Daily Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1860-1862, 1861-04-04
A FinaI settlement of the Slavery
Question Necessary.

The outstanding differences between the
slayebolding and non slayeholding States of
the Union, on the subject of negro slavery,
beginning at an early period of our political
history and gradually increasing in intensity
and violence with the geographical growth
and settlement of the country, have now
reached point where, in our opinion, a final
settlement is indispensable to our continued
national unity. The slavery agitation bas
proved its destructive power over men ana
parties, and now attacks the frame and suuc-
ture of the government ITSELF In all Its sta
ges. from its first introduction into Congress
to the present hour its tendency has been to
evil continually, and to evil only. 1t has
been used to elevate bad men to power; to
excite the passions and prejudices of the peo-
nile against each other; to displace sentiments
and feelings of peace and brotherhood. and
to erect in their stead animOsity and strife;
TO drown out patriotism which embraces the
good of the whole country, and supply its
place with the demon of sectionalism, which
looks alone to the good of a part. 1t has
been used to divert the attention OF people
and statesmen alike from the paramount
questions of national policy and economy,
and to occupy the time of National and State
Legislatures to the exclusion of the legiti-
mate duties of the peoples representatives.
Besides its demoralizing effects upon the
public mind and heart the discussions to
which It has given rise in Congress alone
have cost the people many millions in money.
1t has retarded the occupation of the terrific
ries by substantial and industrious popu-
lation. and. in one instance at least, has filed
them with reckless adventurers and ruffians,
and made them prey to rapine, plumber and
blood-shed. 1t has invaded the sanctuaries
of religion, dishonored the pulpit, put enmi-
ty and hatred between Christian brothers.
and turned the holy emblems of the body
and blood of the Saviour int gall and worm
wood among Church commandments. 1t has
approached the hearthstOne and estranged
families. 1t has entered into our commercial
relations, and endeavOred to erect stand
ard of ostracism and war between man and
man in their business transactions. 1t has
inspired the hearts and fred the brains of
large numbers of our people with fauaticism
and hate. 1t has led to invasions and insur
rectiOns among slaves at home, resulting in
cold-blooded murder. 1t now eliminates in
arraying State against State, and threatens
to permanently overthrow the Union, and 10
bring on the long train of painful and disas-
trous consequences which must follow such
an event, on whatever terms it may be eff
fected.
Is it for this or that man, or for this or
that party that the great American people
will not only permit the continuance of such
an agitation, but uphold, encourage and
stimulate it? How long do they imagine our
prosperity and happiness as nation can sur
viye the perpetuatiOn of an agitation so
fraught with mischief What compromising
good has been OF is to be afforded by it,
How long will the government be worth pre-
serving if it is TO be forever fed with fruit
from this tree of evil? Do not these facts
and questions address themselves powerfully
to.the people of the whole Union--not as par
tizans, not as citizens of one section or the
other, but as patriots, and as friends of the
Constitution? What obstacles do they find to
a. peaceful and permanent adjustment? If
any, are they insurmOuntable2
1t is not necessary to our present purpose
to trace the causes, direct and remote, which
have superinduced the existing condition of
public affairs. 1t is enough that the people
understand and appreciate them. and resolve
to unite together, in total forgetfulness of the
past, in an effort to correct the errors which
as q people we have committed, retrieve the
misfortunes that have befallen US, and secure
to ourselves and our posterity The blessings
of political tranquility and domestic repose,
prosperity and happiness. For this there is
no time to be wasted. The emergency in
which we find ourselves is Imperative. Alien
alton and disintegratiOn is the order of the
day-where it will end none can tell, unles:
it is checked. Let US, therefore, invoke every
friend of the Uuion, its integrity. its peace
and prosperity, to arouse himself to the du
ties so plainly confronting him.