Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1861-01-25
Hon. G. Nj. Conrad.


This gentleman, who was a member Of
Mr.. Fillmore's cabinet, and until recent
ly strong friend and advocate Of tho
Union, in recent letter expresses his
conviction that secession is inevitable,
and urges separate State action, as there
is no time for cooperation. In tho
course Of his remarks he says, of the re-
publican party, should it obtain control
Of the government and of the Union as
it was:
Divide and conquer" would be the
maxim of the party and every effort
would be made to SOW discussions among
the Southern people; opposition to slave
ry would be the sole path 70 honor and
promotion; and every Southern traitor
would be selected for reward Not maEy
years would elapsc before az anti avery
party would spring up in every Southern
State, and where followers exist leaders
would soon be found The contest would
no longer be between the free aud the
slave States. Your Gresides would be
invaded, aud the torch of instruction
be brandished in your very face This
is no fancy sketch. 1t is in part drawn
from reality. In every one Of the Dor.
der States the embryo Of an abolition
party already exists, which, under the
genial influence Of an anti-slavery adj
ministratlon, would be rapidly developed.
Recollect that Kentucky already has her
Cassius M. Clay, Missouri her Bates,
Virginia her Bolts, and Maryland her
Davis. | trust that the day is yet far
distant when Louisiana will add name
to this illustrious catalogue but let us
not be too confident. In public, as in
private affairs, those who act upon the
suppostion that all men are honest and
incorruptblc, commit fatal error Eve
ry Greek was not an Aristides, nor every
Roman Cato. And however great my
confidence in the integrity and patriotism
Of the Southern people, | do not wish to
see this tremendous battery Of corruption
brought to bear upon them.
Message Of the Governor of wisconsin.
MADISON, Wis, Jan. 11-Governor
RandalPs message was sent TO the Legis-
lature yesterday. lie says that the signs
Of the times indicate that there may arise
contingency in the condition Of the
government under which il will become
necessary TO respond 10 the call Of the
national government for men and means
to sustain the integrity of the Union and
thwart the designs Of mon engaged in an
organized treason. Gu the subject Of
secession, he says: This is not league
Of States, but a government Of tho peo-
pie. The general government cannot
change the character Of the State govern
ments, or usurp any power not delegated;
nor can any State change its character or
increase its rights. He argues that the
election Of Mr.. Lincoln was legal, and
there was no just cause for complaint
from any quarter. lIe says the constitu-
ton makes no man u slave, and slavery
cannot 60 into free territory under the
constitution, neither can it exist outside
Of the local law. Therefore. personal
liberty laws are found, or should be found,
upon The statutes Of every State, because
every living human being has the right
to a legal test TO declare whether he was
freeman or slave. Should the Lo-
gislature Of Wisconsin think that tho
personal liberty law conflicts with tho
constitution Of the United States, il
should be made to confirm herewith. but
no fear or hope Of reward should induce
FREQ people TO break down the walls Of
their protection. We will make a sacri-
fec of feeling 10 couciliatc, but no sacr-
fee Of principles T5o right Of a State
10 secede can meyer be admitted. Tho
United States must remain until tho
I UUa;oa e des.r"yed