The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-05-29
Letter from Taos. J. Rusk, Esq.

WASHINGTON, May 2l, 1852.
Sir have received your letter OF the nth instant.
IN which you PROFOUND certain nlerIogaioes respect
ing what are termed the compromise acts, passed by
OF fugitive slaves.
10 answer to the questions submitted by YOU do not
hesitate to say that think would be bad policy 10 dis
turb the provisions OF the laws referred 10, and extremely
dangerous TO the safety OF the Union 10 repeal al
tempt 10 repeal the law relating to the recovery OF fug
tive slaves The right to recover their slave property is
plainly guaranteed to the southern States by the consu
hon. and, being essential 10 their existence, be
abandoned by them The agitation OF the slavery
question has tendency 10 excite and imber the feel
ings OF those who compose our national councils etard
our prosperity as nation by creating sectional preu-
dices, and may fear il permitted 60 in connexion
with our presidential elections. lead to dissolution Of
the federal government l. Tor one, shall lose conf
dence in the stability OF our Union from the day upon
which The fugitive law shall have been repealed. or
should regard any President As morally traitor who
would give his approval TO any enactment mparng any
OF the provisions Of the federal constitution
think any candid who is familiar with the his
tory OF the slavery agitation will at admit that il
is kept up mainly with view TO personal political ele
walton. Demagogues. in view OF the fact that the non
saveholdng States have majority Of the voting popu
aton, keep up the agitation for the purpose OF produ
cling state OF feeling which shall secure 10
ton all the offices and patronage OF the general govern
ment.
My opinion is that at the North, as well as at the
South there is majority Of conservative and patriotic
men, who desire to see this contest terminated and the
Many noble examples of self-sacrifcing patriotism
hbiled themselves at the North during the struggle which
terminated in the enactment OF the compromise meas
ures" For this adhesioa to what they deemed right
these gentlemen have been assailed with fend-ike
magniy home, and, regret to say it, have not been
sustained they deserved to be by the South believe
the time has arrived when due to the best interests Of
the country that men should speak out and wear no
masks. Ii to have peace and protection to our
rights, it is time we should know il. Every man
who aspres 10 political station should show his hand
boldly II honest determination to maintain the
stituon in all of its provisions against sectional dema-
gogues, who prompted to action solely BY the hope
Of political power, is to become disqualification for
federal Office the sooner it is known the better.
The who has not enough 10 that the
agitation the subject OF slavery is rapidly leading TO the
most dangerous consequences, who, seeing this has
not honesty and courage enough to set his face against it.
at the risk OF defeat never receive my vote.
Ia conclusion, desire 10 say that am not candidate
for the presidency; the bonors OF doubtful and
fleeing cbaracte.the duties aud responsibilities beyond
my capacity TO meet.
have, former occasion, expressed openly, and
upon due deliberations my preference for OF the gem
emen spoken of ia connection with the presidency and
delegate 10 the Baltimore Convention, under the
pressed wishes OF my Saie mean to do fairly whatever
may be in my power to his nomination.
an, very respectfully, your obedent servant
THOS. J. RUSK.
Roprpr O. SCorr