The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-11

they alike asserted not only the right but also the
duty, Of Congress to exclude slavery wherever il
had jurisdiction, and especially TO prohibit Il in the
Territories, and abolish IL in the District II will be
recolectcd that In the Congressional caucus which
assembled at the commencement Of the session Of
the last Congress, when discussion these points
sprung up on the presentation OF MIR. Toomtss
resolution, that gentleman from New York, Mr..
Brooks, declared that he had had conference with
his colleague from the city, Understood 10 be Mr.
Briggs,) and that they had determined not TO vote
TO abolish slavery in the District. Notwi,hstand-
ing the pressing and urgent nature Of the discus-
zion on that occasion, other gentleman from the
North made similar declaration, while many who
did speak asserted the contrary. II was a full
knowledge OF this state Of things that in
duced me shortly after 20 declare, the floor OF
the House that regarded the northcrn portion Of
the Wing party as neither national nor conscrva-
tive, but cinently sectional and Destructive in it's
policy. IL Is true that during the progress OF the
session several public spirited and patriotic gentle
men from that section changed their position; but
their number was SO inc0nsiderable, compared with
the whole, not materially TO change the position
OF the party, only three voting for the Fugitive
Slave act, even after they had obtained the admis-
sion Of California and other measures relating 10
the Territory. Since that time favorable change
has, in certain portions OF the free States, been GO
ing on, but IL has not yet progressed TO that point
which would justify any one in saying that the
Wing party OF the North. as a body, occupies
tional ground. This, however, is what we propose
they shall do in the approaching convention;
otherwise they have not the shadow Of claim TO
justify them In asking our cooperation. Should
that convention adopt national platform with the
assent OF it's nominee, those who aid in his election
will be compelled TO defend the principles upon
which he stands.
By consequence, Abolitionists, Higher-law men /,
and all enemies 10 any feature of the Constitution,
must either adopt our principles or be thrown out
Of the party altogether. The collision and discus
sion between friends and thcse persons will, I
think, result in their being crushed. Such certain.
ly believe will be the effect, II the Democratic
party should also take unequvocal, national
platform. The South, M the section most interest
ed in the pending questions, ought to hold herself
in position TO cooperate with such party in the
North as may stand upon truly national ground
But should neither Of the prominent parties take
such position, the country s to see merely strug
gle for the offices, contest scarcely worthy OF the
consideration of statcsmen. Let us suppose, on the
other hand, that the Democratic Convention should
take proper ground, and that OF the Wing party fai
TO do The result would be that the Wings, being
in position 70 court the Abotionists, would win
them over by adopting entirely their doctrines, and
have their aid in break king down their Democratic
rivals, whom they would stiemstixe az pro.sl1vcry
men, &c. In such proceeding II becomes not m,
TO take part II they can get into power by suct
means, instead Of my assistance they shall hav,
my determined opposition. II the friends Of th'