The southern press., 1852-03-09

ton Of the Union While the first and second
resolutions express, IN bold and unmlstakab'e
language, what the people Of Kentucky believe
70 be tlieif constitutional rights, IN relation TO
The all engrosslng issues growing out OF the
institutions of slavery still, by the third reso-
luton the convention resolves that the people
of Kentucky will abide by, and maintain, all the
late acts Of Congress, known as the compromise
measures, as a final settlement of all the ques-
tons embraced in those acts.
Ifber opinions should be deemed extreme, it
but serves to prove how much Kentucky is ready
to yield in the spirit of compromise. Every
DAVIS experience bat serves to convince me, more
and more of the wisdom and patriotism of the
great men who brought about those healing
measures. 1t is as though great national altar
had been erected in our midst, on which every
lover ofour common country is invited to lay his
offering of peace, and to offer up his prayers for
the perpetuity OF our Union, and the continuance
of the inestimable blessings which we enjoy
under its protection.
The territorial question, although one of much
Importance, is fortunately, from its very nature,
destined to be one of short duration. In few
years our wild territories will al become popu-
lous States, and each State will settle within its
own borders the question of slavery, by consti.
tutional enactments that meme can question. In
the meantime, the rights, whether real or imag-
mary, of the coniending parties will remain un.
impaired Let us, then, wait on time, with the
full assurance that He whose march is tracked
by tie desolation of Kingdoms and empires in
the olden East, will bring "healng in His wings
to the young West
The fugitive slave law, with the entire South,
is one of most vital Importance. The people OF
Kentucky are more interested in it than those OF
any other State, and their delegates at Frankfort
have properly marked, with much emphasis, the
necessity of its strict enforcement. This, we
think, we have constitutional right to demand
of the general government. Kentucky does not
make this demand in wantonness, nor for herself
alone, nor yet for the South. but for the entire
Union; for the people of Kentucky honestly
believe that upon the faithful execution of that
law, the peace, the prosperity, and the integrity
of the Union all are staked
The compromise measures WILL in all proba
bility, be added TO the Democratic platform o
lS48, as they have been endorsed by most o
the Democratic conventions in the Union
Whether this be done or rot, every candidate TO
the office of President will stand pledged TO sup
port them.
NV native State has done me the honor through
able consideration of the national convention, to
be held in June next Without such recommen
dation, had resolved that, with my own con
sent, my name shonld not be presented to tha
body. Acting on this determination, have unit
within few days past, answered none of the
many political letters received from other States
which you will please accept as my apology fol
not having replied TO yours. Still, the simple
fact that We met togther on crowded steamboat
and breakfasted at crowded hotel, where mol
one word was uttered by either that might not
for aught | care, have been proclaimed in the
market place, connected with another most as
founding fact, that you and some of your politi
cal friends have dared TO commit the overt act
Of intimating your preference for myself oveI
other gentlemen who are presumed to occupy
precisely the same political position that do
have, it seems, afforded sufficient grounds, with
certain writers for newspapers, TO charge upon
US corrupt intrigue TO secure the vote of the
Free soil party. do not refer to this report fol
the purpose of marking its falsity that you know
full well. My purpose is, to point out definitely
The course have acted upon and intend to adhere
to. have nothing to do with the hopes anc
expectations that usually enter into Presiden
tial canvass. They are natural, and, when baseC
on merit and fitness, not blameable. Ii is enough
for me to say that will not minister 10 them il
the slightest degree Ii is my wish to stanC
perfectly aloof from the contest, and suffer pub
lie opinion 10 form itself. Iprize the chsracte
Of gentleman much higher than the office o
President
have now given you my views briefly, but
trust with sufficient clearness, and beg that yol
will act precisely as you would have done hat
you known them in advance
Whatever your course may be, ] am satisfied
thatft will be dictated by your sense of right
ahc-@il in no degree disturb on my part, tina
friendship which grew mp between US wher
school boys together, aud has travelled with nj
thus far through life, and 10 whi.h had III,
vanity TO believe, and still believe, am indebtet
for that preference to which has been assigned
very different and much less honorable motive
With high regard, truly your friend.