Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1860-12-12

We republished, few days ago. from the
Albany, N. Y, Epenins Journal, an article
suggesting mode of settling the sectional
controversies which divide the free and slave
States. The Syracuse Journal having attack
ed that article, its Albany contemporary re-
sponded in its impression of last Saturday as
follows:
'That The EUening Journal only speaks for
Republicans when its 'utterances accord with
their convictions is a truth learned In early
life. That its present suggestions are in adj
vance of the convictions of many--perhaps
OF most-of its political friends, was antici-
pated. Those suggestions were not hazarded
with any expectation of general approval.
But the public mind, as events ripen will
be better prepared to render its verdict. 1t
required courage, therefore. to say now,
what can only be comprehended three
months hence; but what, for any useful pur-
p ose, need to be said promptly. In the APP
preaching crisis we shall want all the Union
strength in the Republic, and our purpose is.
as far as may be, to draw out, encourage,
and consolidate that strength. In doing so.
we may temporarily tax the patience of
friends by whose ultimate convictions we
are content to be judged.
"If The Syracuse Journal had read us attent-
lively, it would have seen that we objected to
the existing Fugitive Slave Law because it
legislated private citizens into slave-catchers.
But when that journal adds that the people
of the Free States are not to be compelled
TO pay for runaway slaves any more than for
TlIn-atcGy horses or hogs it forgets that the
owners of slaves claim protection in virture
of a provision of the Consultation. Grant
that it is a distasteful provision. 1t is never
theless as binding as the more cOngenial
provisions. Nor should we forget that when
adopted New York was herself interested in
ii. Subsequently, we abolished Slavery
partly in accordance with the spirit which
seeks universal emancipation, and partly be-
cause it was improbable. Under tropical
sun. with a soil producing rice, sugar and
cotton, there would, even in New York. have
been a hard struggle between humanity and
the almighty dollar.
1.-The people of the Free States are not
expected to stand by and wink at kidnap-
ping says The Syrdczss Journal. Our differ
ence with our friend commences here. With
sympathies as warm as his, and while no
power shall compel us, as citizen, to catch
a slave. we are forbidden TO Obstruct officers
in the discharge of any duty. The present
Fugitive Slave Law is a detestable one. Its
vindietive features were designed to insult
and degrade US But proper and efficient
Fugitive Slave Law is a requirement of the
Constitution; and ace are as much bound to
observe and obey such law as South Carroll
ma is to observe and obey any other provision
of the Constitution.
"God knows that we should rejoice to see
every human being--all who are created in
the image OF their Maker--entitled, where
their lives or liberty are concerned, to trial
by jury. But under our present form of
government, with the Constitution as our law
and guide, this is impracticable. Our faith
ers found Slavery so deeply seated, and so in
tricately connected with their business, that
they could not form Union without recOg-
nizing and tolerating it. As Christians and
Philanthropists, they looked forward to its
ultimate extinction; but only by just meas
ures and peaeeable influences. Inheriting
their principles and imbued with their SYM
pathies, we have, in our humble way, labor
ed to the same end. But always in subordi
nation to the Constitution and laws.
1.-The duty which the Constitution imposes
in relation to fugitive slaves is a hard one;
but while we disregard it, we have no right
to complain of Slave States for disregarding
it in other respects We have never refused
to contribute our share toward purchasing
the freedom of slaves applying for aid. Nor
have we ever refused charity to people of
color, in distress, without inquiring whether |
they were fugitives or free But we loathe |
and detest the whole race of miscreants who |
have done more harm than their necks are |
worth, in beguiling domestic slaves from |
families travelling and sojourning in Free |
States. - - -
In view of what is coming, and in the |
hope of averting it, we would cheerfully con-
sent to law which should provide for the |
payment of every fugitive rescued from an |
officer by violence.
bat We are utterly opposed to The Jour
ndps idea of letting the Cotton States have
what they want-a slaveholding and slave
importing COnfederacy.' 1t is better and |
wiser, in our judgment to do our whole duty, |
under the Constitution, and hold others 10 |
their obligations"
Commenting upon this, the n. Y. Tribune
says:
WHAT'S here proposed and suggested seems |
to be, 1. The modification of the more odous |
features of the present Fugitive Slave Law,
and its vigorous Enforcement so as to come as |
near to catching every one as human imper |
fiction will allow; 2. The passage of law |
providing for paying for every fugitive res
cued from an officer; 3. The passage of laws |
allowing Southern families travelling and So
lourning in the Free States to bring and |
keep their slaves; and 4. The passage of a |
foT. 10 Ia r,obt