The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-11-09

we give tO-Ooy al Important speecH Hou
Gene raj Cass, delivered on the evening Of the
fourth instant, at Detroit, and probably in
tended to follow the elections which have just
taken place in several of the Northern States,
snd to introduce new lesson into the service
of the political church Of the country. The
General is evidently in the belief that, however
horribly his forces may be mutilated in the
contest just closed, the war is still only doing
its incipient work. He has lived long enough
to know that factions and fanaticism live but
q day, while the cause of truth and justice
and of good government survives to redeem
their errors and to redress their grievances
|. His speech on the present occasion, though
nominally directed to the Richmond Enquirer,
bears the Impress of a careful enunciation Of
his views 10 the whole South. The doctrines
of "squatter sovereignty" come in for an ella
borate defence-and if the Richmond Enquirer
intends to resist that constitutional principle
in the administration of this country prin-
ciple distinctly and afirmativcIy affirmed in
the Territorial bills of the last Congress, and
practically executed for the last twenty years,
it will require more vigorous pen than has
yet been employed. 1t is the right Of the
people to govern themselves-a right which
may be questioned in this country-but never
successfully resisted. 1t rests upon the prin-
ciples which established US as an independent
nation. 1t cannot be impaired without des-
troying the unity and equity of our political
system. 1t is necessary alike to the North
and to the South /; because it separates the
government from the perplexiDg question of
slavery, and leaves it to tribunal who alone
are interested in its existence, and who are
rightly charged with it's fate.
The doctrines of non-intervention, in connec-
ton with this subject, are precisely what every
community would claim as an evident right
that is, the management of its own affairs in its
own way. The opinions of our neighbors and
friends are seldom thought of much value when
inopportunely thrust upon us. Truth is gene.
rous and communicative, and there is little rea-
son to believe that it is monopolized by any
one party or in any one place. 1t is as likely
to be found in the Territory as ID the State II
gains no strength by being endorsed by num-
bers or by reputation. At ell events, the his
tory of the last twenty years clearly enough
proves that the Territories will have practical
non-intervention. It is hard to give up q right
which we have all along thought was ours, al
though the proof be very conclusive that we
have all along been in error about it. Precise
ly go is it with the fanatic intermedlers with
the question of slavery, the great blow to whose
fortunes we believe to have been struck in the
election just closed in New York.
If we are right, and our hopes are to be real
lied in the result Of that election-if the mass
of fusive corruption which threatened - pollute
The whole political srnosphere Of the country
has been removed-an opportunity is offeredto
form national party and to save the country.
Gen. Cass takes leave of the South, so far as
its favors are concerned, but still avows his pur
pose to mantully defend its constitutional RICH,
He wisely counsels the friends of the Union TO
forbearance and moderation, so far as mere per;
sonal interests are concerned, and to vigilance
and activity in connection with the maintenance
Of constitutional rights. His remarks form q
suitable adenda to the election excitements Just
closing.