Red Wing sentinel., 1860-01-07


from the apprehension that they are but symp-
toms Of an incurable disease iu the public mind,
Which may break ont in still more dangerous
0utrages, and terminate at last in an open war
by the North to abolish slavery in the South
Whilst, for myself, entertain no such appre-
hension, they ought to afford solemn warning
to US all to beware OF the approach q danger.
Our Union is stake of such inestimable value
as to demand our constant and watchful vigil
ance for its preservation. 1n this view, let me
implorc my countrymen, North and South, to
cultivate the ancient feeling of mutual forbear-
ance and good will toward each other, aud
strive to allay the demon spirit of sectional
hatred and strife now alive in the land. This
advice proceeds from the heart Of an old public
functionary whose services commenced in the
last generation, among the wise and conserva-
tive statesmen of that day, now nearly all
pa sed away, and whose first and dearest
earthly wish is to leave his country tranquil,
prosperous, united and powerful.
We ought to reflect that in this age, and
especially in this country, there is an incessant
f}ux and re6ux Of public opinion. Questions
which in their day assumed a most threatening
aspect. have now nearly gone from the memory
Of men. They are volcanoes burnt out, and
on the lava and ashes and squalid score Of old
erupti0ns grow the peaceful olive, the cheering
vine, and the sustaining corn" Such, in my
opinion, will prove to be the fate Of the pres
ent sectional excitement, should those who
wisely seek to apply the remedy continue
always to confine their efforts within the pale
OF the Constitution. II this course be pursued,
the existing agitation GU the subject Of domes-
tic slavery, like everything human, will have
its day and give place to other and less threat
ening controversies. Public opinion in ,hi,
country is all-powerful, and when it reaches
dangerous excess upon any question, the good
sense of the people will furnish the corrective
and bring it back within safe limits. Still, to
hasten the ausplcions result, ut the presen,
crisis, we ought to remember that every
rational creature must be presumed to intend
the natural consequences Of his own teachings
Those who announce abstract doctrines sub.
versive OF the Constitution and the Union
must not he surprised should their heated par
t'zans advance one step further, and attempt
by violence to carry these doctrines into prac-
tical effect. In this view of the subject, it
ought never to be forgotten that, however
great may have been the political advantages
resulting from the Union to every portion Of
our common country, these will all prove TO he
as nothing should the time ever arrive when
they cacnot be enjoyed without serious danger
to the personal safety of the people Of fifteen
members OF the contederacy. II the peace o:
the domestic freside throughout these States
should ever be invaded-if the mothers Of
families within this extensive region should not
oe able to retire to rest at night without suffer.
ing dreadful appreheDsions Of what may be
their Own fate aud that Of their childrep before
mornlng-it would be vain to recount to such
q people the political benefits which result 10
them from the Union. Self preservation is the
first instinct of nature; and therefore, auy state
OF society in which the sword is ali the time
suspended over the heads Of the people, mus,
at hast become intolerable. But l indulge in
no such gloomy forebodirgs On the contrary
l firmly believe that the events at Harper,
Ferry, by causing the people to pause and
refectupon the possible peril to their cherished
u linstitutions, will be the means, under Provi
dence, .ot allaying the existing excitement and
preventing future outbreaks OF similar char
acter. They will resolve that the Constitution
and the Union shall not be endangered by rash
counsels, knowing that, should . the silver cord
be loosed or the golden bowl be broken. X a,
tue fountain" human power could never re-
unite the scattered aud hostile fragments
cordially congratulate you upon the iina
settlement by the Supreme Court Of the United
States Of the question Of slavery in the Terri
tories which had presented an aspect SO truly
formidable ut the commencement Of INV admin
istration. The right has been established o1
every citizen to take his property OF any kind
including slaves, into the common Territore,
belonging equally to all the States of the con
federac2, aud to have it protected there unde,
the federal constitutions. Neither Congress
nor Territorial Legislature, nor auy human
power has any authority 10 auuul OF impai,
this vested right. The supreme judicial tribu
nal Of the country, which is . co. ordinate
branch Of the government, has sanctioned arc
affirmed these principles Of constitutional law
SO manifestly just in themselves, aud so vel
calculated to promote peace and harmon,
among the States. It is Q striking proof q
the sense of justice which is inherent in ou,
people, that the property in slaves has neve
been disturbed. to my knowledge in any of th.
Territories Even throughout the late trouble.
10 Kansas there has not been ai,y attempt, !.
am credibly informed, to interfere, in sinpl,
|instaneest Nish the right Of The master. Hat
iapy such attempt been made the judici.r,
would. dopbtles have afforded a,, 4ade0ust,
remedy. Should they full to do this hereafter
it will then be time enough to strengthen thei
hands by further legislation. Had it been dc
cided that either Congress or the Ierritoria
Legislature possess the power to annul o
impair the right to property in slaves, the evi
would pe. sinto'erabe. 10 tia latter event
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