The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1859-12-23
been offered by the gentleman from NORTH

Carolina, Mr.. Gilmera
do not propose, in hay remarks shall
make upon this occasion, to enter into
any thing like an elaborate discussion of
these subjects; but elink it may not be
improper to call tho. attention of the
House to some of the ,facts which cannot
have faded from their qecollection. We
all know that althoughthe spirit of nulli-
iication was for the time being ouieted
by the strong and energetic measures of
General Jackson, yet every occasion in
which hostility to this Union could be
manifested, since that memorable period,
has been seized. No longer ago than
1880, state of things existed which was
unexampled in the history of the coun-
try, unless it may have been in the Con-
gress of 1920, when the hearts of patriotic
men from every section of the Union
were alarmed and excited in reference to
the probable result wLlph preceded the
assembling of a soatlpei convention in
June, 1850, and the,rJ alrembling of the
same convention a,iths of aAls. at a subse-
quent rerioti in riie. one-hftes
The compromise m Eures, as we all
know, were the result OF the patriotic ac-
ton upon the part of the great leaders of
the various political parties of this coun-
try. We all remember what the great
Webster said in reference to the sleepless
nights which he passed in the consdera-
ton of those questions. We all know
how in the most unusual and remarka-
bic manner Mr.. Fillmore, the President
of the Union and champion. so to speak,
of the Wing party Of this country, re-
ceived compliments such as were scarcely
ever bestowed in modern times. He re-
ceived them not only from members of
his own party, distinguished us states
men in their day, but from those who
warmly opposed his election and who had
done everything in their power to en-
barrass his administration.
The same parties which, in 1850, had
pledged themselves that the Union
should exist no longer, have now, from
the force of circumstances, received an
additional impetus; and our object now
should be to arrest its progress, to allay
the excitement which so unfortunately
for the country we find existing when we
assemble here.
And that same feeling Of disunon
which existed in 1850 in "A portion of the
southern States, not only existed at the
time when the southern convention as
sembled in that gear, but it has existed
from the days of notification down to
the present period. 1t was ''unbent and
unbroken" no longer ago than in 1858.
when the letter of Mr. Yancy. Of Ala
bama, was published, adverting to, or
recommending, the organization of a
league of united southerners, the object
of which was, rs | believe, to dissolve the
Union. shall not, under existing cir
cumstanccs, go into history Of their prin-
ciples, many Of which existed in and
grew out of this feeling of dissatisfaction
with the Union as it existed, which feel
ing has been nourished for a series of
years upon the part of a portion Of the
southern States, and has been developed
in various modes, not important now to
recapitulate.
And when we look North. are their
skirts clear. When we look North, are
there no sentiments OF that kind existing
there? Is there not4lpg 70 rsssasesnd
with the Nicksburg CONVENTION, Which
was held no longer ago than III the month
of May, 1859: When We look to the
South, we see q feeling Of dissatisfaction
with the Union manitcsting itself upon
all occasions and under all circumstan-
ces. Is there no feeling of that kind up
on the part OF a portion Of the NOrth!-
Why, sir since came into this House
have heard sentiments attributed tonorth-
ern men which. it seems to me, equal
anything that has been said at the South:
sentiments which regret to notice, and
III which trust no large portion of our
northern brethren here agree. will call
the attention of the House TO few ex-
tracts lately published. showing the cir
cumstances under which we have assem-
bled here. and the necessity there exists
for wise and moderate counsels upon our
part. | will read, in addition TO what
was read by one gentleman from .Nir-
gnia one or two extracts:
"There is higher law than the Constitution
which regulates our authority over the domain. -
Slavery must be abolished, and we must do it,
That sentiment is ascribed to William
III. Seward. The next extract is taken
from the New York Tribune:
"Thc time is fast approaching when the cry
will become too ovcrpowering to resist. Rather
the Union be dissolved at once, and then tho sin
of slavery will rest where It belongs"
The next sentiment which | will read
is ascribed to Joshua K. Giddings, form,
erly 4 member Of Congress. 1t is:
II look forward 10 the day when there shall be
servilc Insured tiOn in the South; when the black
man, armed With British bayones, and led ON by
British officers, shall assert his freedom, and wage
a war of determination against his master And
though We may not mock at their calamity. noi
laugh when their fear concth, yet we will hail il
as the dawn Of political millennium"
Mr.. Hutchins. supposethat the gen
tleman from Tennessee has heard that
Mr.. Gliding has, over and over again
| denied the utterance of that sentiment
when he was
a Member. On this very floor
Mr.. Hutchins. Yes; and in his pub
lished communication to the country.
Mr.. Cox. Yes; but the gentleman
la;o;t kGows q that e he has @p taken back the
Mr.. Lealle. undertake to say, tha
years ago, when was member of thi
House, / heard him utter the sentiment
Mr.. Cox. 1t can be found in the APP
pendiX to the Congressional Globe, a.
modified; but the spirit is the same exact
ly as that read by the gentleman from
Tennessee.
Mr.. Nelson. have no desire to do in
Justice to any gentleman; and therefor
| will give the authority for my statement
1t is the Democratic Standard, paper o
which know nothing, but which ha
been sent to my address since cam
here. The date of the paper is Novem
Der lG, 1859.
Several Members. Where is it pub
lished?
Mr.. Nelson. 1t is published at Con
cord, New Hampshire. | find variou
other sentiments Of the same characte
here. This sentiment is ascribed to Horac
Greeley.
81 have no doubt but the free and slave State
ought to be separated" The Unio
is not worth supporting in connection with ii
| South"
And here is sentiment ascribed to al
other Northern gentleman. am so Ii