The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-09-20
Letter from Hon. George NJ Dallas.


esqs. A
Letter from Hon. George NJ Dallas.
PHILADELPHIA, September g. 1855.
CESTENRS; II is consolation to witness, as do IN
your letter. than usually extended and earnest e
fort revive by celebrating the anniversary of its adop
ton in 1881 early veneration for the constitution OF
the United staes il il not too late even amid the din OF
the factions by which that nsrument IS DIESEL
il 10 seldom late to what is In itself so full OF
wisdom and strength and it is least Of all too late when
the movement to save is undertaken by firm sincere and
united democrats.
is bard to believe that any large portion Of fellow
citizens Intentionally aim dissolvng the Union OF the
States by breaking the constitutional rves without which
it stand yet there is direct and palpabe ten
dency of that fatal character in much that said and done
in avowed dsobedence and principles the reverse
of the text becoming frequent and volentthat
regard the danger really impending caused by
negligence nnslfuness exacts rare and difficult char
ty of opinion hope it may turn out as il has twice
thrice heretofore turned out that the majority OF those
whose perous proceedings alarm and resistance
under transient mpulsesknow not what they doerr
from gnoranceor msdirecton and cherish dark design
of magnity treason But, whether such ultimately
proves to be the case or not resoutey planting the
flag Of the constitution, and lyng band Of broth
for its defence be too warmly appauded In my
Judgment humanity can experience no more serious dis
than that of swapping asunde the circet which gives
nationality to the American people.
hope 10 be able you the l7th instant in In
dependence Square but speaking in the open air. TO
large crowd has than proved physically painful
and injurious to me- you will confer personal favor by
making your arrangements without introducing my name
ia any capacity whatever.
am, gentlemen, respectfully, yours,
G. NJ. DALLAS
To Gideon G. westcot John Robbins, ir, James r. Lud-
low committee
Litter from FIR Gorernor Nm. Biglsr.
MERCHANTS HoTEI,
Philadelphia September ia, 1853
GsNTIEMrx: regret my inability 10 join the democracy
of Eastern pennsy yana the 18th inst, at Ddepend-
Square for the purpose Of celebrating the anniversary
Of the adoption Of the constitution OF the United States
A previous engagement to be with my old friends and
ncghbors Clear6cld at that time will prevent me
cepting the invitation so kindly extended.
The Of political sentiment, national and local Pc
cuar the times and relating well 10 the privileges
OF citizens to the rights OF States evneng an inclna-
ton on the part of some 10 restrict the privileges digni-
ties and blessings resulting from paramount laws and
determination with others to disturb the public content
by dgent complaints against the institutions Of certain
Of the States without the suggestion Of either lawful or
practicable remedies for the evils OF which they complain
gives special interest and fitness TO the proposed
MES.
am of those who believe that The covenants of our
fathers Embodied in the constitution and laws whether
relating the rights Of States the privileges Of citizens
should be scrupulousy observed and vigorously main
tanned All attempts secret or OPEN 10 destroy or restrict
those high pcfogatyes improper and dangerous to
good society If unwisc that is reason for their aiera
tom but long those great rules exist it is good faith
and good morals to support them
The strict observance of the constitution of the State and
nation well in relation TO all and classes Of people
the several members of the Unon is the plain duty
the many blessings and joys incident free govern
ment 1t certainly will be best calculated to endear TO
the recoections of the past and the hopes of the future
The boast of the Romans that the Coliseum should per-
pet,ae their dominion vain bravado the defeated
and grandeur of that mistress of the world
has shown but the belief of the American citizen that
long tho constitution he faithfully maintained the re-
public will stand, is far more Rational and Christian
faith That the latter could not long survive the disre
gard or decentralization OF the former is least my own
deliberate conviction And should the eacing finger
of time point in derison the scared and scattered ng
ments of the national Union, what hated contribution
will the event bring TO the progress of tyranny and mon
archy
But write thus in special dread of the omens The
filth have had in The certain inclination Of the peo
pie 10 the right, the impulses of the moment
shall have given way sober reflection, abund
any that Institutions of civil and religious freedom
fortunately adopted and happily prnesed eievaug
cvilizing and chrisanzng in ell their tendencies shall
endure good old age it, indeed they be not still sound
when expiring Nature shall heave her last ,hroes.
True the srgings Of popular sentiment incident to our
freedom of speech and liberty Of the press may times
seem almost nnder the integral parts of the republic
and the elements of society but the calm of day returns
each its first position They become ''many the
wavcs,' aud "then one like The sea-
Very truly, yonr obedient servant
WM. BIGLER.
G. G. Westcott Jno Robbins jr, JAS R. Ludlow, ssqrs
committee