The Placer herald., 1861-12-14

apprehensions; if it be all mistake and yet
they, believing it 10 be solemn reality, are de-
termined to act on that belief. Is 1T not equally
our duty oremove the msapprehension? Hence
the obi cation TO remove the cause of discomfort
whether real or imaginary, is alike imperative
upon us, II we wish TO preserve the peace Of the
country and the Union of the States
1T matters not. so far as the peace of the
country and the preservation Of the Union are
concerned, whether the apprehensions of the
southern people are well founded or not % long
as they believe them and are determined TO act
upon that belief. If war comes, it must have
an end sometime. and that termination, | appre
hend. will be a final separation. Whether the
war last one year. or seven years, or thirty years.
lhe result must be the same--a cessation OF hos
tililies when the parties become exhausted and
treaty oi peace recognizing the separate inde-
pendencc of each section. The history of the
world does not furnish an instance. where war has
ragged Tor series Of years between two classes
o. States divided by geographical line under
the same national Government, which has ended
in reconciliation and reunion. determination.
sunJugallon. or separation. one of the three,
must be the result of war between the Northern
and Southern States. Surely you do not expect
70 eXterminate or subjugate ten million people,
population OF one section, as Il means Of preserv-
ing amcable relations between the two sections!
Il repeat, then, my solemn conviction, that
war means disuniOn-inal, irrcvocable, eternal
separation. ! see no alternative. therefore. but Il
fair compromise, founded on the basis of mutual
concessions, alike honorable, Just and beneficial
to all parties. or civil war and disunon. Is there
anything humiliating in fair compromise of
conflicting interests opinions and theories. for
the sake OF peace. union and safety? Read the
debates Of the Federal Convention. which form
ed our glorious Constitution. and you will find
noble examples. worthy Of imitation; instances
where sages and patriots were willing TO surren-
der cherished theories and principles of govern
ment, believed to be essential to the best form OF
society, for the sake of peace and unity
IL never understood that wise and good men
ever regard mutual concessions by such men as
| Washington, Madison. Franklin and Hamilton
as evidence OF weakness, cowardicc or want o
! patriotism. On the contrary. this spirit Of con
| cllatlOn and compromise has ever been consider
ed. and will in al times be regarded rs the high
est evidence which their great deeds and immor-
tai services ever furnished Of their patriotism.
wisdom, fOres ght. and devotion to their country
and their race. Can we not afford to initiate their
example in this momentous crisis? Are we TO be
told that we must not do duty to our cOun-
try lest we njure the party; that no compromise
can be effected without violating the party plat
form upon which we were elected? Better that
all party platf rms be scattered to the winds;
better hat all political organizations be broken
up: better that every public man and politician
in America be consigned to political martyrdonl,
than that the Union be destroyed and The coun-
Try plunged into civil war.
1T seems that party platforms, pride of opn-
ion. personal consistency. fear of political mar
tyrdom. are the only obstacles to a satisfactory
adjustment Have we nothing else to live for
but political position? Have we no other induce
ment. no other incentive to our efforts, our tolls
and our sacrifices? Most Of us have children.
the Objects Of our tcndelest affection and deepest
solicitude. whom we hopc TO leave behind us to
enjoy the rewards of our lahors in happy. pros
IL.
ernment the wisdom OF man ever devised or the
sun OF heaven ever shown upon. Can we make
no concessions. no sacrifices. for the sake OF our
children. that they may have country to live in,
and aGovernmeut to protect them. when party
platforms aud political honors shall avail US
nothing in The day Of final reckoning.
In conclusion, have only to renew the assur-
ance that am prepared TO cooperate cordially
with the friends of a far. just and honorable
compromise in securing such amendments to the
Constitution as will eXpcl the slavery agitation
from Congress and the arena of Federal politics
forever. and restore peace TO the country, and
preserve our liberties and Union as the most pre-
cous Legacy we can transmit to our posterity