehoding States, had that representation beer
united We will not dwell upon the consldera
tions these facts suggest, or express the reflections
which they naturally awaken. 1t is apparent, how
ever, that the time and place have been determn
ed, not only by minority of the Wing represen-
tation, but by preponderance Of that element Of
the representation which either opposed the AID
justment or disavows the "fnality" of the settle
ment.
The question of order is then considered at some
legth, and then the Address proceeds
eve frankly state that it was our deliberate
purpose to announce at the Threshold an I'M
alterable determination to aid in no scheme
for an election associated with or allied to
men whose policy it was to ignore the final set
Element of those dangerous and exciting questions
which are embraced by what is termed 'the Ad-
justment.'" This being the position of the MEM
bers whose names are signed to the Address, and
it being impossible to draw any other inference
from the refusal to entertain Gentry's amendment
"but that the determination existed to commit all
who participated in the meeting to the support of
the nominee of the National Convention, whether
he shall be pledged to Import the Compromise or
not" they felt that no course remained for them
but to withdraw formally from the meeting.
The seeding members have been charged
with design to distract the counsels Of the
Wings, and to open afresh the agitation upon the
slavery question. But their effort was "to induce
the Wings to assume national ground-a conser-
vative and patriotic position-the only position up
on which the statesman and the patriot can main
tain the harmony of these States or preserve the
existence of this government" And so far from
opening agitation, their object was to preclude
it 'by assuming as starting point for the canvass
that the entire party, North and South, faithfully
abides by the law as it exists, and maintains the
Compromise measures as final settlement of the
exciting questions they embrace. Howis it posi-
bic that this position can afford basis for renew
ed agitation, aleSS there is determination not to
abide By that settlement"
The address concludes as follows:
Should both of the great political parties fail to
shape future party organization upon the enlarged
and fair principle to which we invited the Wing
meeting at the Capitol on the Goth instant, there
remains but one other resort. The people will
demand such an Organization, at the expense of ex-
listing parties, and it will triumph over both or,
msled by political leaders, whose personal am
bition rises above their love of country, the peo-
pie will become involved in canvass conduct
ed, by candidates whose parasites will pander to
sectional prejudces, and will seek political prefer
ment by arousing sectional passions. The next
Congress, in that case, will be composed of men
of all parties, pledged to renew the agitation of
much difficulty. The result of such struggle
human foresight cannot compass. We have be-
eved that intelligent craftsmanship, by timely ac-
ton and patriotic effort, could avoid the trial and
the catastrophe. We made an honest effort to
point the way. We have now explained our mo-
tive and our conduct, and we confidently submit
them to your Judgment.
The events of the Congressional meeting of
10Th April are of significant import. 1t does not
become the undersigned to suggest your course in
view of them. Our object is accomplished by in
vting to them your immediate consideration, sat
sfed, as we are, that they will awaken your Sc
rious reflection, and guide you to such action as
may be demanded by the duties to the present &
the hopes of the future.
Signed byW Brooke, of Mississippi, Jack
son Morton, Florida ,Jno Moore, Louisiana Hum
phry Marshall, KY M. P. Gentry, Tenn, c. H.
Williams, do, E. G. Cabell, Florida, David Out
law, N. CD. Aristide Landry, Louisiana, and
j. F. Strother, Va Mr.. Clingman, of N. c.,
signs the following 81 concur folly in the state
ment of facts as well as the general positions of
this address,