The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1856-07-19
Mr.. BURWELRs LErrER.

Having been elected to the legislature upon the nomna
ton Of the American party II with much regret that
6nd 1t inconsistent with my principles Of political action TO
support either The creed the candidate Of that party At
the ensuing presidential election
In doing SO mean disrespeet 10 those who compose
that party consider the immedateobjects Of its organ
zaton yindeated The necessity for reform In the
laws Of naturalization and alien suffrage acknowledged
the alleged hostility OF the American party to particular
religious persuasion has been resolved into the indputble
prncp le-that one who ayows allegiance TO any Law
higher than the federal and State constitutions each within
its proper jurisdiction is fit for political trust The obnox
ous obligation Of secrecy has been abolished
But another important agency expected from the
American party TO which il has regret TO say proved
wholly inadequate and it is this disappointment which has
rendered my withdrawal from its councils in my opinion
matter OF public duty
Regarding the question Of slavery as paramount to all
others before the American people satisfied that the wing
party Of the North had fused with the eesoers and that
the democratic party parayzed by its dissensions
had with many Others sought in the American party
love of Union fraterna affection, and a national pride
which should reconcile and quiet forever the differences
existing amongst US
The first national action of this party encouraged the
hope that it would realize this patriotic expectation 1t
announced In June 1855 that it would maintain the
isng legislation upon the subject Of slavery settle
ment of the question Under this declaration thirty
three members of Congress elected by the American
party in the southern States.
In February, 1885, this policy changed The pledge
to maintain existing legislation substituted BY creed
In which not only the subject but the Of slavery
carefully ignored The guarantee for the admission of
slave States specifically given by the declaration of
1885, replaced by article which recognises the right
of the legal citizens of Territory to frame their const
tuition and laws and regulate their domestic and
social airs in their mode, subject only TO" the
Wilmot provso, to the provisions ofshe federal
of the dominant majority in Congress- precisely the
same thing With this restriction the privilege of admis
sion into the Union granted the territorial State when
il shall "haye the requisite population for repre-
sentative in Congress
AT the same time and upon the same principle of neu-
trality the American party nominated for its candidate
gentleman of integrity and patriotism but it did
quire him say whether he would, if elected bill
restoring the Missouri restrictions repeating the Kansas
Those who have regarded the pending question too
important to be left in doubt have been informed that the
nominee is platform enough" and that his past official
acts afford sufficient Of his future Taking his
signature of the Compromise of 1850 the promi
nent Of these acts encounter insurmountable difficulties
construction The friends of the Kansas contend that
ii is legitimate deduction from the Compromise Of 1850
but thousands who advocated that compromise that
the Kansas act fragrant violation of that II
the inference that the Kansas resulted from the compro
mise is inevitable there could be controversy upon the
subject But there radical difference upon this subject
therefore the position Of the American nominee upon this
question is doubtful and those who disposed sup
port him may, without impugnng his integrity, ask his
construction upon the consistency Of the Kansas act with
the Compromise of $780, and whether it is his purpose to
maintain repeal it Until such declaration shall
be made the Americans of the South wholly without
assurance against the continued agitation of dangerous
question of having rights deemed by them invaluable
surrendered by the act Of their representatives
The issue upon which parties have organized for the
suing campaign is Shall any slave States be ad-
mtted into the Union2'
Foremost and formidable in this contest stands the
black-repubcan party, dangerous compound Of fnati
cism and political eupidy. II and Of power
full resources il is led by ambitious and sagacous men
1t intends employ the numbers of the North subugae
the South and govern the country Its material Of war
fare consists in mpeaching the title Of your property de
flaming your character and combining the most despoc
and awess influences in crusade against you Its plan
Of warfare is cut of the supplies and communications OF
slavery 70 invest its citadel and TO send in flag inscribed
Assault or unconditional surrender"
The democratic party has been by force Of circumstances
placed in direct antagonism TO this party 1t stands
only pledged but committed beyond the power Of
ton or withdrawal maintain your rights political
equals in this confederacy.
With my opinions neutrality would be at this import
ant crisis little better than SHALL therefore vote
for the democratic candidates the ensuing presidential
election because that is the only party committed
set the rights Of the South and because the opinions
aTowed by that party upon the subject Of slavery represent
my own.
With these declarations would not be proper that
should hold station which longer employ TO pro-
mote the objects Of those who conferred it have there
fore transmitted to the speaker Of the house Of delegates
by the hands Of the executive my resignation member
Of that body. In doing so, may be allowed to say that
act in accordance with my own sense Of propriety,
and upon the complaint insiigAtion Of Others.
have endeavored TO discharge my representative duties
with fidelity. have advocated every legislative
ure which tended to restore the credit promote the
power employ the people protect the rights Of be-
loved Commonwealth resign my post because its Incl
dental obligations will not permit TO pursue the
objects a. efficiently could wish have intention
TO become a candidate for the vacancy thus occasoned
wish issue You have generously sustained
without any Of those elements influences which
strengthen public am not ungrAteful would J.
for any reward Of personal Advancement encourage dv
ions amongst you For, believe me- this Is time for
divisions Your rights stake. The only question
with you must be who Is the efficient advocate Of
these rights The presidential contest may not be decided
in the open field II carried into Congress II may be indus
peusable to our safety that should unite upon the
efficient antagonist OF our common enemy. The North
has forgotten s euds in q snry torard yoH Way
you unite for he protection Of your property and your
rghsr II we encourage strife amongst those who belong
to the sections Of the great conservative army may find
rreconcilable anmostcs pervading ranks Remember
that election Of backepublcan speaker Of the House
Of Representatives caused by the acebes Of political
warfare Remember that by this event your enemies have
n enabled % direct influences Congress to your