Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-07-12

though our prospects may be less bright now than
they once were--yet, as loyal American, must
regard these Conventions as the only living organs
Of our national organization One Of those Con
vcntjons nominated for the Presidency Mr.. Fill.
more. arm committed to his support, and shall
sustain him with what zeal and ability possess
Even if ] were to take the ground las some have
done) that the Conventions OF the 18TH ana zzu
Of February had 80 far departed from the Original
landmarks of Americanism as to have un-Ameri-
canized themselves, and thereby aosoTeo every
American from all obligation to sustain tue hoin'-
nation as an American NOMINATION.; sun, IN the
absence of any other candidate OF the American
party. in its national character, have presented
20 me. In Mr. Fillmore, candidate worthy OF my
confidence and support No one, believe, denies
In him a sound head an honest heart, and national,
conservative and statcsmanlike views. Ifhe erred
during his Presidential service, believe he erred
from honest and conscientious conviction OF duty.
Those who may find fault with what they consider
his errors, may well applaud him for having erred
80 seldom. Whether, then, In my character as an
Anerican, or as citizen Of the Republic, can
and shall cheerfuly and cordially support him.
The same Convention nominated Mr.. Donelson Tor
the position to which your kindness and partiaity
would elevate me. To his support am also COM
mitted.
So you see, gentlemen, with my views, and, in
my position, am unwilling TO be instrumental in
adding to the discord which already exists unfor-
tunately for us, among those who are battling
against the tyranny and corruption OF the party in
power. ] am, therefore, compelled to decline the
nomination, SO hatteringly rendered to me.
In the views herein presented, and the position
herein assumed, don't understand me as intimating
any cens,ire of the motives of those who may have
resolved to battle under the flag of the gallant
Stockton. Far from IT, AS before ntimated,
possibly may not be able to look at the issue from
the same point of view they do.
No man of any sagacity and observation can con
ceal from himself the fact, that the present condi
ton of the country is alarming. At both ends OF
the Union the "slavery question is king All
other questions pale in insgnihcance before 1t, IN
the public estimation. Americanism--all the del
icate questions involved in our foreign relations
all important questions of internal policy-all for
the time, seem to be ignored by the popular mind.
The phantom of dscord, exercised by the repeal
of the Missouri Compromise, is stalking through
the land, frightening men from their propriety.-
In the dissensions which now distract our country
in the scenes Of violence and connection which
prevail in Congress--in the blood which is flowing
in Kansas, and which, ike that of Abel, is crying
from the ground to Heaven for retribution--in
the shocks and conclusions which are testing the
strength of the Union--we are realizing the sad
consequences of that most unwise and unfortunate
measure the repeal of the Missouri Compromise.
country is now reaping the whrlwind. From the
day of the contamination of this measure, have
ever believed it would prove to this nation, what
the wrath of Achilles did to Greece, "the direiul
spring of woes unnumbered." would scorn to
take mere sectional view of this question-yet il
is due to justice to say, that the South as section
is not to blame for it. The South did not ask for
il. 1t was rendered to the South, as boon, by
the party in power, to effect partisan ends, and
promote selfish and ambitious views. And even
now, when our country is writhing in throes of
CONFUSION, the political gamblers, who direct and
control this same party, are still playing with the
question of Missouri compromise repeal as q coun.
ter in the game; where the stake is nothing short
of the Union itself They are still trying to cheat
the people of both sections-telling the South,
that the measure extends the area of slavery be-
yond the line of SO deg. 30 min.--and telling the
North, that il does away with the guaranty, that
slavery may go as far North as that line and that
10 will enable them hereafter to interpose against
IT, south of that line.
The only hope, in my opinion, of arresting this
evil of slavery agitation is by driving from power
the party that uses it as means of perpetuating
their dynasty. Until this is DONE the country viii
have no peace. And If / could be allowed to Of
fer a word of advice, would appeal to every ma
tional, conservative, Union-loving man, from the
Bay Of Chaleur to the California Gulf, to forget
for the time all minor differences, and to unite in
one common struggle, against the common enemy
of all. Whether pro-slavery or anti-slavery, let
them, even now--for there is yet time-make
another effort secure unity and concert Of action
in contending against party which is deceiving
both. and whose game is to keep them in perpetu-
al conflict that like the fox in the fable they may
carry off the spoil when the combatants are ex-
hausted.
As an American, would advise it, for the occa-
sion. Americanism can never fight the battle upon
the truth of its principles long as by the tao
tics of its enemies it is embarrassed by other issues
irrelevant in their nature. Americans must bide
their time Our day will yet come No matter
what course duty may suggest in the coming po-
litcal sruggle--no matter what may be the issue
of that struggle--yet, hope and believe the day
is not far distant when all true Americans will be
united, and we shall present one solid phalsnx
against the myrmidons of foreignism, Romanism,
and disunionism-and the contest will be decided
on these issues alone. Much good has already been
DONE The chord of American feeling has been
touched, and it has vibrated through heart, and
head, and nerve of the people of this country
The seed has not only been planted in our soil,
but it has terminated, taken root, and shot upward
Although its growth may have been partially
biphted by the improper culture, or over-culture
of its friends and the sly and sealthy application
of some poisonous material by its enemies-ytt,
time and it's own native vgor will restore it ; and
il will continue to grow and expand, till its branch
es will reach the clouds, and the American people
shall repose in peace and comfort under its shade.
1t may be that we need more adversely to teach
us charity and forbearance for each other on less
momentous questions. Defeat if defeat should
come, will teach us wisdom-will learn us the i'm
portance of harmony and the necessity for concert
and union hereafter. For one my destiny is link
ed to the cause of pure unadulterated American
ism. In this bark have shipped with my for
tunes III ever reaches its destined port In safe
ty all the reward / desire is place in the hearts
and the affections of its gallant crew. If, in the