The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-06-01

Character for use In Baltimore during the
From the Journal of Commerce.l
LEBANON SPRINGS, Aug. Is, 1851.
MY DEAR SIR regret my absence from home
prevented me from receiving your letter of the 9th
OF leisure to reply to it. was, believe, among
the first to desire, and one of the earliest to take
steps towards the union Of the democratic party in
this State did not suppose that the object could
be obtained without some yielding on both sides.
five expect to act efficiently at the next and subse-
quent elections, presume the same policy must be
pursued. The Union is not consolidated-there are
ultra men in both sections of the party, and they
may succeed in eecting what they probably desire,
an open and permanent disruption but in that they
can never have my cooperation or approval
There are difficulties in our path but think they
can be overcome. They do not appear to me to be
formidable. To restore harmony and consolidate
our Union, we have, it seems to me, to do little
more than to retire on to urformer common ground,
and to lay aside and forget, far it can be done,
all matters which led to differences We cannot,
however, forget the fact, act without reference
it, that we belong to national democratic party,
and cannot, without renouncing that fellowship,
either directly approve or implicitly sanction any
thing that is essentially sectional No men ever
went further in sustaining this position than Mr.
Van Buren, and Mr.. Wright, and no one more
heartily concured with them than did. ! am de-
termined to keep on that ground while occupy any.
The compromise measures are generally regarded
as democratic measures, in nearly MI the States of
this Union. am not aware that there has been n
single democratic convention in any OF them, which
has not spoken approvingly Of these measures. Our
convention last year did SO, though not with entire
unanmty. Can that which is soon to assemble do
less! Can IT be silent the subject without losing
its positon as a part OF the national democracy
do not think it can go farther think it ought
not to pass over the subject in silence IL will I'M
doubedly be brought up for consideration, and if a
minority should refuse 80 act, minority WILL am
quite certain, express its opinion national issues
and IN this way the old feud will be renewed. On
the other hand, u majority Of the convention may,
in the expression of their sentiments, embrace
topics and use terms which will be offensive to the
minority, and cause secession There is danger on
both sides-and the safe pathway is narrow one I
think. and indeed sincerely hope, there will be a
general disposition in the convention to place itself
on national grounds-to show in no equivocal man
ner IT'S fellowship with the democratic party OF the
Union; but am very solcitous that it should do
this in a manner which shall not give offence to
those who were, and still are. opposed to some
Of the compromise measures. Can such course
DC pursued! There is but Of those mea-
sures-the Fugitive Slave la1-which is likely to
embarrass the proceedings of the convention. think
the practical operations Of that law have gone far
remove or abate the opposition to it. AT first its
constiUtionality was questioned; but it is not
so, to any considerable extent 1t was then supposed
it would en1anger the liberty of the free coorcd man.
but now believe that apprehension is much less
prevalent. In its practical effect it does
than twas intended to do-securc to shareholders
the benefit of that provision of the constitution re-
curing the surrender of fugitive slaves If this be
So it really does no more than to carry out the old
and revered doctrine of the democratic party-the
maintenance of the compromises of the constitution.
To this item ofthe democratic creed ms ancient and
as often repeated any other in it, all, presume,
are willing to subscribe; and repetition Of by the
Convention, with reference or obvious relation to
that constitutional provision, might supercede any
direct opinion on the Fugitive Slave law. There is
nothing in the compromise measures of esteemed
value to the South, but this law; and they regard
tim IN fhn Ia N ctn.,.
determination to withhold from them the practical
benefit Of that provision of the constitution which
relates to fugitive slaves Sc far abotionists are
cencerned-l believe might include others-oppo-
sition to the law is in fact, opposition to the con-
stltuton. They call in the higher law to repeal it.
The great body of the democrats hope | may say
all democrats-certainly all who wish to remain in
communion with the national democratic party who
had or now have objections to that law, founded
their objections upon the popularity of its provi
sons; but are willing the object of the law should
be obtained in proper way. For myself, not only
acquiesce in the Law as it is, but should regret to
in its object it satisfied the South ard does no more
than fairly subserve the objects intended. 1t does
not, as am aware produce any grievance--it does
rot In It's operation put in peril the rights liberty
OF the free cocIed man OPPOSITION TO il peculiar
grounds is through the slaveLolding States, under
stood 10 be opposition to the otjecs of it-opposi-
ton TO the constitution. Taking this view OF the
subject. should feel no difficulty myself; indeed
! II.
direct and lnequivocal approval Of this, among the
other Ccmlfomse measures; yet, in Difference ID
others who differed wish Inc ia the views above ex-
pressed. would waive such an expression, if in any
other way could give assurance to the democrats
in all sections Of the Union that those Of this Stare
were determined TO stand on the national platform
of the party, and maintain fidelity to all the
provisions of the constitutions: as mach tnlt
ii regard to fugitive slaves as to any others.
have been prolix in regard to national issue'
that must be briefin regard TO State policy cx-
pressed my opinion Of the unconstitutouality Of the
nine million bill while it was pending. | have ne.
changed it, notwithstanding my great Difference fof
the authority Of Judge Bronson. If we make repeal
az issue at the next elections or if we resolve thai it
viii he the duty OF candidates. if elected, to OBJ
siiuct its execution, we shall probably be defeated
II Is often our duty to act on principle regardless
of success or defeat Whether this presents such
case or not. am not prepared to decide Thus far
we have done our duty--shall We per.evere thinn
this question caunot be definitely answered until
after comforting with the delegates. ] can say, al
you do, that ] not disposed to thrust my own
opinions upon Others on this subject. In the end.
the measure will work mischief; and do what we
may, we probably cannot arrest its execution.
My sole object is the success Of the party to which
have been always attached. | owe 1t my devotion
andkservices as long as ! live. It's tavors received
make this Il duty, and inclination makes il plea
sure, am not less anxious for is prosperity than
should be if my days ofaspration We're not all pas.
! would not endanger its future prospects by advo-
eating sustaining any wanton eNcusiveness'' III
its proceedings My advice and influence shall be
exerted 10 produce harmonious result in the con-
vcnton, and hope you will be 4 member oft
Yours, Sc, w. l.. MARCY.
ALBANY, August II, 1851
My DEAR SiH-On my return home after a short
absence, found your letter of the Dist, and have
subsequently given it my best consideration. was
aIprehensiye chat if you and could not discover
grounds on which we could place ourselves and act
haimoniuusy together, ii was hardly reasonable 10
hofe that the delegates in the Convention would he
more ccesslul ! have therefore felt disposed to
get as near your positions as principle and policy
would Iennit. Doing this fear that there i yet
considerable space between Us. find no difficulty
in giving my hearty assent 70 most Of the positions
III the draft Of resolutions with which you have fl-
vored me- IN the present aspect Of affairs the
mere declaration that the democratic party of this
State il an integral part of the democratic party OF
the Union, would not Of itself 90 far towards show
ing that we are in fact where claim to be. Oar
claim would hardly he allowed, without speci-
fcation OF our faith. What is afterwards said in
the resolution, would not he deemed satisfactory.