Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-02-07
WHOLE NO. 800.


IL had either to be abrogated or preserved still
had the same instructions from my constituents |
determined TO maintain it. What was the condi-
tion OF our country when the bill arose? will
demonstrate to any impartial hearer that have
acted right and stood up for the rights of the
South and the Constitution. The Compromise of
1850 had been passed. 1t had hushed all dscuc-
sion on the subject of slavery. Agitation hrd
ceased The advocates of abolition we're silent.
There were but four ayowed Abolitionists In Il O
Congress OF the United States; two in the Hou 9
OF Representatives and two in the Senate. Gerr,t
Smith and Mr.. Giddngs, notorious throughout tle
South in the Senate were Messrs Sumner ar d
Chase, both avowed Abolitionists in principle But
these men were harmless, and II they spoke In
avowal Of their sentiments were not responded 10
Our condition, arising from the Compromise of
1850, was one of unparalleled tranquility Tho
Compromise of 1850 had been effected by the Joint
efforts OF the leaders of the two political parties Of
the nation. On the occasion of the Compromise,
Cass, who had been the standard bearer of the
Democratic party, was found uniting and co-ep,-
rating with Clay and Webster, and other prom
nent men in both parties, to consummate that
great measure-the paciication of all sections OF
the Union.
Its adoption gave JOY to the heart of every true
patriot in the land. Thus was the great measure
accomplished by the joint efforts of both political
parties, and during the Presidency of Mr.. Fillmore
LldbtcIb ICHldiltu III the mQSL harmonious and
tranquil position until the election of Mr. Pierce
The Democratic party met in Baltimore and Mr..
Pierce became their nominee. They had proclaim
ed their platform and adopted their resolutions
am happy to say never read them. thought
was good enough Democrat without any teach
ing from convention. | supposed all was right,
however; and as he was the nominee of the party
to which belonged, gave my hearty support to
him. 1 recollect one resolution that caught my
eye; that was, the solemn avowal that the party
would discourage and discountehance all agitation
OF the subject of slavery in out of Congress or
elsewhere. The Wing party met and made their
nominee Gen. Scott Their platform was ideuti-
cal with that of the Democratic party or they va
ried so little that the two parties had eaced tho
lines which had formerly separated them. NJ.
Pierce accepted the platform and resolutions, en-
dorsng fully the resolution against the agitation of
the subject of slavery
When he delivered his inaugural address he re-
iterated the declaration which he had made in ac-
ceptng the nomination from the Democratic party,
and declared that the country should sustain no
shock during his administration. In his first an
nual message to Congress he re-afirmed it. How
well these declarations were sustained let the Ne
braska measure show. II was another expedient
of his to organize the Territory of Nebraska. Al
though there was not settler within its vast do
main occupied by none except Indians, or per-
sons attached to the United States army and Off
GERS of the government. large portion of this
Territory had been set apart for the Indians by an
act of Congress authorizing the President, then
Andrew jackson, to cede patent lands to them as
long grass grew or water run and if they aban-
doned it at any time it was to revert to the United
States.
These Indians had been removed from East of
the Mississippi and placed in possession of these
lands by the government, and the rights of the
soil vested in them. 1t was solemnly guaranteed
to them forever, and they should never be mo-
Tested or embraced within the limits Of any State
or Territory of this Union.
For the organization of Nebraska bill had
been introduced the year before without any ex.
traordnary feature in it. 1t had been opposed
successfully, and was defeated for want of time.
At the first session, thirtythird Congress, SINH
lar bill was introduced. It was discussed for
some time, when it was concluded to amend it by
the creation of two Territories, adding Kansas to
Nebraska, and embracing repeal of the Missouri
Compromise.
opposed this bill because believed IL adverse
to the interests of the United States and to the
State / represented. Free-soil was far removed
from our borders; and if these Territories were
organized, was satisfied that they would be set
tied and become free States, and bordering on our
boundary for several hundred mills, it would aE
ford great facilities for the escape of our slaves to
the North We had already a safety-valve to tho
South. Mexico relieves us of large portion Of
our slave population, and was not anxious to in
hct similar calamity upon the citizens of the
northern part of Texas. had felt the smart of
Mexico's proximity to us by the loss of Tom and
Esau, who had arrived at greater notoriety be-
lieye than myself. / was not anxious to increase
the misfortunes Of others, though l had been a
victim to some extent myself
Previous to this time it was thought that the
administration of Mr.. Pierce was beginning to
wane, was not apprized of the condition Of tho
moon and how far it had waned, but | knew a
change had taken place in the phases of the adj
minstration.
1t was suggested that il was necessary to secure
the united vote of the South. How could that
measure be accomplished? A portion of the South
at one time had adopted the principles of nuliica
ton, founded upon the principles of opposition to
the tariff. II failed. II was discovered that the
South could not be united on the subject of disu-
Mon as unit upon the tariff The next inquiry
was, what subject will unite the entire South in
favor of disunion? 1t was known that several Of
the Southern States would be in favor of protec-
ton for their productions, and union among them
could not be obtained on that subject. The sub
iect of slavery presented itself the inevitable
pedient to consummate the work of disunion, and
hence the necessity of renewing agitation on that
subject as far as possible; hence, need presume,
that influenced by desire on the part OF the Pres
ident TO consummate that object, he was induced
to adopt measure that would have tendency to
promote it. so far the agitation of the subject of
slavery would go. By course of policy which
was not seconded by statesmen, he had created
condition of things in New York unfavorabe to his
reelection. BY calculating upon the united vote
Of the South, with count of Illinois, Indiana and
Pennsylvania, his reelection would be secured
without the vote Of New York When the propc-
sition came forward to repeal The Missouri Com
promise, | said TO gentleman for whom enter
tanned sincere and lively friendship, and mem
Der Of high standing in Congress, 81 do hope you
are not in favor Of this measure"
s,I;, IL tkos II