The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-12-21
Shall we he Partizans or Patriotss

Shall we he Partizans or Patriotss
Many of the Republican papers Of the
State, and among them the Times and Min
nesotian, seem to think that the present is
the proper time for the declaration of the
most extraordinary opinions, and insulting
menaces to the people of the South. These
journals neither seek or desire settlement
of the political dangers which now environ
the country. They will listen to no sugges-
ton of compromise. They claim to be
right, and all Others wrong. We differ
from them. We hope to see just
and equitable compromise agreed upon; a
yielding by the North and by the South,
for the sake of the common good. The
Union is worth the sacrifice of all the poll
ticians in the land, and we believe the peo-
pie are determined that it shall be maintain
ed, and all the frothy exudations of violent
and agitatipg editors will not stay them in
their purpose. We hope to see Mr.. LIN
GIN peaceably inaugurated as the President
of thirty.three States, and if this can be &C.
complished, we believe his administration
may be made the means of calming section.
al agitation in the future. Let all conser-
vative men in Minnesota, bend their ener-
gies to the accomplishment of this great OBJ
ject.
We do not believe these violent journals
reflect the sentiments of the Republican
party of this State. We think they are
more fairly indicated in the remarks of Mr..
Senator DIXON, of Connecticut, in the U.
S. Senate, on Monday last. Mr.. DIxoN's
Republicanism has never been impeached;
but be rises above party, in the present
crisis. He is willing to sink small partizan
considerations, for the accomplishment of a
great national good. We quote his speech
from the Globe, and commend it to our
Republican readers. 1t is eminently worthy
their most attentive consideration; it is the
right kind of speech-was made at the
right time, and in the right place:
Whatever may be our differences of opin-
ion as to the causes of the present troubles,
the great truth is apparent, and we cannot,
either as partizanS or as patriots, shut our
eyes to the great truth, that nothing less
than the total disruption of this government
is the peril to which we are now exposed:
And now, sir, with regard to the manner in
which this subject is to be treated, desire
to say, for myself and for that portion of
my constituents whom represent, and l
desire to say it decidedly and distinctly, that
shall not treat the subject in partizan
manner; nor shall treat it in menacing
manner. If there are those here who desire
at this time to use menaces; if there are
those who desire to threaten war in any
event, wish to say decidedly for myself,
and for that portion of my constituents
whom represent in opinion, that am not
with them. But do not understand that
to be the policy upon this side of the
Chamber.
In such an event it is useless to inquire
which section of the country would suffer
most, or suffer longest. Enough for US to
know that every portion would suffer long,
aud suffer deeply. Enough for US to know
that dissolution of this Union, for what.
ever cause, and however brought about,
would be not only the great event, but, in
its effects on the race of mankind, the
great calamity of the age.
Mr.. President, the public mind is aroused
to the perception of the fact of the existing
danger to our government, at the precise
moment when we have just passed through
a Presidential election. Hence it may be
supposed that the result of this election is
the cause, whereas it is only an occasion.
The cause lies far deeper. In a very short
time crisis, differing only from the present
in the occasion of its happening, would have
occurred if either of the candidates for the
Presidency had succeeded in the recent cleo
ton.
The controversy on the subject of African
slavery which has been going on for several
years between the northern and southern
portions of this country, has now reached a
point where its final and rightful adjust
ment, consented to by the people of both
sections, seems to be indispensable to the
continuance of our government in its pres
ent form. The election of Mr.. Lincoln
fastened the critical day. His defeat could
only have postponed it.
In saying that the controversy respecting
slavery is the cause of our present Difficult.
ties, do not intend to say whether one
section of the country is in fault more than
another, whether both are equally in fault,
or whether the blame is wholly on one side.
elimination and recrimination are low
useess-nay, dangerous. If it be possible,
the first thing should be to restore the fra
ternal spirit which once existed, ought to
exist, and may still exist
How shall this be done? l know of no
other mode than by cheerfully and honestly
assuring to every section of the country its
constitutional rights. No section processes
to ask more no section ought to offer less.
AS to what are these constitutional rights,
that is a question to be considered in a
spirit of confidence and mutual good will,
and furthermore, in spirit of devotion to the
Union, for the preservation of which my