The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1859-12-18


Unpublished yesterday an accountofa Union
meeting in Philadelphia; but, like the meeting
in Boston, it did not achieve, or even attempt,
any thing practical. The question is, will the
Union meeting to be held in this city to-mor-
row evening be Of the same vague character?
1t is evident such meetings are of no value.
Who believes that in consequence of the meet
ing in Boston, and the finely turned periods
of Everett and the vehement defamation of
Caleb Gushing, the revolutionary, rampant
spirit Of abolitonism is crushed in that city, or
in the State Of which it is the capital? AS we'll
might it be attempted to hew millstones with
feather, or to tame with the dulcetstrains Of
doomed ship on the rocks of Cape Cod or the
beach of Barnegat. The men of the South re.
gard the Union meetings under such circum.
stances as only holding out false lights, like
wreckers, to lure them to hug q lee shore to
their certain destruction.
While the Union orators merely talk, the
abolition demagogues not only talk in the same
places, but they act, and make preparations for
greater action hereafter. In Philadelphia dur
the last week there were two anti.slavery
gatherings for one Union meeting, and the
revolutionary element appeared to be the
stronger of the two contending forces. Mr..
Ingersoll made an eloquent speech in favor of
the Union, but that did not render the Union
one iota more secure. The abolitionists at
the same hour boldly preached "a revolution"
and declared that "the rifle" was the principal
instrument with which to accomplish it. At
Union meeting in New Haven, on the l4th inst,
called by three thousand names, another Mr..
Ingersoll said some fine things in condemnation
of John Brown and in favor of the rights Of the
South, which elected applause; but these ex-
cellent sentiments do not assure the South. At
Hartford, on the same evening, similar meet
ing was held, at which Hon. Thomas Seymour
was the chief speaker, and said that ''there was
ject had assumed gigantic proportions. This
spirit naturally led to non-intercourse, and
thence to dissolution of the Union.' This is
but too true; and small comfort the South can
take from such admissions. Mr. Seymour makes
some rhetorical fourishes about the dangerous
disease, but forgets to suggest remedy. And
80 it is everywhere.
Great expectations were entertained about
tbasa moot;n~- ss--y we're 10 work won
ders. But they have effected nothing.
Treason and revolution are advancing, and the
evil spirit is not checked, but is every
day going ahead. 1t is useless for
Union men and conservatives at the North
to talk, while the North sends the men to Con-
gress who have endorsed Helpers sentiments,
and have the control Of the destinies Of the
South in their hands. 1t is making too low an
estimate of the intelligence Of the people Of
the Southern States to attempt to delude them
in that way. 1t is an insult to their under
standing. 1t is only the voice Of the ballot box
that can satisfy them.
The Southern papers, therefore, ridicule these
Union meetings without measure, and are pre-
pairing the way for secession, as the only hope
of safety for the South. The Governors of the
Southern States, the Legislatures, the meetings
of the people, are all pronouncing to the same
effect. And jim Congress, where calmness, dig
nifty and deliberaton are most expected to pre-
vail what do the Southern members of the
graver and more conservative branch of the
collective wisdom" say With one voice
and one accord, all who have spoken for the
last fortnight proclaim that if an abolition re-
publican President should be elected the
Southern States will secede in body from the
Union. No matter how they are divided as to
other politics. in this they are perfectly unani-
nous, and the same unanimity pervades the
| Legislatures, the Governors, the press, and the
whole people of the South
How, then, can Union meetings, called by a
! few thousand merchants of Boston, PhiIa-
| delphia, New York and other Northern cities,
which are fast losing the Southern trade, and
fear still greater loss in the future-how can
| such palliatives as these remove the crisis or
alter the settled purpose of the Southern States?
They cannot do it They can only speak for
themselves, and can promise nothing for others.
What the South wants is a Congress and Pre-
sident who will protect it in those rights so
lemnly guaranteed to it by the compromises OF
the constitution. Union meetings such as those
recently held will not accomplish this. What
is needed is the nomination for President of a
Union and conservative man, like General
Scott, Of such popularity and high character
that the four millions Of voters will rally
around him with enthusiasm-a man who. with
the <c'at Of his name combined with the Union
sentiment, can carry with him the election Of
delegations to Congress Of the same conserva,
tive stamp with himself This, and this alone
can avert the impending catastrophe. 1t mat
tiers not whether the South is foolish or not in
taking the meditated leap in the dark II d
resolved upon doing It, and we have to deal
| with the fact az II exists.
But, say some Of the republican leaders, lie,
the Southern States COVE don't care abou,
them-we can get on better without them than
with them. Easier said than done. Others