The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1852-06-01
The Issue before the Countrv-

In The absence OF all excitement regard 10 the old points
oil difference between the Two grea, parties brief exam.
naon OF the main issue before the country and an in.
quy into the relations which those parties respectively
bear towards IT, would not at the present moment
inappropriate or l-lmed.
Strive 10 conceal II may-haer ourselves as we
are inclined 10 do, that all is peace and tranquility and
that the noble and benehcent institutions we enjoy are
established upon foundation that cannot be oyerthrown-
cannot be denied that danger has existed does exist
and will continue 10 exist, long the elements out OF
which II grows are permitted TO combine with our polt
cal action, and enter into the composition OF the public
sentiment which it produces
Gradually and slowly bu, steadily and surely The great
question OF The day has for years been increasing in
importance, until il has at length concentrated the neres,
and fyeted the attention Of the whole people OF the
United States upon particular point Of ISSUE upon
the decision Of which depend not only their peace pros
perty and happiness but their very existence as nation
not ii is true. called upon yet psremptoy to re-
ply TO the query Shall there be peace or warsha the in
tsgrty Of the Union be preserved or it's bonds al once be
severed and civil strife and nternecne slaughter take the
place Of fraiernal good will and friendly domestic relaonsl
The enemies Of the pemanency Of our institutions are not
quite prepared ssye for 10 the s1a raiio Of re
swsd point the gun upon the defenders Of the Union and
the Constitution But the question before us is preliminary
and necessarily so, TO the last terrible demand which
fanatieism threatens TO make upon patriotism and upon
the nature Of the given 10 that question depends
whether that demand will ever be made, and one portion
Of the eonfcderacy be compelled TO surrender lis rights
or stand 10 lis arms
Ii is unnecessary for at this time to do more than
merely alude to the alarming progress OF ami slavery
sentiment in the North To adduce facts in proof OF s
prevalence, 10 Arguments for the purpose Of show
ing the dangerous character OF its pre- tensions and de-
signs. would be labor thrown away. The noise OF their
captains and the shoutinps borne TO on every
northern breeze But, il to leave room for mistake
10 allow possible chance for msconception OF The
objects the enemy have in view. they proclaim their
purposes aloud, and disseminate them boldly, far and
wide, through the extended medium Of the press From
the col umns OF the Tnbune,he organ not only OF abo
ionsm, but OF the Scott and Seward wing OF the whig
psrty-we take the following startling pronuneamenio
1.-THE intelligence the philanthropy, the conscience Of
the American people, all adverse the perpetuaton Of
human slavery in country and anxious for ts termna
ton In vain do interest," quiet trade, conservatism plead
for absolute silence, indifference. nalltyj well might
the two great parties conspre interdct and prevent the
summer melting OF mountains as to nhibt
further anu-savery agitation"
Here we have announcement, in few brief but por
enous words Of the policy, the projects, and the ends
Of opponents-"lhe intelligence, philanthropy and
conscience ofhe american people" &c SO confident in
their numbers and their strength, them are these fanatics
that they already represent the American PEG.
pie, and in their proclaim a war Of conscience
against the institutions OF the South-instituons soI
EMMY guaranteed by the constitution. and only be dis
urbed overhrown by the abrogaion OF that sacred
instrument and the disruption OF the Union with the
existence Of which its is inextricsbly interviewer.
And then the manner in which this to be carried
on, the character OF the FIRST steps TO be taken are an