Litchfield enquirer., 1861-02-28
THE CR1rrENDEN AMENDMENT.

I A NATIONAL DEMOCRAT. ...
 THE CRITTENDEN AMENDMENT.
 MR EDITOR :-Senator Crttenden has pro. posed plan for the settlement of our political troubles, with which presume your readers are all familiar. Three other plans have also been submitted, but this one stands first and most prominent. It possesses features repugnant to patriots everywhere, and contains things to which the Free States can never subscribe.
 Among these, is the fact, that his resolutions recognize, establish and protect Slavery in all territory of the United States, south of 36 9 30, both now owned and that which may be hereaf- ter acquired. That which we now own south of this line, possesses many chances in favor of freedom, an account of natural laws which pre- vail there. The plan here looks to the future, and is designed to feed the ardent Southern fancy with more brilliant dreamsl of tropical wealth and political power. It recognizes the right of property in man, and guaranties protec- tion thereto, whenever the peculiar institution is established This renders slavery national in. stead of local, and spreads over it the ample shield of the Constitution and the laws. It em- bodies the same thing which the Breckinridge faction demanded in the Charleston Convention the recognition of the right of property in man, and Constitutional, legal protection for Slavery. On this rock the party split, and now, Douglas Democrats. who fought these very things, and | 1no 1ly thauo ouk of bo;, l.. ging for what they call settlement" on the Crittenden basis! Oh, the eternal, unchanging principles of Democracy '
 Again Crittenden forbids future amendments that shall affect the basis of Representation Conducted with this is point that do not re. member to have seen presented, and which think has weight. The South demands that what she calls property, shall be placed on level with what the North calls property ;-that it be constitutionally recognized as such, and that it's owners be legally protected in it's transit and full enjoyment. At present. slaves are local pecu. liar, and are allowed three-ffths representation in Congress. The only offset which the Free States have to this increased Southern Repre- sentaton, is in the event of direct taxes Then the South would be taxed in proportion to her representation. Now direct taxes have been laid but Mree times under the Constitution, and yet fifteen states enjoy yearly representation of three-ffths of their property. The South, under this plan proposes to bring his slaves to foot ing with northern property, which is protected by law, but which enjoys no representation, and at the same time inserts clause, prohibiting any amendment which shall change tho basis of representation claim that this can never be granted. If the South places her slaves on an equality with Northern horses, she must allow them to remain as such, and such only.
 These are the most objectionable features in Crittendens plan. He renders the present ba- sis of representation, perpetual ;-he engrafts slavery into the Constitution of our land ;-he guaranties it protection ;--he extends it over territory hereafter to be acquired, and bequeaths to virgin soil, and to future generations, that which the voice of Justice and Patriotism, long ago branded an evil and Q curse.
 It is not that fear these resolutions, as hey stand, can ever be accepted. If presented, the Free States would respond an unmistakeable, [ No But fear they will form the basis of some political patchwork, softened in texture and gil ded in appearance, but having the same worp and the same wool. Iwould not be understood as wishing for no settlement of our difficulties as desiring trial of strength, and an exercise of mower to subdue and humiliate Far from it. Would to God we were one people, e,--united in thought and in action !
 But we have had compromises" 50 called. and bogus settlements" enough. The country is sick of these and will repose no faith in them. Each has vanished like the snow-wreath in the storm From each We have come forth, now widely separated, and with fainter prospect of harmony and peace. protest against any more hermaphrodite comprises, and patched up settle ments, which like the double-faced Janus, looked both ways, and are good for nothing in either direction. Now while the question IS before us, let the country come to full and complete un- derstanding. The evil day is only put of, by any other course of action, and when # dpes come, will be more dark and stormy.
 In all the plans for settlement yet presented, where has the widespread deep-seated septl- ment of Freedom and the North, found expres- sion' Who proposes free speech and free press throughout the land? Who suggests protection to northern men upon southern soil in their lives. their persons, ard their property Who demands that waveripg and rebellious States give eternal, unmstakabe guaranties of fidelity to the Constitution and the Unionf What are all these compromises but demands made by the South, for further concessions from the Northi And what are concessions worth, when obtained by threats and the bayonet, and what business have loyal citizens. making treaties with Rebels and Fraitors? & Da. IcEnAcE,