Weekly American. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1858-1858, 1858-05-15
WASHINGTON,
A COMMON-sENsE VIEW OF THE
SUBJECT.

We listened to a conversation short time
ago between two gentlemen, friends and neigh
bors but who differed widely from each other,
on the subject of slavery. We shall, for con-
venienee, call them Mr. Thompson and Mr.
johnson. Both of these gentlemen had been
old, staunch, Clay Wings, earnest, honest and
influential. One, Mr.. t., still remains what he
always has beea; the other, a year or two ago,
joined the Republican party, and has been
very Jealous opponent of slavery.
Happening to meet, they entered into con-
versation upon the all-absorbing subject of
Kansas, Lccompt)n, the English juggle, &C.,
when Mr., johnson began to give utterance to
his sentiments in regard to slavery. Mr.. Thnmp-
son, in the most friendly spirit, and with as
much good nature as good sense, remarked to
him that, as that was topic upon which their
notions differed widely, and as neither could
expect to make convert of the other he
thought it a very improbable use of time to
discuss it. You and l." said Mr. T., "agree
about the great essential doctrines of Christian
ity, though we belong to different sects; why
should undertake to convince you that you
ought to be an Episcopalian, or you me-that l
ought to be a Presbyterian? Neither of us
could succeed in such an attempt, and would
only create feelings that had better not be ex-
cited; in regard to non-essentials, it is better,
if we do not think alike, to agree to disagree
amicably-each has an equal right to his opin-
ion, and who shall decide which is right and
which wrong2 You and were old Wings,
and took pride in following the banner of our
most gallant leader, Henry Clay; we do not
differ now in regard to the great principles of
government, and the measures we then advo-
Gated, but you have got some notions about
slavery differentfrom mine, and have Joined the
Republican party. You think slavery the most
horrible thing that ever was, and are for making
war upon it without respect to the rights guar
antied by the Constitution to those who own
slaves. Now, though l have no liking for the
institution, yet having been accustomed to it
from infancy-having been born and lived in
its midst till / was man-grown, cannot see it
in the light you do nor can ! look upon those
who hold slaves as you do; why, then, should
we discuss the subject9 Why agitate it at all
What has been gained by it? | admit that
some men at the North and at the South
have made their way to Congress by this agi-
tation; there are fanatics on both sides, and
they are the only persons who are benefited
by keeping the people constantly irritated upon
the subject, and creating heartburnings, jeal.
ousies, and batreds between the two sections.
If you wish to put out fire, you surely will
not keep tanning it, stirring up the Goals, and
adding fuel to it, but rather let it alone that it
may smother itself in its own embers. You
have perfect right to your own opinion, but
would ask, as friend and neighbor, whether
you think, on the whole, that the agitation OF
this question has not done much harm by pro-
ducing estrangement between the people Of the
South and the people OF the North and whe-
ther its continued agitation is likely to strength
en- the bonds OF the Union, or the contrary? [
wish you to understand that speak in no
spirit Of unkindness; l only wish you to reflect
seriously upon the subject when alone; discuss
it with yourself, and not with Others; with
desire to arrive at right conclusion, and not
to win victory in an argument The slavery
question was the rock upon which the Whig
party stranded; has its dismemberment re-
suited in covering the country with blessings
and beneftsP But enough; let us hereafter
consider the subject tabood one as between
us; if we cannot agree, we will not disagree
about it, and then we shall get along harmo-
niously, as all good neighbors should"
1t is proper we should add, that Mr.. John
son admitted, in reply to Mr.. T., that he now
concurred in his general views, and especially
in regard to the impolicy of further agitation
of the subject Of slavery. He agreed that it
would be much better to tranquilize the coun-
try, and turn our attention to the promotion
of its trade, commerce. and manufactures, and
industrial interests.