The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-09
MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS FROM THE ME.
TROPOIIS.

A number Of cltlsens, Of all shades Of political OPT
non being impressed with the necessity which exists
for the people express their voice favor Of conca
tiop have after fun dclberation adopted the following
memor al as which would be likely 20 receive the
signatures OF all conservative and patriotic citizens Our
fellow citizens invited TO read II carefully, to
be ready sign when waited upon by the
who have been employed TO call at every place Of bust
ness within few days In the present national crisis
time effort should be spared the Union Is to be
preserved.
To the sESlrn AND Hou1 REPRESENTATIVES, or the
USuED STATS AMERICA CoScWss;-
The memorial Of the subscribers, citizens of the State
Of New York dwelling in the city Of New York, respect
fully shoveth-
That they share in the common socitude Of their fc
low citizens at the dangers which threaten tho peace
and unity OF our country. without entering upon
inquiry the of the agitation pcrvad-
ing they recognise fact, and 10 he dealt with
in moderation, without recrminaton vindctiveness
passion Whenever agitation, whether from passion
or from principle, whether from Misunderstanding
otherwise peryades large part Of our countrymen we
respecting their alleged grievances Of doing all that can
be done TO remove misunderstanding and, for the pur
pose OF restoring harmony and peace 10 do everything
short Of the sacrifice Of vital principle Of the
On the recent election Of President the warmth Of poll
tical discussion has led In our Judgment to wrong Cpl
Mon as 20 principles and objects Of the partially
cessul party. the duty Of candor and Of patriotism
alike 10 correct this Dwelling In state which is
the centre Of the communications Of this part Of the
Union we bear our testimony that this party declares the
purpose derogatc from the rights secured 70 their
hlow citizens in every part Of the country by the con
sttution They do not urge any claim to interfere with
domestic institutions Of ne states They do not deny
the duty OF 10 carry out all the provisions Of
the constitution whether respecting fugtvcs from labor
or other subjects In all things they declare their pur
pose and intention 70 act within the constitution.
the other hand, those who look with dstrust and
apprehension at the power OF the incoming Executive and
regard the increased majority Of those whose principles are
his favor dangerous 70 the Of the country do
ask than faithful honet and efficient execu-
ton their behalf of the constitutional power, and the
protection Of the privileges and rights which they hold
under the constitution.
But there points which tho constitution OF the
United States s deemed ambiguous In s constructon or
application calling in the carrying out OF in gene
raj spirit for specific and clear provisions. And II
not be lost sight Of that the expanded extent OF our
territory through vast acquisitions by treaty and
conquest and the increase IN population, power and
wealth very different degrees BY the different portions
OF the country not clearly conceived by the Trainers
Of that constitution and have not been distinctly pro
vided for in 10. Prophecy itself could hardly have
orescen the extent and rapity Of the national progress
With these views Judge that an agreed explanation
Of any provisions of the constitution clearer
definition OF the powers Of the government disputed
questions and adaptation OF IT, In ns original spirit, 70
the enlarged dimensions Of the country, would satisfy all
the honest differences among countrymen.
Therefore pray leave TO suggest that the assurance
coupled with any required guarantees, OF the rights OF
the states regulate without Interference from any
auartpr the OF Their bOrders Of The