Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-29
THE BOSTON ATLAs-ITS IDEA OF
SECTIONALISM.

iSoShoh 1sto udSC VIC llupuutuCe W Charge
the Wings of the North, with being sectional,
and so of cutting themselves off from their
brethren of the South. We spurn every impu-
tation of the Sort
The atlas speaks with the virtuous indigna-
ton of injured innocence. 1t repels with all
the energy of fierce resentment the charge
that Northern Wings have exhibited sectional
spirit. The bold effrontery of this disclaimer
is the only thing that saves it from mocking
ridicule. As the AAas puts on an indignant
air, and deals with the subject in serious if
not solemn manner, we viii deal seriously
with the Atlas.
What is a sectional party? Obviously, it is
party that looks only to the interests of Sec
ton. 1t divides the country geographically,
and endeavors to build up one section at the
expense of the other sections Such party
is also unconstitutional. The Constitution was
intended to be made, and was made equal, uni.
form, and impartial in its operations. A sec
tional party would make it unequal and par
tial.
With these explanatory remarks, we will
proceed briefly to show that the Northern Wing
party is sectional party. 1t always has been
sectional and unsound party from its origin,
down to the present moment. We are aware
that it has always repealed this charge, and
that the Wings of the South have likewise
Indignantly denied it. The adrot Wing man
ayers of the North threw dust in the ewes of
their southern brethren, and blinded them for
a long series of years. So long did they de-
ceive, delude and hoodwink their con6ding
allies, that they at length came to think that
no fraud, however patent, no imposition how
ever gross would be detected by them. But in
these latter days they have grown incautious,
and overshot the mark. 1t would require more
time and space than we can spare to trace the
history Of the northern Wing party from its
foundation, and cite all the proofs of its sec
tional character. We will, therefore, conGne
our remarks to the last few months of its
history.
The Northern Wings in all their recent town,
county, and State conventions have declared
themselves opposed to admitting into the Union
any new territory, without applying to it the
Wilmot proviso. They have refused to nomi-
nate any candidates, unless expressly and spe
officially pledged to carry out this principle.
The Northern Wings, without one single ex-
ception, voted against the repeal of the restric-
tive clause of the Missouri compromise, which
unconstitutionally Disseminated against the
South and in favor Of the non-slaveholding
States.
The bulk of the Northern Wings in the House
of Representatives, in company with the Abo
litionists and Freesoilers, voted for Mr.. Eliot's
motion to repeal the fugitive slave law
The Northern Wings, doubling their ability
to succeed by their unaided strength, proposed
fusion in which they, the Abolitionsts, the
Freesoilers, and all the isms should unite to
prevent what they called the aggressions of
the slave power" A few weeks elapsed and
having grown more confident, many Of their
leading journals and politicians opposed the
usion on the ground that as they we're numeri
cally superior to the Freesoil organization, as
their name was more respectable, and as their
objects we're the same, the Abolitionists and
Freesoiers ought to range themselves under
the Wing banner and take the Wing name.
No journal better knows these things than
the Boston Atlas. But few days have passed
since its columns were crowded with the pro-
ceedings Of the Massachusetts Wing conven-
ton, and with the most enthusiastic laudations
of those proceedings. Nor can the atlas have
forgotten the action of the Saratoga convention
held about the same time.
The Massachusetts, Wings, the worst of all
Federalists, and the most insidious Of all Free
soilers, adopted resolutions that shocked and
Disguised the Wings of the South. They de-
clared in favor of the repeal of the Nebraska
bill and Of the fugitive slave lava law passed
in pursuance of the Constitution.
In view Of these things, is it not the height OF
impotence in the Boston Atlas to declare in the
face ofthe whole country that the Northern Wing
party is not only not sectional party" but
lndb ~ upOh bhc DiOho pldllOTm oil the
Constitution and of the Union" from which
the Southern Wings shave depsrtedr' Hear
what it says about the Southern Wings: awe
will con6de in them when they show themselves
worthy of confidence. We will receive them
when they come as returning pentents"
Again "They have deserted us and betrayed
our interests"
1t is not surprising that the Alexandria Ga
sette, after thorough reading of the Massa.
chusetts Wing resolutions, should advise the
Wings Of Massachusetts TO drop the name Of
Wing, from now, henceforth, and forever. Nor
is it surprising that the Louisville Journal, a
bitter Wing paper, should say these resolutions
"are sectional, aggressive on the rights Of the
South, and altogether such as the National
Wing party cannot adopt"
NARA Glasgow paper, describing Mr., Coughs
lectures 10 the fair sex Of that city, exclaims