The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-04-20
VIRGINIA and Elnality.


The Southern Argus, at Norfolk, thus speaks
of the last fnalty vote in Congress. Its sug'
gestons and warnings are well worthy OF the
earnest attention and consideration of the South.
ern people,
THE BELIEF VoTE.-The vote on the Com
promise resolutions in the House of Represen.
tatives shows a determination on the part OF
Southern members, not only to deceive them.
selves, but likewise their constituents. The
resolution offered by Mr.. Jackson contains a
statement which is not true in point of fact Ii
alleges a belief "that it vas the intention OF The
people generally to execute the provisions of the
Fugitive Slave law" Now, what has transpired
at the North to justify such belief? Where
is the evidence which can bring the mind to such
conclusion! Is il afforded in the dissertation
Of the halls of justice by the rescung of The
fugitive Shadrac, by an armed mob, from the
officers of law in the city Of Boston! Is il fur
nished in the abduction of the slave Crafts! Is
il to be found in the Chrstiana riots, and tie
bloody tragedy that ensued on that occasion
Is it to be found in the number Of instances
where the law has been DISTRACTED and the fugi.
tive permitted to escape? Is il seen in the dali
ly petitions that are presented in both branches
OF Congress asking for a repeal OF the measure
Solar from it, the evidence is entirely OF the
opposite character, and every intelligent under
standing has reason to believe that il is not the
intention" Of the people generally to execute
the provisions Of this law, whenever they can
safely refuse or fail to do SO. The sad expert
ence OF the last ten years is sufficient to admon-
sh us as to the intention Of the Northern peo-
ple-and Of course they are the people referred
to--upon this subject Out of one hundred and
forty two Northern members, only forty tro are
found voting for the resolution; and we can
not refrain from expressing our mingled feel.
iDgs Of surprise and modification, at bcholding
Southern members presumed to be high toned
genilemen) occupying the Illuminating position
of affirming that the people meaning the North
ern people, or the resolution is nonsense--in-
tend to "carry out" the provisions of the fugi.
tive slave law of the last Congress, When the
Northern representatives themselves, who must
be presumed to be better acquainted with the
sentiments Of their own constituents refuse te
make any such assurance.
The resolutions did not claim any indemnit,
for the past, and they have gained no securit,
for the future The whole thing was a failure
and the vote only serves to show the cravei
spirit and the weakness Of the South Indeed
| some of the revelations are absolutely startling
Only consider that in the brief space Of it'll,
more than a year, so iDconsderable number O
| representatives from the free States should BIZ
| willing to express their opinions as to the dispo
sition of their people to carry into effect the
provisions of this law But for their votes, the
unsuspecting and credulous people of the South
might have continued to slumber on in the
grateful belief that pesce and harmony had
been forever re established, and that it was
the almost unanimous determination of their
Northern brethren to respect their rights and
protect their interests. But even as it is
perhaps they will complacently console them.
selves with the reflection that their own repre-.
sentatives know a good deal more Of North
ern opinion and feeling than the Northern
members themselves do.
The truth Of the matter is, that political
management and chicanery were at the bottom
of this move from beginning to end. The
dearests interests Of the South are to be sacri-
feed at the great Presidential shambles. The
object contemplated by those who were active
in getting up these resolutions was mutual
desire on the part Of some Of the Wings and
some of the Democrats 10 outstrip each other
The Democrats supposed they were setting a
trap for the Whigs-the Wings hoped they
would crcumvent the Democrats Both parties
were disappointed. The Democrats have gained
nothing-the Wings have gained nothing
while the South loses everything. Her rights
her interests, and her honor, were trfed and
sported with in most disreputable scramble
for party power.