Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1856-07-29
Buchanan's rosition and Claims on the
South

1t IS refreshingto to contemplate the quie:
dignity and patriotic spirit which charac-
terized Mr. Buchanan's career in Con-
gress. Not for one instant, never on a
single proposition, was he found in com
pany with the Abolitiouists Ife neither
originated nor supported measures of ag-
gression upon the South, but in every en-
ergency zealously defended the "lepal
and political rights" of Slavery. So con-
slstentiy did he adhere to the Constitution
that we challenge the Whiq to cite a sim
gle instance of q clear and unequivocal
struggle between Slavery and Abolitionism.
IN which Mr.. Buchanan did not espousc
the interests ofthe South. He never stroye'
to impair the legal guarantees of Slavery.
lie never neglected the opportunity of re-
bnkng the spirit and opposing the section--
al agitation. It is true he did not to the
entire length Of Mr.. Calhoun's famous re-
solutions; neither did Mr.. Clay. Mr..
Buchanan Went as far in their support as
any other Nothern Senator so far, indeed,
as to advance beyond the popular senti-
ment Of the Northern States. On every
practical issue in dispute between Slavery
ana Abolhionisn, Mr.. Buchanan took the
side OF the South. lie voted TO suppress
the circulation of iucendiary documents
through the mails. He opposed the con-
hTmalIon Of Edward Everett as Minister
TO Great Britain, because of his opinion
that Congress had power to abolish Sav-
cry IN the District of Columbia. He was
an early, steadfast and efficient friend of
Texas annexation. He was an early.
steadfas, and efficient foe of the Wilmot
pTa4-f-a 7. .I,-y..,.,I -
Arkansas into the Union. He denied the
RI 5ht Of Congress TO touch Slavery in the
ID strict of Columbia. In the great strug--
gle Cf 1919 when the North was striving
to drive Slavery from tie Territor.a AL pos
sessions OF the Government, Mr. Buchan-
an then IA private life, and under no obli-
gaton TO mIngle in the battle, volunteered
n the service OF the South, and proposed
to extend the Missouri Compromise line
TO the Pacific Oeeaaz-by which measure
Ab0Iuonisn would have been excluded
from the entire region of our Mexican
conqaests. After this Compromise line
was practically obliterated, and the South
consented to the new arrangement of 1850,
he planted himself upon the fnality Of the
settlement and The support of the Fugitive
Save Law. When, at last, the South dis
covered The impolicy Of attempting TO bols-
ter It's rights by temporary expedients, and
resolved to faa back upon fundamental
principles, Mr.. Buchanan promptly and
heartily approved the repeal of the Miss
our restriction, and the plan of settling
sectional disputes BY leaving the issues Of
Slavery 10 the decision of the popular will,
expressed through a legitimate organism
exerted IN obedience TO the paramount
spirit of the Constitution
In his own state, Mr.. Buchanan has
played no inactive or neutral part In the
struggle between Slavery and Abolition
ism. 1t is due as much TO his authoritiys
influence Us to the conservative temper of
It's own people, that Pennsylvania has ev-
er stood by the South in is resistance to
lawless aggression upon its rights No
body has forgotten the patriotic and pow
erlm appeal which be addressed to his
fellow citizens In 1850, counseliug them
TO cease sectional agitation, and 10 support
tae measures Of the Compromise. Alter
wards. IN an indignant voice, he protested
against :he conduct Of an Abolition Legis-
lature o. Pennsylvania, IN ,iosingrhe pris-
ons Of me State against the officers of the
Federal Government, when they were at
tempting 10 execute the law for the recap
ture Of fugitive slaves. Mr.. Buchanan;
spontaneously from impulse, and deliber-
ately from conviction, indorsed and ap--
proved Platform which presents an ep-
i'ol's g lhe rights Of thF soa.h- ii RicL-