The Plymouth weekly Democrat. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1860-1869, 1861-01-24

approve according to their standard of moral right
without any regard TO the effect OF such ecision
upon the well being of society at large, and with,
out considering the probable result OF their moral
reform upon the political condition Of the country,
and their labors have thrown every wave OF sec
tional coInmnotion higher than the last. until the
whole country is conyulsed by IT, g.. s.sfe-
The slavery agitation in the free states
has naturally produced ulhaism at the
South, and, as \ Consequence. the coun-
try has beoa divided into sectional parties,
separated by geographical lines. Against
these ultraisms, north and south, 1t Is the
duty of Tho conservative element OF the
whole country 20 interpose and this
must be done ri once, or disunion Is lney-
ilRble. II IL be not alieady accompli shed.
The points OF difference between the slave
holding and the non -siavedoldiug States
are few, and even those are more imagi-
nary than real We are rs much interest
ed in the development, growth and pres
perity OK the Southern States as they are
themselves. bscaase Southern productions
have become necessaries of lie. On the
other hand they are deeply interested in
our prosperity, aud suffer from any cause
that retarIs It. The cons tuition demands
that their fugitive slaves be returned to
them Equity and common honesty re-
9uire that they shall have full and equal
rights Ia all the Territories belonging to
the general government. The future con-
dition OF the territories, go far as the ex-
tension Of slavery is concerned, will ulti-
nateiy he determined by the natural Laws
that have hitherto controlled tha: species
of property that is, climate. soil and pro-
ductions. 50 that any question tina. can
now be made upon 1t must be more an alb
straction han living, vital principle
Why then Is il So difficult 10 adlus. all
differences between Us, aud what has
caused this fearful political connection,
this panic that has Frustrated all the COM
mercial relations Of the entire Union .
This sta.s Of things followed inamedially
upon the result Of our late Presidential
election. and it would DO difficult. ap-
prehend, to give as a reason for the pre-
ent condition Of things any other than the
result Of that eoRtest. The South regard :
ed the election If Northern candidate by
Northern party as the sequence of anti
slavery agitation, the solemn verdict Of
the peopl In the free States against the
South and her institutions, aud the i'll
stincts of self preservation is now causing
In the South that character Of action which
threatens to shake the fablic of our Gov
erament to its centre. Tho uiumpE of the
Republican party 10 The late Presidential
contest IL the proximsse cause Of our pres
ent political troubles. But the state Of
popular sentiment necessary to produce
these results have been maturing for years.
and IS the result of slavery agitation The
Southern mind has become impressed with
the belief that there is 10 longer any safe
~ for them, or to their property in a IN
ion with nen-slaveho IdIng States; aud that
belief does not rest upon any one act Of The
prevailing party. but In the chain Of events
tbs, connect together the history of anti
slavery agiia ion. Undertaking as the In
stitution Of 81 very does, .hs whole struct-
are Of Southern society, both SC cial and
political, and forming to them one great element
oftheir wealth. regarded by them rs indispensable
the growth and development of the country. and
sensitive to all attacks from every quarter, there
only be permanent peace and tranquility be-
tweer the two great sections Of the country, when
Of the Free States dy 10 stop this discuss
ion of the abstract question of morals connected
with this Institution, and look upon it only as q
political question, and rs II stands connected with
Our interests as nation. Compromises OF political
differences NAV DO much, bnt that which Is much
needed ar this time, Is a restoration Of the sent
ments OF kindly feeling betw cen the north and the
south that sirikingly characterized the early
history OF our Republic, and then we may hope
that an honest and faithful discharge of all our
institutional obligations towards each other, will
resat n healing the present breach and insure TO
u5 as nation brilliant future.
1t gives me great pleasure to say that with all
her sister States, her record is unstained by any
act of bad faith. She has never attempted direct.
~ or indirectly, TO eve. avcd any requirements
oF the Federal Constitution, and no man au
doubt, but If the coul be said of every 9th
or State, instead otsdscord. peace and harmony
would reign thI oughOut our borders Let us then
take pride in maintaining the high position we
have thus far occupied as q conservative, union
loving Sta e, and, while we throw our weight into
the scale IN favor of any practical mode Of settling
the present trouble let also endcayor to aid in
that more permanent settlement that must flow
from restura5on of arnity and cordality among
ali our people, North and South. Then as YOU
have met i'll a Legislative capacity, you should
place Indiana in this controversy why're she right
fully belongs, conservative, law-abidng, and
Union State Show 10 the people OF this confeder-
acy that Ind aud VIII maintain the constitutional
rights Of every State in this Union-that she will
longing to uhis government that she would claim
for herself-tiat she will look TO the constitution
and the laws tosdetermine rights of property, and
not permit any moral Iestion to lnterposs to aft Ct
that determination, and that all property receg,
nized by the Constitution and laws shall be alike
protected. THIS position although it may not
eiect the action Of the extreme Southern States,
yet It may DO Much 20 bring about convention OF
the border free aud slave States. And regarding,
a. | DO, these states 70 be conservative, and in
favorof msints ming the Union as it is, il would be
well fer the peace Of this country, IL they could
convention and consult to gether in regard
to the present unhappy differences existing be
tween the North and the oath. They might by
their conservative action indnce the extremists Of
the North and South to pause and reflect upon
the consequences which must necessarily result
from their Etnatica course, and if BY their action,
this much could be gained, there would then be
hope that by union OF the conservative elements
Of the country. these unpappy differences might be
satisfactorily settled. and the best government uu
der heaven, saved from the horrors Of dis MON
and civil war.
A A. HAMMOND.
Wac Erxr TIrrx-Old mother Benner was ri