Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1852-04-21
,IiN, WEBSTER AND TIE COMPROMISE.

Mr.. G. A. Tavenner, Of Alexandria. having ad
dressed Mr. Webster on the subject Of the Compro-
mise, has dawn from him the following reply,
which is published in the Alexandra Gazette:
f. WASHINGTON, April 10, 1852.
Dear Sir,--l have the honor TO acknowledge the
receipt of your letter of the 9Th instant, aud thank
you for what you are pleased to say fmy fidelity
TO great national Wing principles trust there is
not man in the country who doubts my apprOSa-
ton of those measures, which are usually called
"Compromise Measures" or my fixed determine
zion to uphold them steadily and firmly. Nothing
but deep sense Of duty led me 10 take the part
which did take, in bringing about their adoption
by Congress, aud that same sense of duty remains
with undated force. | am of opinion that those
measures, one and all, were necessary and expedi-
entand ought to be adhered 10 by all friends of The
Constitution, and all lovers of their country. That
one among them which appears TO have gwen the
creates, dissatisfaction, mean the Fugitive Slave
Law, hold TO be law entirely constitutional,
highly proper and absolutely essential to the peace
IF the country. Such a law is demanded by the
plain written words of the Constitution; and how
any man can wish to abrogate or destroy it, and at
The same time say that lie is supporter Of the
Constitution and willing to adhere to those provls
ions in il, which are clear and positive injunctions
and restraints, passes my power of comprehension
My beliefs that when The passions of men sub
side, and reason and true patriotism are allowed 10
have their proper sway, the public mind, North
and South, will come 10 proper state upon these
questions. do not believe that further agitation
can make any considerable progress at the North.
The great mass Of the people, am sure,are sound
and have no wish TO interfere with such things as
are, by the Constitution, placed under the exclu-
sve control of the separate States. have noticed,
indeed, not without regret, certain proceedings to
which you have alluded, and in regard TO these,
have TO say, that gentlemen may not think it ne
cessary or proper, that they should se called upon
to AFFIRM by resolution, that which is already the
existing law of the land. That any positive move
ment TO repeal or alter any or all the Compromise
measures would meet with any general encourage
ment or support, do not at all believe. But how
ever that may be, my own sentiments remain and
are likely to remain quite unchanged. am in ia
vor of unfolding the Constitution, in the general,
and all its particulars am in favor of respecting
its authority and obey:ng its nunclions; and to the
end Of life shall do all in my power to fulfil honest
y and faithfully all lis provisions. | look upon the
Compromise measures as proper, fair and final
adjustment of the questions to which they relate
and no re-agtaton Of those questions,no new open
ing of them, no effort 10 create dissatisfaction with
them will ever receive from me the least counte-
nance or support, concurrence or approval, at any
time, or under any circumstances.
| am, with regard,
your obi. servant,