Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1852-04-14

We have received the following correspondence
from Mr.. Tavenner, who is the Editor of tho Al
cxandrria Telegraph, which we take great plea
sure in laying before the public:
ALEXANDRIA, April sth, 1852.
Hon. DANIEL. WEBSTER:
Sir:-1he national reputation which you have
earned, the position you occupy before the
country as one of its leading statesmen, and more
than all, your fidelity to great National Wing
principles, must be my excuse for addressing YOU
upon subject now of peculiar interest to the
Wing party ofthe South.
1t cannot be denied that in all the sectional con-
tests that have agitated and convulsed the coun-
try, the Wings of the South have shown a conser-
vative-a national spirit They have always been
ready to give a cordial support to Northern men,
however they might differ from them upon abb
stract questions, provided, they were ready and
willing to abide by and sustain the compromises
of the Constitution.
After the adoption by Congress of the series of
measures known as the Compromise and after
the evidence of aequescence both at the North
and the South, in those measures and more espe-
clay after the decided expression by the Wing
caucus, at the commencement of the present ses-
sion OF Congress. we had supposed that the ques-
tion of Slavery would no longer prevent concert of
action among the Wings in the various sections of
the Union, but that effort would be made to
give success to the principles of the adjustment
bill, so essential to the best interests of the
whole country. If, however, the recent vote in
the House of Representatives upon the revolutions
of Messrs. Jackson and Hillyer, be fair indica
ton OF public sentiment at the North-if the
question of the Fugitive Slave law is again to be
made the subject of agitation-if this plain pro-
vision of the Constitution is to be considered of no
binding force and obligation upon the North, then
the paths of the North and South diverge. The
.t,,to
it imposes duties which section is at liberty to
| disregard, and so far as the Wing party at the
| South is concerned, it cannot honestly act with
those who treat as thing OF naught is sacred OBJ
legations 1t is to be hoped, however, that this is not
the purpose of Northern Wings. It is to be
| hoped that the vote on the resolutions to which
have referred, does not express the sentiment of
the Wing party at the North the subjects to
which they relate.
You have the means of knowing the state of
public sentiment at the North. Y GU have been
| identified with section in sectional controver-
sizes. Y on, sir, occupy position from which you
can speak plainly, and doubt not your advice will
be needed. We are aware that you differ from
many Southern Wings upon the abstract question
| ofslavery, but we also know that you have always
stood forth the bold and fearless defender of the
constitutions and so far as that instrument guaran-
tees them to u.s. you have been the advocate of
| the rights Of the South.
WHAT then, in your opinion, has the South a
right to expect from the North? Upon what
platform are the Wings North and South to stand
in the coming contest! Is the constitution to be
the boud of union between them? Are the late
adjustment measures to be considered final set
Element in principle and substance of all the SUBJ
jects which they embrace, is the Wing party
hencefor1h to be sectional instead of great
National party? These the questions which
address themselves to the friends of the Consttu-
| ton, the friends ofthe Union. They are questions
upon which the patriotic of all parties should
speak out their sentiments. May we not hope that
we shall have the benefit Of your counsel?
| Very respectfully, your ob't serv't,
G.. A, TAVENNER