The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1855-10-03
LETTER FROM
HON. JOHN NJ. BERRIEN.
Rockingham, 4lh Sept, 1855.

Rockingham, 4lh Sept, 1855.
TO the People Of Georgia:
FELLOW CITIzENs:-I have received sun,
dry Communications from individuals, and
from Committees If Citizens, inviting me to
attend public assemblies Of the people, in
different parts Of the State, for the purpose
Of discussing the questions which have been,
and which continue to be. agitated during the
present canyass--or il that could not be done,
requesting me to express my opinions on the
subjects whicl, excite the public mind, in a
form which might be given TO the public. In
complying with this alternative request, since
the FIRST is impracticable. hope | shall not
be considered presumptuous. While | am
desiroas Of avoiding intrusion, am unwil.
ling to shrink from the performance Of a du-
ty,- and, having passed great portion uf
my life IN the service OF the State. do not
feel at liberty 10 wiihholdmy opinion on, a.ny
question ofpnbiie interest, concerning which
my fellow citizens may desire the expression
OF il.
This is my real feeling. that which induces
this address, ! do not assume TO guide pub.
lie opinions, but simply to express my own,
IL the call Of those who have right u ask it.
Yet in doing so, must speak plainly. and
must necessarily cOme IN conflict with sumo
oi the opposing opinions, whieh have been
urged with so much ,ehemence during the
present canvass. II this shall subject me to
the yituperation which has been 50 avishIy
INDUCED, will rely on the intelligence anu
honorable feeling ol my c0untrymcn, 10 spare
me the humiliation Of replying 10 such as.
saults.
As an appropriate introduction to the re-
marks which propose to submit 10 ynur con-
siheiation, IL becomes necessary to advert for
a moment to the condition Of parties ia our
stare. The ancient issues which divided the
Wing aud Democratic parties have either
ceased TO exist, or have been for the time
laid aside. A party has arisen, which, draw.
ing its support frOm the ranks Of both Of its
predecessors, presents new and important
questions 10 public consideration. The Wing
party, although not dead, as has been yainly
supposed, abstains as party. from entering
i into the contest. Asa conservative body, Il
nevertheless exists, aud must continue to do
- as long as genuine spirit Of conservatism
is cherished hy the people Of Georgia. From
+ the Union party, which was the offspring ol
an occasion, as well as from the Democratic
party. large draughts have been made by TIL,
/ new adseiturer in the political field. Thema
jnriiy Of the Democratic party, however, re.
mains intact, and is strengthened by some III
point Of numbrrs) inronsiderable aceessioni
from the ranks Of It's ancient opponents
perhaps, vet more, by the fact, that the grea
majority oi them have hitherto stood alUO
from tlls contendinl parties.
The Democratic psrty, even thus mutilatei
advances boldly 10 the conflict, waging un.
compromising hostility against this new az
pirant 20 political power. The present con
test is, therefore, Magcd between the unbfo
Ken remnant Ol the ancient Democracy
Strengthened a. have before intimatcd, ant
an association Of individuals, or orders, wht
have assumed 10 themselves the name of tll.
American Party. In the manmusering pre-.
paraiory tOthe actual conflict, tie Democrat
ic party, with its usual tact, has secured ]
position to windward, BY which il has ihi
privilege Of becoming tie assailant. aud Of se
ieCting its point Oi attack, while its opponents
organized Cor the purpose Of correcting aba
!. ses, have found themselves Unexpectedly pu
on the defensive.
In this state Of the controversy. the ques
lious We are 10 consider relate
! /. 10 the object contemplated by The AmC
rican Party.
/ 2. 10 tie means proposed Cor its accom-
plishmenL
We are FIRST, then, TO examine The object
. ofihis pariy--to ascertain it, character, an
! 90 determine it. tendency to promote urcon
. ilict with the public guod. IL FIRST great %
! jpct--ihat which isclemcntal aud primary
. aud t9 Which all others ar, .on.rderrd a. aut