The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-10-02
Gov. Dickinson and tho slavery question

Hayt.
Gov. Dickinson and tho slavery question.
We have observed with entire satisfaction the several
we-prepared euogies which some OF the ardent admi
OF Gov Dickinson have deemed il proper and
sary publish in yindcalion OF what they pleased
to characterize an attack upon that distinguished
statesman by the Washington U~,sn. None OF his euo
gists have expressed decided confidence the sound
nationality of his sentiments the slavery question than
did, the very article against which his friends have
thought proper vindicate him. But OF these
prompt indicators Of Gov Dicknsons fame, far as
have observed has had the manliness to lay before
his readers the remarks in which our confidence in his
soundness was so unequivocally expressed. Had Gov
Dickinson his eulogss shown only sufficient sense
OF Justice to induce them state with fairness
In the matter, aud the accompanying reason for tina,
course we should be more than willing 10 see him
whemed with compliments for his sacrifices and services
in beha. OF the constitutional interests OF the South. But
since Gov Dickinson himself has set the example,
which has been followed by his advocates, of aragnng
the motives and the policy which dictated the publication
in the Union Of extract from his speech of lSi7snce
they insist regarding that publication ac Of hos
ily in the face Of avowal the time. and subse
spirit OF uakndness him, driven. in sefdefence,
10 the unpleasant alternative OF making an issue with
him and his euogsts regard to his pas, sentiments and
his present position before the country.
|, is none of our purpose to make an issue 10
the sincerity and efficiency with which he supported the
nomination OF the great statesman OF the Northwest for
the presidency in 1s4s. We were then as ardent if not
as efficient in support Of Lewis Cass, as Gov Dickin
~. &C.. L
fea, and our Indignation agans! The factous agents OF
his defeat great those OF Gov. Dickinson
any of his euogists. We make issue with him as to
the sincerity and efficiency with which he advocated the
passage of the compromise measures. We sppauded
his hrmness and soundness them and we still give him
all praise for his services in the OF pacfcaton
We make no issue with him TO the sincerity and
dsnerestedness with which he advocated the nominal
ton OF Gen. Lewis Cass in 1852 We devoted to
The of Gen. Casss nomination Gov. Dickn-
son could be, and far more than OF his ardent
eulogisswe indignant al the brutal assaults made
upon him. as well as upon Gov Marcy. Mr.. Buchanan,
and Gen. Butler in the Democratic Review, Gov Dick
inson could have been. We make no issue with him as
to the sincerity efficiency OF his exertons in the
Baltimore Convention in advancing the chances OF
General Cass's nomination. For the distinguished
ability with which he pressed General Cass's claims
during the sitting OF that convention, we viii
ing that bis euog,sis shall shower upon him Geo.
pliments as numerous and as disin,eresed as those
which fell from fair hands in the convention when he
declined with much disinteesedness the honor
dered to him by the Old Dominica. We witnessed that
spontaneous deluge OF floral honors and admired the
modes,y with which they were received. We make no
issue az to the zeal and energy with which Gov. Dickn
son entered and prosecuted the in support OF Gen
Pierce On all these points we are prepared to see Gov
Dickinson and his admirers expend their utmost powers
of eulogstc eloquence and when they have exhausted
their rhetoric and their logic, they will find in our arti
cle which they assail attack, unreseved
dorsement of his soundness the slavery they
have been able TO make
But whilst we make no issue on the points enumc-
rated have less forregret than Gov Dickinson
will have, that his discretion did not restrain him from
the declaration his late letter, that Uoe resouton,
or speech his could be found aooring freesoI snmsnts
II this declaration made under the pressure of his
friends they have been cruel to him il il made vol
unfairly, then he has been cruel 10 himself II was
wholly unnecessary for his vindcaon, and yet the
made Of by his friend. forces for own jus,hca
tiou to make an issue with him to its correctness
sentiments: opposition 10 the institution Of suery, and OPP
position to It's extension beyond its present limit and OF
consequence, opposition to its existence in any newly
acquired territory Has Governor Dickinson made
speech or proposed resolution iavorng these sen-
mentsl The record must answer the question.
In his speech in the Senate, delivered March Isl,
is47 on the three million bill, speaking Of "the great
mass Of the people OF the North" Governor Dickinson
said They entertain but opinion upon the subject,
and that Is the same which is entertained by many the
South They regard The institution gree, moral end
political evil and soxld that had no s1isence" And
speaking OF his wishes The subject he made this
emphatic prayer "Savery, sir is silently andsowy roll.
ing its dark wave towards tropical and God grant
that in his own good time It's subjects may there find
happy institutions as well congcnal cline p In the
same speech referring to the acquisition Of territory he
said #
The territory supposed to be ha, contemplated is Cali
fornis which is now and fit is obtained by us,
will be free until incorporated by and cannot be-
come slave territory without the legislation of Congress
and in by sue legislation fundamental article pro-
hibng slavery properly be inserted"
And further aludng to the resolutions OF his State,
ins,ruc,nx him 10 vote for the Wilmot provso, he
said
"Ths resolution then, instruots that when srri-
tory brought within jurisdiction by the act Of
Congress- whatever that be- 10 insert in such an act
IA fundamental clause prohibiting slavery (and 80 am
ready VOTE instructed unnstructed but not 70 insert
Il in appropriation bill designed to facilitate nsgo's-
b.f,~ fk.. hss-