Daily American organ. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1856, 1856-08-08

taNe tftVSe ~ otdte, SHdit dect6 Themselves
aolsether SLAVERY shaH or shall not sxia Vithi,
| their limits"
/ From whence do the people derive this powerP
They either have IL, independent of the Federal
Constitution, derive 1t from an act of Congress
comforting 1t upon them, and if Congress confers
the power it must possess the power itself under
| the Constitution. Does any southern man con-
csde that the squatters in Territory, the common
property of all the people of all the States wheth-
en- many or few, as soon as they receive Terrific
rial government, have the sovereign right to de-
clare that slavery shall never exist in the Territory
and to deprive the stakeholder of the right OF 90
ing into the Territory with his property? more
Objectionable doctrine to southern opinions and n
more dangerous one TO southern rights cannot be
proposed short of the impossibility of the legal ex
tension OF slavery in any mode beyond its ancient
limits. But, il Mr. Buchanan does not assert this
individual principle OF squatter sovereignty he
must derive the power in the people of the Terri
tory from the act of Congress organizing the Ter
ritory; and, if so, he asserts and maintains that
Congress has power itself to abolish slavery in the
Territories. Take either view Of the question and
Mr.. Buchanan stands in direct antagonism to
southern opinions and southern interests, as ex-
pounded by the leaders of the Democratic party.
Thus we see every variety Of contradiction in
the platforms of these two parties--the Demo-
cratic and Republican-and the recorded history
and antecedents of their respective candidates.
pafbleS or their canUl-
dates have no regard for the platforms of prn-
oiples established and proclaimed to the coun
try, but use them only as means Of party success,
which, once attained they will be free to execute
their designs OF personal aggrandizement by the
aid OF governmental support and pecuniary re-
wards from official salaries. For if these parties
take their nominees their antecedents, they 1.-THE
parties) surrender their avowed principles; and if
these candidates serve their parties on the terms
/ II he MI fhau Lo;n
long-cherished opinions, surrender their indiyidu-
uality, and become the automatons of party ambi-
ton.
The question which every citizen must decide
for himself is, will he confde the affairs of the gov
eminent to either of these extreme and contradic-
tory political party leaders, The responsibility
will rest upon the people, and have all confidence
in their intelligence and patriotism. What have
said in the short space OF time allowed mo is moth
ing but an index to some portions of the political
history of parties, and can only profit those who
may feel anxious TO pursue the investigation, and
learn the true condition of affairs, and tho purpo-
ses of political parties. Such investigation is ne
oessary to the proper discharge Of the important
duty OF American electors. And | urge every
man, who may hear these observations, to look to
the manner In which he discharges the sacred trust
of sovereignty
Sir, have already Indicated my intention to
give my support to Willard Fillmore, not only be-
cause his opinions harmonic with my own on the
great questions involved in the propositions main
tanned by the American party--questions which
regard OF immense magnitude, and which would
be sufficient lnducement to elicit my support but
also for the reason, that believe in the moderate
counses of such man, there is confidence and
security; and that his election would be the best
guarantee of the perpetuity OF our glorious Union,
the preservation of which is paramount to the
temporary success OF any abstract political opin-
ions "a lsJ, tb.e "A
ice upon the altar of common country all
personal ambition, pride of opinion, and the de-
lights and emaluments of party triumph. Mr. Fill
more has been tried in the severest crisis of do
nestle disorder; and whatever may have been his
private notions as to the abstract propriety of par
tcular institutions the constitutional powers of
Congress, he acknowledged the binding obliga-
tons of the wii ten constitution--the great char
ter Of political freedom; and directed every effort
OF strong mind and patriotic heart, to the resto-
ration of the peace and tranquility of the public
mind and the preservation Of the Union of the
States as the palladium of liberty
All just-mnded men acknowledge the merits of
his public services, and commend in the highest
terms, his national patriotism. How impotent is
party rage directed against such man-deeply
seated in the grateful affections of confding peo
pie. The javelins of party malevoence can ne-
ther disturb his repose oblterate the lively re.
collections of his eminent political virtues. On all
sides we have already witnessed the spontaneous
manifestations ofpublc esteem, but which win in
crease in magnitude aud power in geometrica pro-
portion as the public mind becomes awakened to
sense of the impending crisis and the weight of
popular responsibility. .n
do not like to admit that this glorious Union
OF States is in danger nor to appeal to the people
to save their country from the uncomfortable mise
ries of disunion and civil strife. / will not allow
myself to contemplate any favor to such a revolt
IMAM nosf i'm ln.,rr L..
mains, It has been asked by gentlemen from the
North on this floor, if the South intend to dissolve
The Union, if that section should be defeated in the
presidential contests can answer for one loyal
Southern man, and | believe for the always faith
ful and Union loving State of Kentucky--that the
mere success of party in the election, would he
no cause even for the contemplation of such n ca
lamity. No, sir tn, people have right to choose
whom they desire fer President, under the Con-
stution; and the exercise of constitutional rights
shall never be regarded by me as cause for dis
union. You ask me, how much the South will bear?
tell you that all true PATRIOTS North and South,
will submit to the will of the majority all sub
Jects which, by the Constitution have been
fded to the Federal Government, whilst the Con-
stituton remains. Reason alone should be en-
poycd to resist legislative and party injustice but
ii the designs of parties purely sectional should
be carried ut, the Constitution trodden under
foot, and, instead of the action of majority in ac-
cordance with It's grants and linlita ions, you nau
gurate the unbridled will of majority-then,
sir, the fate of the Republic will be forever sealed,
and the historic chapter of American independ-
ence closed in the tragic scenes of civil war. The
curtain falls, and have no desire to imagine the
horrors behind the scenes; and but few would have
the heart to look upon them, if they could be
opened to their gaze.
The fragmentary sections Of once brilliant POI
lltcal star in the western hemisphere, might shed
for time their feeble rays over the dark gloom of
Eastern tyranny and despotism but their rregu-