Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1855-11-02
From the Owego IN. W Gazette, Oct. I6.
Letter from PreSIdent Plerca.


The letter which we publish below was written, as
its date imports, something more than year ago. It
had reference of COURSE 10 the state of things then
existing, but is no less applicable 10 that of the
present time Though written only for the perusal
of the individual addressed, it briefly and plainly,
and so well, expresses the views of the President
upon questions OF interest to the public, and upon
which we have differed from portion of those in
this State with whom have acted politically, that
we deem its publication at this time as not only
proper but due to the cause with which we are en-
gaged-the cause, as we believe, of our common
country.
The letter shows most explicitly the Presidents
firm adherence to the doctrine of n-intervention,
ms patriotic determination TO stand openly upon the
same platform of correct principles at the North and
at the South, whatever may be the consequence to
himself or 10 his party, and at the same time his per-
feet faith that the 'integence and patriotism of the
people" will appreciate and approve the right when
ever it is fearlessly presented to them.
We commend the letter to the attention of those
who have sometimes charged upon the administration
tree soil prociiytes. well those who wish TO
cater Tor abolition support by significant silence"
or, worse still, by making platforms substantially
like that made at Buffalo in 194S or at least capa-
bic OF being so understood:
WASHINGTON, D. c., Aug. &c, 1854.
My DEAR SIR Accept my thanks for your kind
letter OF the 22d inst, in the general views of which
heartily concur
The members of our party only act together
cordially and efficiently when they can cordially re-
cOgnise common platform.
The principle of "non. intervention" which con.
sttutes leading feature of the Nebraska and Kan
bill received the sanction of the democracy of
the republic in 1852. 1t was reaffirmed by more
than seventenths of the democracy of the House and
Senate upon the passage of the bill referred to- and
will within eighteen months furnish from its nhe-
rent soundness, the strongest issue can tender to
our opponents
But even if it were otherwise, are we 10 abandon
the right or manifest our want of faith in the intell
gence and patriotism of the people, by significant
silence
If we of the northern and middle States are unable
to sustain ourselves upon the ground of maintaining
for and securing to the people of every State and
Territory Of this Union all their constitutional rights
and immunities, nominal ascendency would cease
to be either honorable ourselves or useful to the
country. Besides, far as the democratic party is
concerned, all experience proves that every apparent
advantage gained by temporzing policy or by con-
cessons to error and anacsm, has only resulted in
ultimate distraction and weakness. Individuals who
desire to retain nominally position the democra-
tic ranks, but who unwilling to stand upon ma
tonal platform, should understand that, while the
masses well dispense with their cooperation, they
cannot, by silence, occupy doubtful position upon
fundamental questions affecting the cordial and per-
manent union of these States without losing public
confidence, and with it self-respect.
am, with high esteem, your friend.
FRANKLIN PIERCE.
Hon. ]. J. TAYLOR, Owego, N. Y.