The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-05-01
Hon. Edward Bates.

Mr.. BATES having been recommended by the
Wing Convention Of Missouri as their first
choice for the Vice Presidency, the following
letter, addressed by him TO a member Of the
body, will be read with interest,". II was writ
ten in answer 10 questions propounded con
corning his opinions on the Compromise. and
will be found to exhibit him on the ground &C
cuPied by the National Wings:
"sr. LOUIS. April 20, 1851.
ITO BrSJsArs TosrKISs, esq-Dear Sir: Your
note Of this day IL ust received, and, requested
! answer It instantly.
IL confess my surprise at being asked the ques
ton in Missouri, Hb,thr lam in fapor Of the Com
Jrouin msa'ufs. aud ,rhaf 10 ny position IN re-
gard 10 hao,e moa.ge,7 I thought my opinions on
that subject were far better known than my per-
son. and az well known my opinions on any
political subject whatever. am, and always have
been, in favor Of these measures; and would now
consider any man dangerous politician who
would disturb that Compromise and thus reopen
those sluices Of dscord which have once 30 seri.
ously disturbed tho public tranquility, and in the
opinion Of many, endangered the existence Of the
Constitution.
From the beginning TO the end Of the contro.
versy, which resulted in the Compromise, was
utterly opposed to the ultras Of both the factions
which stirred up that strife Certain extremists
in the South threatened 10 dissolve the Union IL Con
gress should prohibit slavery in any Of the newly
acquired territory. And an equally desperate
party in the North virulcntly threatened di,so.
luton II Congress should allow Of slavery in any
Of the new territory. ] was, aud am, and always
expect TO be, against them both. thought, pend.
ing the controversy, that the object Of the southern
uitrss was 10 extend the area Of the slaveholdina
States, with the hope Of restoring the balance Of
political power in the nation and the object Of the
northern utrss WINS very similsr-to preserve and
increase the prcponderance which natural increase
Of population bad already given TO the North.
"As for the political and party consequences
growing out Of this state of things, it s quite i'm
possible in this hasty letter to hint even at them
all. Perhaps the mos, important Of them was the
organization Of the Frcesoil party, 90 called
have always believed that that party was formed
10 restore the defeated fortunes Of Mr. Van Buren;
70 reunite the shattered elements Of that potent or
ganizaton which first brought him into power.
aud to transmit the united forces to his designated
successor in the West. That was my opinion, and
Of course ] was always opposed 60 that party.
Some gentlemen, l know, have called me a Free
soilcr; but that is their blundcr. They had no
better reason for saying than the fact that have
always maintained that Congress has power to le.
eislato over the Territories which VIC conquer or
buy in regard to the subject Of slavery as we'll AZ
all other subjects which concern the prosperity and
the soosl relations Of the inhabitants Of the &C.
| quired provinces.
"In haste, I remain, very repeatedly. your
obedient servant, EDWARD BATES"
THE EAprHauAxr wac felt in Richmond, virri-
! nis at the eamo hour ns In w Arlington