Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-09-29
Letter from Hon. 5otn Il. Thomson.
PRINCETON. Sept. l3. Is

PRINCETON, Sept. 10, 1919.
GENTLEMEN: 1t would give me the greatest
pleasure to meet my Democratic friends in the
city of Philadelphia the 18th instant if it
were in my power to do so; but it is not.
Never was there time, in my judgment, since
the adoption of the Constitution, when it was
more necessary for its friends TO stand up in its
defence than at this day. Assaulted, as it is, by
combinations such as never existed before in this
country-of the beguiled, disappointed, and fan
atical of the old political parties-nothng of
hope remains for its preservation but in the Dem
ocratic party, and in the conservative and patri-
otto members of the old whig party who will
unite with it to uphold this sacred instrument
with all its compromises.
The existence of the most imminent danger to
the Union is no longer mere senseless cry, but
much more real and present than many have sup
posed. With the threat of dissolution of the
Union upon mere differences of opinion) our
ears had become accustomed, that when f0tr
uttered IT is scarcely heard, but little needed, and
makes no impression. But this is a most fatal
error. The separation of the southern and south
western States from the Union must inevitably
take place if the opponents of the Democratic
| party shall succeed in obtaining the control of
| the government of the United States, and carry
| out the principles of their organization, under
the various pretences of religion, patriotism, and
| philanthropy. What are the objects sought to
| be accomplished by these combinationsi A com
pete reconstruction, or at least utter destruc-
ton, of the fundamental principles Of the Con-
stitution of our government. They propose to
deprive one portion Of the people of the United
States of rights enjoyed by another portion, by
establishing an inequality of rights among the
States, admitting the right of selfgovernment
and of the establishment of their own local and
domestic institutions, 10 certain States, and pro-
| hbiting other States from the enjoyment of the
| same rights. And they avow their determination
to restore an unconstitutional law to the statute
| book, which had been repealed by the late Con-
gress of the United States unconstitutional and
unjust; the restoration of which they must know
would be resisted by the united South and, If ac-
compllshed, would cause them in n body to with
draw from the Union. And this is not mere
| speculation and IL is worse than folly TO close
our eyes TO the dangers that grow out Of il. The
whole South feel that they are nor contending,
not for an abstract proposition, in relation 10
which there may be an honest diversity Of opinion,
but for their very existence Disguise il as we
may, the abolition party aim at nothing short Of
| the abolition Of the institutions Of the South,
and TO this end all their efforts are directed And
| in the ultimate accomplishment Of this object
they have derived the most efficient support from
| new organizations which have sprung up within
| the past few years, the union Of all which, at
the late Congressional elections has given To the
| enemies Of the Constitution a large majority in
| the House Of Representatives Of the United
States.
That these fanatics should receive aid from an
order whose cardinal principle is proclaimed to he
the preservation Of the Union, seems almost inn
possible to believe; yet in the Eastern States n
| perfect fusion has taken place between them and
| they have set the example, and have committed
| the infamous act Of deliberately MULTIPLYING, by
| legislative enactment, the Constitution and laws
| of the Union. Strange that a party protesting
such principle as the foundation Of their order
should, too in other States, recommend the adop-
ton Of measure which they must know, instead
| ofpreserving the Union, must, If carried out lead
| TO its destruction.
In this alarming state Of things as upon every
crisis in the affairs Of our country which has ever
occurred, the only hope and reliance Of every lover
Of our institutions is IN the Democratic party
It's triumphs not the triumphs Of ambition or
scctionalism, but the legitimate fruits Of their
principles--the triumpbs Of patriotism and ma
tonality In no contest in which these issues were
involved have they ever failed. Occasionally dis
asters (where no great principles were at stake)
may for time have gladdened the hearts of their
adversaries; but these were at long intervals Of
| time, and Of short duration. The party, purged
Of its gross materials by season Of adversely,
always rises stronger and better for its temporary
chastisements-and il will again rise and
triumph. Let our people only be made acquainted
with the extent Of their danger, and the arts and
combinations Of their adversaries and the result
will be no longer doubtful. Rising in the ma
jesty ofthcir power, and strong IN the Justice and
dignity Of their cause, the Democratic party will
discomft their opponents by defeat so thorough
and complete, that it will be regarded hereafter
as a readoption on the part Of the people Of the
United States, Of the principles and provisions
Of the Constitution, and will bind together more
strongly than ever the fraternal bonds Of the diff
ierent States Of the Union.
| With sentiments Of great regard, your friend
and fellow democrat,
JNO. r.. THOMSON.
TO Messrs. G. 9. Westcott, John Robbins, jr.,
| and JAS. r.. Ludlow, committee.