Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1856-04-04
Mr.. Westcn's Letter.

ANhtSA fNt44SAASNA hS4pMs lEO.l INK
pen Of the former able Editor ofthe Az
gasia Ase, the leading democratic paper
in this State. will be read with interest b,
all who are seeking 70: a RICH. understand
ing ofthe present position OF parties ans
Individuals on the slavery question, 4:
this question Is connected with the le-isla.
ton und policy Of the government This
letter is a very able one-as are all of the
political writings of Mr.. Wes,on-aad
worthy of the study and ca M reflection o.
all the voters; and especially of those be.
longing 70 the old democratic party. We
can say nothing to add to the interest tba,
viii be felt to read this letter: nor can
anything be said which will tend to com.
mend ii to the thinking sober men of the
Stale, more than the letter does of itself.
1t tells its own story. clearly, po:ntedy
and trn.hfully.
Men nigh. we'll doubt. after comps1.
ing the position Of the democratic party
on the power Of Congress to lesislate on
the subject Of slavrry in the territories.
during the years OF discussion on the
Wilmot Proviso,wi the present position
Of the Pierce and Douglas pasty-"that
the constitution Of the l. S i precisely the
same as j. was in 1871: and that the
powers ot Congress are precisely the
same; tina: the duties OF Congress are
precisely by the same; hat the insfitu-
ton Q: Slavery is precisely the same
Or that the same sun shine. in the heav-
ems: and tina. the structure of the hu-
and mind is unchanged: and that the
same premises conduct logically to the
SANG rusult."
WAsHING-oS, D. c. Mar. p. 1856.
Hon. CHARLES JARVIS
Dear Sv-My attention has been
called to the Ellsworth American of the
l4,h instant, which contains letter
from YOU, from which MAKE the follow
ing extract;
Il did stare with reference 10 George
VI. Weston, that the views noV of the
Democratic Party in this State on the
Slsrery question: were in accordance with
those ably advocated by tina, Gentleman
from 1914 to 1858, and therefore i. was
in bad taste for him 10 reproach his old
friends. for daring adopted sentiments.
that he shor. time since deemed vital
to the preservation OF the Union. In
other words. from 1874 TO 1858. Mr.
Weston agreed with me IN opinion. t,l.
re ,rers in a ,nin0rfy Of the Democratic
Party IN this State and opposed to the
agitation Q: the question of Slavery: see
ing no reason to change my views on the
subjec,. and quietly acai,ing the opera
ton Of the sober s,eoad thought of the
people. have nolc the satisfaction of be-
ing in the majority, while he. hcrins
changed AIS position for some cause to
me unknown is again thrown into tie
minority
The personal friendship which has so
long subsis,ed between US. which l take
pride in referring TO, aad which. l trus,.
nothing may occur to interrupt, the h. gh
respect as we'll as sincere friendship.
which ! cherish for you; and the fac, es.
,ablished in a long life, and known OF all
men. that you are utterly incapable of
making any statemen, which you do not
veril. believe to be true; combine to
render /, imperative tina, should lose
no time in correcting some errors into
which YOU have fallen.
The questions now asitated in the po-
litical forum. arise on. of The violen, and
extraordinary legislation of 1854. Tha.
legislation had many peeuliarities; and
among them. this. tina. whereas vast mum.
bers of persons were bound BY decen,
regard to consistency To condemn and
resis, it, there was no single person who
could be held bound, by any principle of
to support it.
The question of the extension Of sla-
very into free territories, had arisen for
the first time during the presen, genera.
ton, in lS47, when it had become obv;-
Gus that the then existing war with Mex
leo mnst result, in an enlargement OF our
boundaries at the expense of that Power.
Ii was insisted upon Amos, unanimously
Il the North. at tina. time, and con.inu-
d to De insisted upon until the con.ro-
'ersy was adjusted by the Compromise
Of 1850, that the power Of Con-
,ycss e-es me Territories was exclusive