The Union and eastern journal. [volume] (Biddeford [Me.]) 1854-1858, 1854-08-18

PORTLAND, August ii. 1854.
GENTLEMEN Yours OF the 10th inst,
informing me ofmy nomination Us candi
dale for Congress from the First Congre,-
sional District in this Stale, by convention
Of citizens, Without distinction Of party,
holden a, Bddelord, on the 9th inst, has
been received, us also copy of the resolu-
tons adopted ut said convention.
Having read and considered those resolu.
tons, rs well as the report of the other
proceedings Of said convention, and In view
OF all the circumstances under which said
convention was called, do not feel ut liber
~ to decline the nomination with which
have been thus honored {; although, If
consulted my own personal convenience and
interest, should most certainly feel com.
PEELED to insist upon the selection of some
other candidate.
In the sentiments and principles OF the
resolutions, Us well as in the general spirit
and purpose OF the meeting, as indicated BY
the reported speeches and procee dings on the
Occasion, | most cordially concur They
are sentiments and principles which have
tong entertained, and have often expressed
in times past, aud shall use my best efforts
whether in Congress or rs private citizen,
to establish and enforce them in luinre.
You will pardon me for adding, in general
terms, that look upon slavery as having
been the great disturbing element in our
Government from the tune Of the adoption
Of the constitution to the present day. II
constituted, in fact, the grea, difficulty in
the way OF the adoption OF constitution,
and has ever since been a constant sour,
OF disquies, embarrassment and serious evil.
From the very nature of the institution. h,
must and always will be aggressive, SO long
rs Its aggressiOns are attended with success
consequently, the history Of its growth in
TINS country Is nothing but a series Of az.
Sresslons on the part Of slavery, and con.
eesslons on the part Of freedom, each con.
eess'on only preparing the way for another
demand more daring and preposierous than
any which had preceded II.
Concession aud Compromise. ON the mart
OF the North and Of freedom, have consti.
tuted our great mistake. The first radical
nis,aAe' IN my Judgement, was ut the time
OF OF the formation the constitution ITSELF
Then every body supposed tina, slavery was
eventually TO die out or be extinvuisbed =
ihen. ~ would have been easy with com.
Paratively small sacrifice on the part of the
slave Interest, to have provided Tor its grad.
nai Out sure 1t not immediate extinction.
but the slave interest refused, and freedom
Conceded, anG we have bean concedinc
from that day to this, until thus one interest
has been permitted to DO tho rulin, powrr
in our Governments, and now aspires 70 oh
tain still more unlimited and undivided
sway. The first great point TO be gained Is
to ppt an end 10 these conccssions-ior 90
long as the North will coneedo. we may no.
ly upon il that slavery will be ready to en-.
croach. But when the North shall present
an undivided front upon this question, aud
shall say to slayety, thus Tar have you gone
ees you shall 20 no further, and this is
known TO be fixed taet-then, and not till
.aen, wall these Entertainments cease. And
NOSE who desire freedom from excitement
ana agitation upon this subject may rely