The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-07-14
Gen, Hous,oa's Reply.

Gen Houstons Reply
ATHENS June 80, 1850
GENTLEMEN On my return from Moulton, where had
gone address public meeting found yours of the 23d
instant covering five resolutions which You advise
adopted By the Democratic Association of Tuscum
bia and the organ of the Meeting at which they
adopted you Instructed ascertain from whether
the principles OF those resolutions meet my approval
have bestated TO acknowledge the right Of the
PROFOUND to the candidate pertinent and respect
full Undergraduates well the duty of the candidate to
respond to such questions.
My duties in attending sick family have kept al
home almost continuously for the last six eight weeks
have continued to indulge the hope, however that
would he able to the district in which event in
tended to publish from the stump my views upon all poiit
zeal questions agating the public mind and under the
belief that fly wife and child improving did at
tend and address the meeting Aoulton but my
turn found my child much worse, and so il continues
am advised by my physicians that its condition il critical
and dangerous, Under these crcumstancesmy wife
barely able to get about her room will have to orego
for the at least the pleasure Of meeting and adj
dressing friends and former constituents il my
purpose to do. ii the unforunac state Of things detan
ing ut home shall change admit of it, will
yet canvass the district much of it can; but
present indications are against my being able to
ter the canvass soon and in obedience to principle
which, in my Judgment should govern all candidates for
Office in republican governments ! will proceed briefly
to give my views touching the principles of your resou
tons The first and second resolutions contain principles
with which we are all somewhat familiar they
cnsvey discussed In most Of tie southern States in
then earnest advocate Of them contended for
and defended them wherever addressed my iellowcit
zens opinions in relation TO them unchanged and
it is to OF consolation and pride to them
acknowledged by all true democrats the governing
principles Of their political action, and constituting i'm
portant part of the platforms Of political organza-
TONS Besides my advocacy of them in 1851, had the
honor of being member of the Housc Of Representatives
of the United States Congress the time the Nebraska
Kansas bill passed that body and not only gave il my
vote but used such influence possessed in favor of its
enactment into law; and truly pleased to see it re-
ceive the endorsement of my constituents These then
not opinions with me; lave entertained them
for years, advocated them publicly and in part voted for
them yet approve of them.
The principles of the third resolution, basis for
the formation of sound national party, good. No
party can exist in this country unless il be founded upon
principle, and party become and remain national
and sound without requiring its members in ell Of the
States to give their adhesion to the principles Upon which
it is founded. sEH
Your fourth resolution as understand the PRINCIPLES il
sets FORTH inquiries of me whether opposed the po
cal organization commonly called know-nohings to
secret oath-bound political associations religious n,o
erance 10 political prescription and also political
CARNATIONS that form associations with northern aboon
lists. have often expressed my views in relation TO
these principles that regard it. this OCCASION as only
necessary 10 reply in the affirmative Whatever reforms
and notifications may be needed land think some are
necessary prevent abuses and faithful execu-
ton OF the laws in relation to naturalization and emigra
ton the voting of foreigners in Territories before
fazation, which IN each controlled by the law
ganzng the Territory say the least of H. be well
done ey the democracy as by any other political organza
ton and think With more certainty The resolution also
expresses Willingness to combine with all good men t.
save The constitution from Dissertation aud the South from
being Frustrated before the power Of northern fnatcis
and msrule also subscribe that sentiment as sup
pose every southern must do The constitution ou
safety and hope may be so insensble to my du
ties under il to see it imperilled without struggle 10
save it viii labor AT ali times preserve il in its pu
y and force the supreme law Of the land and secure
the South in all of her rights under it.
The fifth resolution contains the principle of retaliation
so far rs il be exercised consistently with the federal
and State constitutions Retaliation is not the most favor
lite remedy with me- yet there may be (and am not
prepared say that Massachusetts is not now onel In
which would be in favor Of the exercise of such
by the South. want yielding northern aggression
prefer to meet the difficulties fairly and promptly vet in
the adoption of remedies against offending northern
State would be disposed to consult the Judgment and
temper OF the southern representatives and people that
might II possible act with that energy and unanrnty so
essential to success so that when shall make move
ment for the redress of the wrongs of section will
undertake it with firm resolve pursue until we ac
compsh our purpose. would also be disposed to listen
TO what might be said by friends in the free
States those who have stood by in sunshine and in
storm, and who have at time facred in their duty in
endcavorng to for rights under the const
tuition Those patriotic defenders OF the rights Of oil sec
ous being surrounded, they are by the widest anat
csm the world has known necessarily have bear
the heat and the burden OF the fight aud they should
know the best amongst their own uoope