The weekly north Iowa times. [volume] (McGregor, Iowa) 1857-1867, 1861-01-02
WHOLE NO. 22O.
trQ4 tit albany Evening journal, Dee. 18th.
SHALL WE COMPROMISES
THURLow WEEDS APPEAL.

When Republicans will "back
down" long enough to look at the issue
presented, lifting their eyes and thoughts a
little above the political horizon, they will
discover that the duties Of the partizan
and tie patriot harmonize that the prin.
ciples Of the Republican party, derived
from the political fathers, teach devotion to
the Union as our first duty. All higa and
holy aims and reforms can be best accom-
plshed in the Union. Dissolved, the asp.
ration for pervatling prosperity and happ-
ness, a high civilization and an exalted
nationality, vanshes.
We shall not consider the political bear
lngs Of the question, further than 70 say,
that in doing our, whole duty to the Union,
we shall not in any sense or degree impair
the strength or demoralize the organization
of the Republican tarty. If it were other
wlse-if there was anything in the pri;ici
plies or platform Of the, Republican party
inconsistent with the laws, the CONSTITUTION
or the Union, who would douot which way
the path of duty ads, or hesitate to follow? |?
But happily there is no such conflict
There is perfect accordance and agreement
between Republcanism and the Union.--
We can be faithful to both.
We come now to the consideration of the
real question, the magnitude and fearful
ness OF which is but imperfectly compre-
hendcd. This question must have a violent
or peaceful solution. Its mighty import
will be appreciated #hen we reflect that the
consequences resulting from the former al
tentative are most TO be dreaded, We
should do all that can be done in tie way
of justice, equality, Cancellation and for
bearance to avert conflict, but if all efforts
in that direction prove fruitlcss, it is better
to rebuke treason, enforce the laws, and
preserve the Union, cost wha. it NAV, than
suffer its dismemberment.
But it asked what can be done? This
question can be alisMered when the popular
mind tones down sufficiently to be willing
that anything should be done. We are
prepared to say that an efficient, but not
revo.tlng Fug tive Slave law should te
passed, .ond that its passage should be fol-.
lowed by repeal of the Personal Liberty
laws. We are almost prepared to say that
territories may be safely left to take care of
themselves and that when they contain D.
population which, Under the census, enti.
ties them to Repr> sentative in Con gress,
governments of their own framing, provid-
ed, of course, that they conform to the
Constitution Of the United States. This,
in view of the surroundings of the territory
belonging to the Republic: in view of the
fact that for four years at least freedom will
have fair play and In view, also, of two
other grafton and the census
this, We say, almost con>trains MS to be.
Ileve that we may now contide the future of
the territories to the intelligence and patriot
ism OF tn Sc who are 30 inhabit them
Or, if this suggestion is inadvisable, there
is another which contemplates division of
the remaining territory of the United States
as IN 1920, when the Missouri Compromise
line was established. TO this we shall be
told the compact was violated, and that the
South cannot be trusted. Perhaps it would
be so again, but not in our generation, or the
next, nor indeed, until the lessons of the
last six years have been forgotten.
The prevalent sentiment, however. re-
jects all comp ON ses, ;" and that. if it is to
be accepted as our ultimatum, terminates
the controversy. And yet what matter of
difference between Individuals, families,
communities, states or nations, was ever
settled except by Compromise. Wars,
but for the spirit Of Gone, ssion." would be
interminable. Even victorious armies never
r fuse terms to the vanquished. Conquer
ed cities, in the hour Of capitulation, and at
the mercy of the victcrs, receive "conees-
>ionS." Shall we, then. at variance with
our own kindred, clos" the door against the
possibility of an adjustment: Admit that,
while threatening treason, while organizing
armies to overthrow the Government, they
have passed the boundary OF negotiation,
let as remembea that they are blinded by
passion, and endcavor to reason both for
them and ourselves. That party to con
troversy nearest right-that party which is
conscious Of asst wrong-can best afford
to manifest a spirit Of conciliation.