The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1855-11-04
SENATOR MAsoN's LETTER 10 THE BOSTON AB-


oLITIoNIsTs.
Every reader Of the letter below from Senator Mason to
the aboltonists Of Boston, viii agree with Us in pronoun-
cling it unsurpassed by anything that has appeared on the
subject Such calmness dignity courtesy and yet such
merited aad truthful rebuke have scarcely the
compass II must touch the sensbilies Of abolition
lists like plng Goals Of fire their backs and yet it is
done gently and kindly that il furnish pre-
text for increased agitation every northern would
calmly read and study Senator Masons letter. should
soon hope to sound public sentiment generated IN
the free States that would stand wall OF fire against
the further aggressions agations Of fanacsm This
question must finally be settled by the northern people
and Senator Masons letter furnishes them a platform
which they may well stand whilst contesting the mastery
with aboliuonism. After what have said need
commend the letter to our readers:
F,om the Richmond Enquirer
AN ADMIRABLE tErTEp.It gives great pleasure lay
before readers the following sensible aud excellent letter
from Senator james NJ Mason and feel satisfied that the
people OF Virginia win heartily approve the solid grounds
upon which he his not 10 accept the ny
ation Of the Boston committee deliver lecture slavery
in that city IL is proper that shoud valued
friend 10 Winchester had the letter. and observing that
the committees bad published IT, obtained from, Mr. Mason
copy thereof and enclosed it to for publication
SELMA, FaHDAnrcK COUNTY, VA,
October o. 1855.
GESrLnaEE have had the honor receive your letter
the s,h nst inviting me o deliver lecture on slavery
in Boston, the evening OF the 18th Of March next
such other time be convenient between the mid
die of November and the middle OF March and as an induce
to the service you inform that series of lectures
upon the subject instituted and successfully
Quoted here Cat Boston during the past winter aud
ther, that during the large number of gentle
from the south will be invited TO favor US yon) with
with others presenting during the course every shade OF
am at some loss to know what useful end it ia thought
u
pose before The people OF Boston.
in the earlier history of the country had geographical
line OF dcmareation. Climate and climate only gradually
caused its dccntnuance at the North and the
trolling influence gradually atng at the South
Until the climate be reversed will not be practicable to
store this form of eryitude At the North The advantages
Disadvantages therefore, attending it remain with
matter of speculative inquiry only and whilst such
speculation necessarily be without profit you expe-
rience is wanting show that they Ito
Of hem) than useless TO What effect. either
for good ill., the loss Of African slavery has worked the
superior of the North either regards their social
political condition. whether 10 elevate 10 depess, both
either at the South do think becomes to deter
mine We may have opinions, bat it would DO justly
deemed Intrusive not offensive to them Yet
might with much proprey challenge you discuss snch
topics, with view to affect modify your social nstitu
tons you challenge us in reference to
When therefore it has been ordained BY physical laws
that domestic sefytnde, exists at the South, must
main peculiar that sections and when it is conceded
must take for granted s that The States the respective
sections, North and South alone determine what is
best for themselves in regard TO such institutions
proprey far less wisdom in the people of either section
seeking to inquire into or to cav at the social relations OF
another.
An experience Of two centuries and half has done much
to enghten the public Judgment the South the nstit
ton of slavery in the African it exists there We
satisfied not only retain it, but far by
fundamental law to insure its perpetuaon amongst
That experience and its results or the asgned
be OF value and considering thus that the
people at the North want information the subject
of slavery for the OF determining what is best
themselves there should be seeming concession OF
their right determine for Others And lest such should
be in any implied, deem it proper decline (though
do so as eourteousy as was gyen) your invitation to
ticipate in the lectures proposed at Boston.
Very respectfully am, gentlemen, your obedent SER
want, j. NJ. MASON.
To Mr.. SAMUEL G. HowEand Others Boston.