Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1854-08-25
From the WASHINGTON Sentine
Federal LEGISLATION of 1854.


In the editorial management of this paper we have
sudiOusly avoided the discussion of all topics calcu-
lated to awaken strengthen sectional feelings and
prejudiccs We know full well that logged de-
termination has been manifested by reckless sec
tiOnal party-a party with whom we have no SYM
pathies-to tear down the noble fabric which our
fathers reared to constitutional liberty. We know
that the very liiebreath of the nosriIs Of these men
has been and is flowing out quick and strong to pro-
duCc a rupture Of the Union and an Inauguration of
dIScord and anarchy. Trusting to the sober sense
and enlightened patriotism of the mighty people, we
have refained from a discussion Of those questions
least agitation might lend strength to the enemies OF
the Constitution, and subject to suspicion the true
friends Of the Union We will not be accused by the
impartial at least of devatng from this rule of con-
duct, when assert that if is with ordinary
emotions Of pride and pleasure that look back to
the legislation of the present Congress. Leaving out
OF view the zeal and ability with which Legislative
questions OF minor importance have been disposed off,
what republican heart does not thrill with pleasure
when it contGmplates the success Of the Nebraska
Kansas bill and the faithful and energetic execution
Of the Fugitive Slave law? Who does not acknow-
edge that the doctrines OF the State rights party are
"a power in the republic when he remembers that the
INDECENT insane bill has been strangled in its birth by
The Executive veto of State rights President-and
that the tremendous Pacific railroad scheme has gone
to the tomb Of the Capulets through the silent yet
effective agency of the men who profess these prin-
cples. The recognition of State rights carries with
1t, admission OF the sovereignty OF the States and
rs II necessary consequence, an acknowledgment of
the limited and defined powers Of the federal gov
ernmenU. That recognition has been signally made
during the present session of Congress in the repeal
Of law which unconstitutional by reason OF
its inequality. We bail it as a glad omen that this
act Of justice, this regard for the constitutional
rights of the south, this disposition to carry into
faithful execution the provisions Of the federal COM
pact was the result of sectional Legislation. We
rejoice to believe, that at the north as at the south
there are strict Cons,ruconists-tbat there are, in
both sections who have the sagacty to perceive
the manfulness and independence to maintain, that
the Union only be preserved and that the Con
situton can only be defended an agent for good
by advocating the extension of its benefcent nf1u-
encc over every portion of the confederacy Such
the objects of its formation" no north nc
SOUTH no east no west, but sacred maintenance of
the common bond, and a true devotion to the COM
mon brOthcrhood,' then, as it is in these latter
days the noble sentiment which animated the repub-
bean heart when it struggled successfully to organ.
ne a government which would ensure the enjoyment
OF equal rights to every citizen Of every State gain
we repeat that the general government, during the
present year, has kept constantly in view the impor-
tant facts which we have enumerated The govern
ment is in the hands of the republican party, and to
the republican party, TO the strict cOnstructonsts OF
the Constitution, to the men who, so far from sccfng
at the principles of '9S and 90, applaud and defend
them, IS the country indebted for the constitutional
.eSlSlation OF the Thirty-third Congress-