Arkansas true Democrat., 1858-01-19
Hon. Lewis cass.
The following admirable letter was addressed by the distinguished Secretary of State to the great democratic meeting in Philadelphia:

The following admirable letter was addressed by the distinguished Secretary of State to the great democratic meeting in Philadelphia:
 WASHINGTON, Dec. 18th, 1857
 Gentlemen: My public duties will prevent me from joining the numerous assemblage which on Monday evening will meet in your city to indorse the first annual message of James Buchanan, who is the more entitled to the kind consideration of Pennsylvania meeting, as he was transferred by the American people from that faithful State, which binds us all together to the presidency of this great confederation Especially is it your declared object to indorse that part of the message which recommends "the speedy admission of Kansas as State under a constitution formed in pursuance of lawful authority" 1 thank you for remem- bering me among those to be united upon this occasion; and though 1 cannot be with you, yet I shall regard your proceedings with deep in- terest and with the firm conviction that the welcome plaudit "Well done, thou good and faithful servan," will be pronounced with one voice by the assembled thousands, and will be borne to the remotest parts of the republic, and find its response in the hearts of the American democracy. Such judgment of approval Is due to your eminent fellow-citizen, not less for his past services and his present position, than for his efforts to maintain at this time the true principles of self f-government While his pollcy has been condemned, his motives have been arraigned, he may well appeal Tn hs Justl- fcaton to the efficient services of long lie now drawing to a close, and which offers hlm no re- ward he would accept at the expiration of his constitutional term of office, but the confidence and gratitude of hisaeountry and the approoa ton of his own conscience.
 r. ,e +hn \ n n together in times of doubt and difficulty. Our fathers did so in the more trying scenes through which they passed, and may our sons do like wise, should those evil days come upon them, from which no people can be wholly exempt. These great conversations of the intelligence and patriotism of the country arc the tribunals to judge public men and measures and to ap. prove or condemn as circumstances may justify; and their judgment is rendered the more effec- tual by imposing numbers, by free discussion and by the nature of their proceedings. The admission of Kansas into the Union upon the principles advocated in the message lS one of those great questions which appeal at once to the reason and the patriotism of our country men, and may we'll challenge your deliberation and action. The addition of another member to our confederacy Is an event full of hope, a fufllment of the promises of the past and a pledge of the glories of the future. And 1t is likewise peaceable and effectual remedy for evils to which our system of government is ex- posed. As long territorial organization eX. ists, the country 1t embraces will feel the effect of external inhence on important questions, and efforts to control them will be continually made, whatever peris may be in the way of the inter- ference Such now is the condition of Kansas and no just and patriotic man can contemplate that condition without serious apprehension By the mercy of God rather than by our own wisdom or forbearance, We have thus far escaped that last sectional controversy, which when it comes may bring with it the destruction of this fair fabric of political freedom. But we have a security against this danger If we can consent to abandon this fearful controversy and adopt 1t, and that is the admission of Kansas into the Union under constitution formed in pursuance of lawful authority as prominently put forward in the message Pass a law for the conversion of the territory into State, and you say at once to the dangerous and conflicting elements, Peace, be still" The storm will be hushed, the institutions of the country, whether domes- tic or political, will be regulated by the people of the country, and but few brief months will pass away before peace and quiet will be re- stored, and this alarming contest remembered only for the lesson of forbearance it would in culcate This is precisely the view taken of the subject by the President, and trust, gen. temen, do not doubt indeed, that the same view will be taken by the patriotic citizens to be assembled within sight of the Hall of Inde- pendence, to deliberate upon the condition of the country, and to pass judgment upon the course of the Chief Magistrate.
 l am, gentlemen, with great respect,
 Your obedient servant,
 LEWIS CASS.