Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1852-05-14

his name to- manifesto exhorting the Wings of
the South to vote for no man as President, who
was not pledged to the support and maintenance
of that system of measures. 1t might have been
fairly inferred from Mr.. Clingman's past course
that he at least could have no just cause of COM
plant against the election of the Wing caucus, aud
that compromise candidate for the Presidency
would be of all others, the most Objectionable and
| dis.asteful to him.
1t appears, however, thatMr. Clingman is now
a.Compromise man, regarding the question of its
maintenance simply a question whether the
fugitive slave law shall be preserved all the other
measures of the series being rrepealable in their
nature We quote his explanation on this point:
IL was originally opposed to this system of mea-
sures. Inasmuch as the Constitution expressly
| provided that fugitives should be given up, |
| thought we were entitled as a matter of right,
without bargain, to an efficient law to carry into
effect that provision. did not, therefore, consent
to pay the price demanded. But it was deter
mined otherwise; and the measures relating to the
disposition of the territorial acquisitions have been
| executed, and are now beyond recall. The fugi-
tive slave law alone is executory in its character
and is liable to be repealed modified, or ress-
| ted.
Though regard the bargain as whole as an
unwise one, yet, since what we have paid cannot
be gotten back, have l not right to insist that
the other party shall pay what was promised
even though it be less than hold it ought to have
| been! Haman We're to convey by deed to another
| piece of land worth one thousand dollars, with a
promise ofonly five hundred in return for it, might
you not well say to him that he had made a bad
| trade but that, as his land was gone forever, he
ought to insist that the purchase money should
at least be paid This view of the case is so clear
and easy OF comprehension, that must be ex-
e
processes not to understand it. At least, he who
does not see it is &C cred by coating of stupidity
thick enough and hard enough to turn the edge of
any argument, however sharp it may be, and how
ever forcibly driven
These considerations certainly Justify Mr..
Clingman in now sustaining the Compromise, al
though originally opposed to it, but how can he
reconcile them with his vote against Hiyers re-
solution That resolution simply declared the
Compromise fnality, and if, as Mr.. Clingman
says he has always been willing to acquiesce in it,
as such, we are at loss to understand why he did
not give evidence of his acquiescence by voting in
its favor along with the other Southern Wing
members. This he did not do, but stood solitary
and alone in opposition. By his vote on that ques-
ton he declared by implication that he did not re-
gard the Compromise as final settlement of the
adhered to.
The Wing Congressional caucus did not go
even far this for it did not reject the reso-
3 lutions approving the Compromise, but merely
S ruled them out of order. Whatever cause there
FORE others may have to complain of its action, it
i is clear that Mr.. Clingman has none.
Mr.. Nelson Clark, an opulent and we-known
Baltimore merchant, died in that city on Tuesday
, night, from consumption.
Fillmore Meeting in Neso York.
A great meeting of the friends of Mr.. Fill
more was held in the City of New York on Mon
day evening last The papers state that not
withstanding the magnitude of the crowd, every
thing passed off quietly and respectfully. The
meeting addressed by Messrs Humphrey
Marshall of Kentucky, Gentry of Tennessee,
Brice of Kentucky and Brooks of New York
Their speeches are published at length in the
Herald, but only find space for the address
and resolutions adopted by the meeting:
ADDRESS.
FELLew-C CITIZENS when on the 10th of
July, 1850, an inscrutabe Providence removed
the Ruler elected by the people, the nation was
consoled by thorough knowledge of the ability,
integrity, patriotism, truth, and craftsmanship of
his distinguished successor. Called thus unex-
pectedly to the Chief Magstracy he found him
self beset with difficulties of an extraordinary char
acter. The whole land rent with civil dis
sensions, and differing opinions; no. only as be-
tween opposing parties but also each of the great
political divisions, severed by intestine conflicts
all referring to the all-absorbing question:
The great leader of our party, who may with pro-
priety be called its father, had enunciated mode
of settlement, and aided by Webster and other
leading spirits of the WING party having the hearty
cooperation of Cass and other distinguished mem
bers of the opposition-they agreed substantially
upon the plan of Henry Clay. During the life
| time of Gen. Taylor, all the antagonists of the
various parties cordially united in opposition to the
mode of adjustment known to history The
Compromise of 1882 1t was well known that the
| Vice President gave to that Compromise his cor
dial assent and consistent support. Succeeding
| to the Presidency at that critical period when
collision between the forces of foreign State and
the army of the United States was impending,
| involving in it's consequences was solemnly be-
| lieved by good men everywhere, the existence of
| the Union, WILLARD FILLMORE, passing thus to
duties the most responsible, whose weight he felt
| to be almost crushing, calling round him able and
uprig ht statesmen, concurring in his views, mani
Testing his own desire to have these questions set
tied Immediately, yet declaring before God and
| man that he would maintain the Constitution and
| execute the laws, by the use OF every means con-
| fded to him by virtue of his high ofice-under
these circumstances the Compromise passed.
and, instantly approved, became the law of the
land. The effect produced, was, as anticipated,
blessed. 1t removed from the arena of partisan
and political strife the question of slavery, forced
| ISSUE which not the EXTREMIST a5olitionist,
nor yet the most ultra secessionst make ger
main to the great charter of our liberties. 1t re-
stored to the representatives of the people more
legitimate pursuits, directing their immediate at
tention to the vital interests of all the people be-
fore neglected Willard Fillmore found in his own