Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-09-23

ny preservation OF The rights oil all, these nave
been the several questions on which the two
sectional parties have been divided. In this
contest while much has been lost, much also
has been gained to the cause of justice and the
Constitution. And although the South has
seen and felt her wrongs, yet faithful to the
Union she is willing to forget the past and to
rest the question here.
But, in the meantime, the scene Of the con-
test has been changed from the halls of Con-
gress to another not less fearful arena. Reli-
gion has defled the pure garments of her faith
by mingling in the dust and the blood of this
sectional contest. The pulpit has resounded
with anathemas against those who, in the exer-
else of conscientious convictions, preserve an
institution which they have received from their
ancestors, and which they believe to be just in
its character and wholesome in its influences.
From many of the denominations Of Christians
all fraternal feeling has been banished, and
secession from a common brotherhood has &C.
tually taken place. In the Methodist church,
particularly, has this been the case. Two
separate and hostile organizations have been
formed, growing out of this very question of
slavery, and the civil law has interposed to
reconcile their differences. Growing discon
tents in like manner exist among other de-
nominations, and every session of their national
on this unhappy subject.
more dangerous channel through which the
poison of fanaticism has reached the minds
and hearts Of the people, has been afforded by
the introduction of the subject of slavery into
our light literature This mode Of warfare is
more dangerous because it attacks the mind in
youth, when it is less able to repel sophistry
and the plausible adj captandum views of evil
disposed persons. 1t is more dangerous be-
cause more alluring, and thus more apt to
circulate among the masses of the people to
whom many of our politicians look as in
mirror for the formation of their sentiments;
and it is more dangerous too, because it is
and with the aid of exaggeration
or downright mendacity perverts the truth, and
does its work before it can be resisted.
AS long as this contest is confined to politi-
clans, and the minds of the people are kept
pure, there is but little danger of any extreme
disaster. But when the fountain is poisoned,
when bad feelings are engendered between the
people of different sections when they cease
to look upon each other as countrymen, and
array themselves in an attitude of hostility, the
one against the other, then it is that the Union
may truly be regarded as in danger. 1t was to
this that Mr.. Calhoun alluded, when, in his dy-
ing warning, he proclaimed that something
must be done, and quickly done, to save the
Union. II was to this that he alluded, when
together was already strained and might soon
be snapped asunder.
To this state of feeling which pervades the
North there. are some honorable exceptions
and to their patriotic zeal and manly course
we must look as the only remedy for the evil.
may be their reception at home,
however they may be yili6ed by ignorant ia
natics or reasonable demagogues their reward
will be in the proud consciousness that they
have done their duty, and tended to restore har-
mony to their distracted country, by restoring
Justice to all of its sections. We have said that
The origin of this controversy was the estab-
Iishment of that geographical MISSOURI line,
which like q tightly drawn bandage prevented
a free circulation of friendly feeling between
the two sections which If established. We be-
lieve that the repeal of that measure will tend
much TO restore confidence, and to Danish dis
cord from our federal councils. To use again
the striking figure Of Mr.. Calhoun, every cord
has not as yet been snapped. The National Dem
ocratic party stin remains firm in its devotion
to the Constitution, and united in its opposi-
ton to sectional agitation. To that we
look with steady confidence as the means
by which alone our country can be restored
to its pristine health and vigor. On this
subject Of slavery, its principle and its ac-
ton has ever been that which is so well set
forth in the recent resolution Of the Democrat
ic State Convention Of Delaware, "That it is in
consistent with the intent and frame of the fed.
eral Constitution that Congress should by law
either establish or prohibit slavery in the Terri.
tories; and that non-intervention by Congress
with the institution of slavery, except in two
cases, in which power over it is expressly dele
gated, to wit: The prohibition Of the impor.
tation of slaves from foreign countries, and
provisions for the recovery of fugitive slaves,
is the true rule Of the Constitution"
With such principle once thoroughly estab-
lisbed, and faithfully acted upon, we have moth
ing to fear. And if confidence be restored,
and agitation -quelled, and our Union saved,
we will owe these blessings under Him who
raises up and pulls down nations at his pleas
ure," to the conservative principles and unwa-
vering patriotism Of the National Democratic
party.
POPULATION OF KANSAS.
The ST. Joseph Gozeffe, Democratic paper