The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1857-07-31
DISSOLUTION OF THE FEDERAL UNION

A few years since it was deemed by all parties
moral treason to discuss the question of dis
solving the Union. When some of the leaders of
the old federal party limited dissolution a remedy
for the evils which they claimed existed, an indig-
nant patriotic public frowned upon and drove them
into obscuriy The mission of Henry, sent by Great
Britain to counsel and aid New England in forming,
during the war of 1872 a separate and independent
confederacy, where federal instincts and purposes
might prevail to the exclusion of the Madison democ
racy aroused the of the people to the highest
point of indignation. When the Hartford Conven-
ton assembled in 1914, with like purposes, in
Mr. Madison would not submit to the dictaton of the
federal party, the American people almost to man,
rallied in favor of the Union. When the integrity of
the republic was threatened on the advent of nui6-
cation, the masses clearly, strongly, and emphatcal
ly testified their attachment to the Union. Gen.
Jackson's celebrated toast-'The Union must and
shall be preserved'---commanded the hearty APP
proval of every true American, and not one voice
openly raised against it within borders. Iii
now daily quoted with applause by patriotic citi
zens and it forms the motto at the head of more
than one democratic newspaper. The feeling thus
til the advent of the black-repubcan party when open
movements became common among the avowed aboli-
tionsts manesting the strongest hostility to the
sttution and Union followed by assaults and denunca
tons, more or less distinct, upon both, by those
shrinking from express avowal of what they felt
and desired, without the courage manfully to ex-
press their wishes. Governor Seward, after pro-
claiming the existence of law hgher than the
constitution, without openly insisting upon dsso-
luton of the Union assaied the constitution in
speech at Albany announcing the dissolution of the
wing party, which had no longer the power to con-
fer office and dgnities upon him, found fault with
and denounced all its leading features, dwelling
mainly upon those which were the subject of COM
promises in the convention framing it, His lead was
followed, and everywhere the republican party,
which succeeded to the old wing organization, took
the same ground.
This course secured the cordial support of the dis
union and abolition party who interpreted the signs
exhibited as intended to promote and lead to the ac
complishment of the purposes which they openly pro-
fessed and avowed. The disunion abolitionsts are
the bold pioneers for those who, with stealthy foot
steps, follow half concealed in their uarK shadows
Instead of manfully assailing the constitution and
the Union, and attempting to show that they have
failed in the great objects Of their creation the black
republicans, in most cowardy manner assail the
detailed provisions Of the constitution and charge
that owing to them, the Union is instead of a
blessing The of that party probably wholly
unconscious of the motives of their leaders Full
and candid reflection must satisfy them that their
course inevitably leads to that result whether open
ly avowed or not. Why assa the constitution by
piece-meal and denounce its effects, if the real OBJ
ject is not to undermine and destroy it, with the
Union which it binds together Do they propose
any remedy? None except overthrowing the demo
Gratis and securing themselves in power. But if this
were applied it would leave the constitution it is
and has existed for eight years and it will
list for ages to come While out of power with them
the constitution is all wrong; but could they fill all
the high stations in the government, all would
be right, or at least without complaint Their
great purpose is to lay hold of subjects to ex-
cite and arouse prejudces upon which to ride into
political power But they have associates and CO.
| laborers who are open as well in earnest in
trying to destroy the Union, hoping to erect in
| the North confederacy where slavery shall
not exist and where they expect to hold the
rens Of power. They profess a desire not to asso-
ciate with the States where it is permitted. con
vention Of this class recently assembled at Wor