Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1860-03-01

for the safety Of the Union
scious that the sentiment Of fra
ieh~ once linked the States TO-
en- more firmly than the compact
Institution itself, has been rudely |
and that disoord has crept into the |
ship Of communities which should
und, both in the interests of the
g!k and in the memories of the past,
h strongest motives for mutual regard
and confidence.
What has produced these general and un-
happy convictions?
II has been too apparent TO escape The
most casual observation that, for some years
past, there has been manifested design
in the movements of influential political
leaders 10 force the country into an organi-
cation of parties founded on the question of
slavery.
The first introduction of this subject in
p party politics engsndered controversy
Which Has, -Hapstantiy increased in extent
and bitterness mingAagg with or usurping
the place Of all other political questions,
ard giving TO those party politics greater
and more dangerous vehemence. Consider
atoms Of the public welfare seem TO DO cast
aside to make reou,s. or wider and n ore IN
restrained contention on this single and en-
crossing theme.
The two greet parties in the country
The Democratic and Republican have been
the chief actors. Whether they have al
ways exerted themselves 10 allay the excite
; men: 10 which it gave rise, or, on The con-
trary, have both Of them occasionally en-
ployed it for the promotion Of party purpos-
ses, il is not for Us 10 determine. i is suf-
fcient TO note that The mind Of the people
has been industriously exercised by this
contest to the service Of sectional agitation,
and that in its progress the teachings of The
fathers of tho republic, the lights Of history,
the landmarks OF constitutional power have
been renowned, our cid revered traditions
OF policy spurned, and the welfare of the
present and of The future bsan brought into
! jeopardy in the alterations OF FASHIONABLE
challenge and defiance between The angry
disputants.
1t is not our purpose to arraign or 10 de-
hounce either of these parties for their past
errors or transgressions; but we regard il
as an indlsputable fact thai BY their con-
ficts they have been mainly instrumental in
producing the present lamentable state OF
public affairs. Il wou'd be easy to establish
this position by Q reference TO events IN the
ecent history of the country, with which
the public is bu. too familiar; but we pur-
poseiy abstain from all comments upon
them, as Inconsistent with The limits of this !
address, and as tending 10 revive contro-
versiss which it is IFS object 10 allay. We
simply slate that The one, by its frequent
and unnecessary intrusion OF the slavery !
question into party politics, has exaspera-
ted sectional feeling al the North, and In
creased the growing spirit Of disunion at
South, while the ether has been prompt TO
avail itself of those opportunities for anti
slavery agitation.
After having SO long asitated The country
BY their reciprocal assaults, these partie.
are now preparing for sectional struggle
far exceeding in violence any that has YET
occurred, the results of which may be dis
ss.rUus 10 he country.
= -nof ths~ character of this
fzsse, Of its objects and possible conse-
4uencss, we need only point to the signifi-
cant fact that a convention he's been called
by one Of these parties to select candidate
for the office Of Chief Magistrate of the U
MON, from which. by the necessary logic Of
its construction, fifteen States of that Union
are excluded.
Solemnly impressed with these facts,
number Of gentlemen from different parts of
the country among whom were members Of
ths presen: Congress and Of Congresses OF
former dale recently assembled in the city J
Of Washington to deliberate on means for
svsrting dangers TO which they may lead
1t was The unanimous opinion OF The meet
ing that immediate steps should be taken
10 organize Unconstitutional Union party"
pledged 10 support 1.-THE Uuiop. the Consti.
tuition and the enforcement of the laws"
This organization was accordingly COM
lntneeed by The appointment of "Central
COmpii g. charg d with the gen
eral direction Of the party, and with the ,
Of an address to the people Of ::
The United States.
We need not assure you, fellow citizens,
hat we approach this task with dlHidsnce ,
md anxiety. We are aware OF the difficult
y which attends the enGeavOr, al any time !
70 pursuade menAo abandon political asso-
,iations 10 which they ara allied, either by
NEST or preference, and We know how :
that difficulty is increased when par I
y attachment is heightened by the ardor Of :
expected success or infamed by the zeal :,
" opposition. But there are, nevertheless,
uncsures when honest hearted citizens will
,e -psspared, at any sacrifice Of prejudice Q
4 opinion, to perform this duty TO thsir ?
country. It's the policy Of the dominant p
PARTIES 10 underrate the real strength Of
hose whom disapprobation, Indifference or $
lissust force into the position Of neutrals ?
n POLITICAL warfare. The ordinary tao u
les pfpartiss leach them 10 discourage these o
ghom they cannot enlist. But The fact is o
lenonstrable that the numbers who occupy II
his position at all times, and more especi-
lily ct the present time, constitute most u
Influential portion Of the whole people. If 3
Inc Investigation could be made there is rea- u
-. IA behave IA waula rean,s IN dieoloeipr, | 81