Smyrna times., 1860-11-22
III | 8 Z ELLA n EOUS.
Position of the Country-Attitude of
the North and South.

the Northern part, are in curious position at
this moment. Having exercised an undoubteG
constitutional right in electing for President a
their inmoSt hearts that they have not in that
act or in their own sentiments entertained any
idea of unkindness or injustice to their fellow
countrymen, they nevertheless perceive that
the citizens of ne Southern States are terri.
bly, incensrd, and in their anger are preparing
for violent resistance. They see, moreover, in
the whole Southern country persistent mis-
tatement OF their principles, and that any at
tempt simply to rectify these misstatements is
denounced as offensive. Ii any man in the
Piles of Mr. Lincoln and The Platform of the
Republican Party are exactly what they are,
that man would be ostracsed, and, perhaps,
subjected to physical maltreatment. This is
not only now the fact, but has been so through
the whole Presidential struggle, und we-lhe
Republcans-are made responsible for opin-
ions and principles we have never entertained,
and are opposed with the same rancor as if we
avowed and defended them. Even more than
this; the leaders of Southern feeling insist that
their followers shall pursue the same course as
If these mSstatemeuts were true statements
this course gelng to the extent of rebellion,
secession, anarchy and bloodshed.
In this case, what are we to do! Let us
view the subject with cool reflection. We see
our nation standing towards other nationsliii
position of the highest present honor aud pros
psrity, with a certainty OF progress in the same
direction TO an extent never known since the
world began. Under the institutions which
have brough, US TO this position. we have done
heretofore as we have always done.
Feeling thus conscious that we have exer-
clsed our undOubted right, that in dong SO we
have contemplated no injustice; that III were
attempted II would be resisted by many, If not
all, OF ourselves IN cOncer; with our late antapo-
nlsts; We nevertheless are threatened with The
same dire consequences as If We had already
p violated the lives, the liberties aud all the
rights of the cIuzens of the Southern States
and under these threats something Is expected
OF US, God only knows what!
What are We To coGaede Can any Of all
the opponents OF Mr. LInco here IN the north
tell! vi all the Issues which have from time
to time, since the beginning Of the Govern
ment, So far as regards the Slavery question
been discussed by the people, there are none to
which Mr.. LlndoIn has not gwen responses in
accordance with former Southern demanjs.-I
He will comply with the Constitutional re.
qulremenls to deliver fugitive slaves; he will
not oppose tAe inter- State trade IN slaves: he
Will not oppose the admission Of new States an
plying TO be admitted with slavery; he will
not advocate the abolition of slavery in the
District of Columbia unless the owners them.
selves desire il, and compensated and he
aoJures all claim on the part of the Federal
Government TO interfere with slavery in the
States. What more, IN the name of all that is
just, can be asked from man or party On
one point only is there a present difference
and on this point, be 1t observed, only six years
ago, and ever prior thereto the South aud the
North were coIncidenl in oplulon-that opinion
being the same as that now held by the Repub. |
llcans-whCh is, that in the Territories slaves
are not property unless the Law makes them so. /
MIR. Lincoln and the Republicans clalm thai
Congress has the right and the duty TO make |
laws for the Territories. ln practice, the Re-
publ!cans insist that these laws should be made |
70 recognize Freedom as the rule-Slavery The
exception; but the Anti Republicans deman
tAat The laws should recognize slaves as prop
erty, the same as all other property, and pro.
vide for its protection. This is, in reality, the
sole point at issue, and every one may see that
1t Is question Of subtle character, on which
men may honestly and aIncably differ; that il
Is not of immediate Importance that it does
not affect any large Eumber of the people of
even the Southern States; that waen decided.
no man can tell how It may operate on indl.
dIdual INTERESTS and that, In short, 1t is not of
a Character TO give cause and reason for the
excited OutpourIngs OF WRATH for the absolute
mama now raging IN certain portions of the
Southern States-Or rather let US say in South
Carolina, Tor there alone are the terms apDlI-
cable
we are almost driven TO conclude, and il is
a conclusion we are 10th to admit that the
present position Of that State, and of such
States or individuals may follow in it's train,
IS not taken because 1t feels the pressure of
any specific evil, but because It's attempt at
dIctatlon Is resisted; because what it has de.
manded with arrog gInce, has been temperately
though firmly refused.
Aud so we stand. There is nothing for the
North TO yieId-lot any man specify, who can
All th1l We can do Is TO 60 on 5 we have here.
l"lOte gone, respecting all constitutional
rights abiding by the laws. and maintaining
pur selfrc~pcct. We must not budpe from
.'- to-f'.'o, aud whatever Of evil NAV follow .
."ay w sure 1t will be more easily rectied. {
and OF shorter duration, than the greater evils I
hat will eventuate from any weak concessions. {
y. Y Times
LSuch are the opinions of a conservative Re.
publican. How near they come to the true
I'ne of division, we leave to the judgment OF
our readers.-ED
JAPAN.-Letters have been received from
slr. Harris. the Amerlcnn Mlnlsler I'm Ianan