The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1852-05-31
Letter from Thos. j. Rusk. Esq.
WASHINGTON. Nav 81. 1875

SIR II have received your letter Of the 18th
instant, in which you PROFOUND certain inter-
rogatories respecting what are termed the
compromise" acts, passed by Congress, and
especially the law authorizing the recovery of
fugitive slaves
In answer to the questions submitted by you,
do not hesitate to say that think it would be
bad policy to disturb the provisions of the laws
referred to, and extremely dangerous to the
safety of the Union TO repeal, or even attempt
TO repeal, the law relating to the recovery Of fu.
gitive slaves. The right to recover their slave
property is plainly guaranteed to the Southern
States by the Constitution, and, being essential
to their existence, can never DO abandoned by
them. The mere agitation of the slavery ques-
ton has a tendency to excite and embitter the
feelings of those who compose our national
councils, retard our prosperity as nation by
creating sectional prejudices, and may fear, if
permitted to go on in connexion with our Presi-
dental elections, lead to n dissolution of the
federal government |, for one, shall lose con-
tidence in the stability of our Union from the
day upon which the fugitive law shall have been
repealed, or rendered insufficient by any action
of Congress and should regard any President
as morally traitor who would give his approval
to any enactment mpairing any of the provi-
sions of the federal Constitution.
| think any candid man who is familiar with
the history of the slavery agitation will at once
admit that it is kept up mainly with a view to
personal political elevation. Demagogues, in
view of the fact that the non-slaveholding States
have a majority of the voting population, keep
up the agitation for the purpose Of producing
state of feeling which shall secure to one section
all the Offices and patronage of the general gov
eminent.
My opinion is that at the North as well as al
the South, there is majority of conservative
and patriotic men, who desire to see this con
test terminated and the constitutional rights Of
all parties honestly respected Many noble ex
ampes of sef-sacrificing patriotism exhibited
themselves at the North during the struggle
which terminated in the enactment Of the com
promise measures" For this adhesion to wha
they deemed right these gentlemen have beer
assailed with iend-like malignity at home
and regret to say it, have not been sustained
as they deserved to be by the South believe
the time has arrived when it is due to the bes
interests of the country that men should speak
out and wear no masks If we are to have
peace and protection to our rights, it is time we
should know it. Every man who aspires to po
litical station should show his hand boldly. /
an honest determination to maintain the Consti
tuition In all its provisions against sectional dema
gogues, who are prompted to action solely BY
the hope of political power, is to become dis
qualification for federal Office, the sooner it Is
known the better.
The man who has not sense enough TO sec
that the agitation on the subject of slavery is
rapidly leading to the most dangerous conse
queuces, or who, seeing this, has not honesty
and courage enough to set his face against it
at the risk of defeat, can never receive my vote
In conclusion, desire to say that am not
candidate for the Presidency; the honors are o.
doubtful and fleeing Characteristic duties
and responsibilities beyond my capacity to meet
| have, on former occasion, expressed open
ly, and upon due elaboration, my preference fol
one of the gentlemen spoken of in connexior
with the Presidency; and, as a delegate to the
Baltimore convention, under tho expressed
wishes Of my State, mean to do fairly whatever
may be in my power to secure his nomination.
! am, very respectfully, your ebedient servant
THOS. 3RUSK.