Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1860-05-22
Hon. John BELL and the Slavery
Qua ton.

The political enemies OfMr- Bell, for some
years past, in this State particularly, have
sought TO impress upon the popular mind
tle belief that he is untrue 10 the South, and
an impr' per Gust odian Of her interests
Tnere is nothing strange in this-it would.
indeed, have been singular if they had made
linn exception to their rule to break down.
If possible, every influential leader of the OPP
position. by stigmatizing him with want
Of devotion to the rights and interests of
his section of the Union. They have, in
carrying out an illiberal and cold-bloOded
party policy, in succession, denounced HEN
ny CLAY, ZACHARY TAYLOR, and WINFIELD
SCOTT. with quite as much bitterness, as
they do Mr.. BELL. Nothing better can be
expected of them. The leopard cannot
change his spots; nor can manly. digniied,
honorable warfare, come from a quarter in
which it has never been practised.
The incidents OF Mr.. BELLS political his
tory cited in proof of the grave accusation
again t him, are:
LIST His opposition 20 the rule of the House
of Representatives forbidding the reception
OF abolition petitions
I'd. His opposition TO the psssage of the
Kansas Nebraska Bill.
81. His opposition to the admission Of
Kansas as State under tie LecompIon Con-
stitution.
There is nothing in either Of these Incl
dents which necessarily subjects Mr.. BELLS
Integrity a Southern man to impeach-
menL As matters OF public policy, these
questions admitted Of an honest difference
OF opinion amongst Southern men. A
Southern man might embrace either side,
and be governed by the best motives. aud
without absting his loyalty to the South.
The Constitution guarantees the right OF
petition: the right is not eircumrcribed by
any limits. To forbid the reception OF pc
iitions, although asking what could not be
granted, was to deny constitutional right.
Was it sound policy TO deny the right Of Pc
ti,ion to any portion Of the people! Would
il not have the effect Of linking a question
of sacred rights, with the IDEA of the aboli
ton OF slavery, and thus give ala Importance
and strength TO abOliionism which it could
not otherwise attain! In Mr.. BELL's opinion,
sound policy said. threat the petitioners re-
>speeifally -reccive their petitions and refer
them" Ultra men said, mo, We have no
authority TO abolish slavery, and they no
right 20 AJAX US to do it. We will not re-
ceive their petitions" The seqiel proved
that Mr. Bait was righ,--that his was the
sound and cafe policy. Abolition petitions
were rejected. Immediately the whole
North was in lame. Thonsanl. OF petit
lions for every one previously received, were
poured in upon Congress. In the excite
ment of the moment the object of the petit
lions was lost sight of in the Indignation
caused by an abrid cement Of constitutional
rights. A repeal of the rule rtjeciing the
petitions was demanded, aud finally carried.
The excitement suhsided, aud Congress has
since been troubled but little With abolition
petitions. But, the repeal Of the rule could
not remove the evils which sprang out OF it's
adoption, by the mixing up OF abolitioni.m
with politics, and placing The South in The
false position of aggression upon the right Of
petition dear to every freeman; nor did The
the contest by alarming the fears and awaking
the apprehensions of the Northern people,
and decreasing their confidence ia The
Justice AMI honor of their Southei brrthren.
The adoption Of the rule forbiddug the
reception Of abolition petitions was an error,
and although the motives OF those who
pressed it.mas have been above suspicion. that
fact does no: excuse them; nor does il justi-
" their supporters in their condemns ton Of
those who had me sagaciiy 10 perceive and
the honesty 20 warn The national legislature
against the evils whieh IL would entail upoa
the country. Instead OF being urged as an
objection 10 Mr.. BILL. bis opposition 10 the
rule should commend him 20 the Southern
people a. statesman who had the nliEd 70
comprehend, and the will and spirit TO resist
. measure, which, however plauslbls IL
claims 70 their favor. he iore=aw would even.
tnste injurionsly to their interests fhe sab
jecf Is one which the most timid Of ur
BEIL's friends need not fear. The more Il
b discussed the clearer aud faireF will his
motives appear, and more exalted the high
qualities Of true sssiesnsnsAip which ilius
frats his career In the coaneils Of The nAtian
? Having showa THAI Mr.. Balls oppozitial
60 the rule f5rbidding the reception 81 asoli
tion petitions. furnishes no greand % secas<
hin Of ssat of fidelity 70 The Soals tst