Newbern weekly progress., 1861-01-08
Mr.. WInslOu's Address 10 his Con-
stitUents.

w ASHINGTOS, Zee. 2Jtfs, ISOO.
To Ny CONSTITUENTS -
The views which l entertained of the unhap-
py state Of things existing in the Union, the
duty of our people, and the possible remedies,
were fully and frankly disclosed to YOU. in re-
peatcd discussions, during the late canvass
l came hither, at the assembling of the Con-
gress, with desi ign of honestly carrying out
those views, and with the intention to assert
boldly, and to maintain fearlessly the rights Of
my section, and to contribute. so far as could,
consistently with the honor Of North Carolina 10
the preservation of the Union, the"ecogn:f.on Of
the quality OF the States, and the establishment
of unity, peace and concord among our yeople
to all generations
could not hesitate, therefore, 40 take service
upon committee of the States, tie ayowcd OBJ
ect of which to ARE 81 scu1- Just settle
ment of the difficulties
On that committee I have steadily acted
with my eollea2eS of the slay ,Elo.tii,..: States
who was really and unaticcsedly uesrotIs
Of restoring peace, ana consolidating the
Union on principles; Of justice and equality.
Although it did not entirely meet tie appro-
val Of our judgement, nevertheless, for the sake
o; harmony He were induced on the sirst day
vi cur y Getting, to propose frankly and at once.
plan 10 Sct! !C the only difficult ttic>iull that
Of tle territories, upon the basis oi a Constitu
tional amendment, prohibiting slavery above
and protecting ii below the parallel of thir-
ty-siN degrees thirty minutes, North lat-
tllde.
It was especially gratifying, that, without
the knowledge of this proposition, the venerable
and distinguished Crittenden, the representa-
tive man of a political organization. most res
pectable for its numbers and intelligence in all
the slaveholding States, should have produced
in the Senate, plan almost identical in terms
and import.
From some cause OF other, the resolutions
introduced by us on the 10th day Of December,
could hot be forced to vote until the 9th in
slant, when they were rejected By the unani-
NOUS vote of all the Republican members, aided
by one gentleman from the South,
Perhaps the saddest evidence that little
hope remains of satisfactory solution, rests
upon what were maniestly the reasons of such
refusal, the absolute unwllingnesS to recognize
by formal amendment Of the Constitution, the
right of property in slaves.
The senate committee of thirteen found all its
endcaHors fruitless by reason of the rejection
of Mr.. Crittenden's resolutions.
| feel constrained to say. that think there
is no hope in Congressional action.
If it should be thought that resort to a Con-
vention of the States is proper that is for North
Carolina, by her Legislature, or in solemn Con
vention of her people, to determine, The Con-
stitution has not conferred upon the Congress
the power to call one.
Under this state of things, and especially in
consideration of the alarming and excited con-
dition of the country, the bankruptcy of the
treasury, the utter prostration of the credit of
the Government, as evinced in the proposals to
take not quite half of loan of five millions
lately authorized at rate of interest varying
from twelve to thlrty-six per cent, [ have felt it
to be my duty to announce to you the failure of
all efforts here, and to declare that in nv
judgement, the only remedy is in your own
prompt, honest and independent action
WARREN WINSLOW.