The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1861-04-16
Public Sentiment in the North.

The following letter is from an intelligent
gentleman of Maine to one of the most prom
inent and estimaba Union members of the
Convention. Unques tionably, it discIoses the
true state Of Northern public sentiment:
PORTLAND, April 6, 1851
Some time ago L wrote you, and req ues ted
TWO or three OF my friends here to do so too
in answer to a letter of yours requesting nv
candid opinion as TO the feeling of the people
OF this part of the country upon the subiact
OF the differences between the North and the
South. Subsequent events, and more atten-
tive observation on my part, have led me TO
think gave you too favorable an account of
the disposition of our people to do what YOU
ana would consider no more than simple JUS
tce TO the South in respect to their rights
under the Constitution particularly In the
matter of slavery. Public sentiment seems to
be hardening into the determination to make
no concession or OmpTomise, but to maintain
the Constitution as it is. The Abolitionists
proper, and the AbolitloniZed Republicans
nope mus 10 limit and circumscribe the in
stItuuon OF slavery, with the expec tation of
It's fnal extinction under the influence and,
perhaps, by the direct action of the Govern
ment. Another class (and it is by no means a
small one,) composed of men who never did
comprehend the nature of our Government
in respect to its difference from an over.
shadoWing centralized power, hold that now
Is the time, III view of the position the Sc
cedlnS States have assumed to Try the
strength of the Government or in III sfy NUN
language, 'to see whe Their we have a Govern
ment or not" What the South can reason
ably expect from the let-alone ''Constitution
as II is party, you can judge as well as l.
Inc history OF the Republican party shows
that It's policy has been shaped to suit the
anti slavery sentiment of its members who
are the most earnest, and, consequently, the
most active portion, the office seeking parti-
Fans following them for the sake of the sDoiIs
Indeed, Wendell Phillips boosted not long
since att public meeting i'll Boston, that the
Abolitionists had dictated it's policy to
the republican party in achusetts -
And he was right. Ii the Republican party
is not cheat, n sham, an infamous swindle
1T is no more nor less than an Abolition party
Many OF them, am aware, repel with an
honest Indignation the charge of abolitionism
as the charac teristic, leading, cardinal princi-
pie of the Republican party, but they are not
philosophical enough 10 discriminate closely
as 10 the dis guishing principles of political
partIes-the animating spirit of political or
CARNATIONS. They are in that party by the
force of circumstance, and are not its leaders
do not think that any considerable portion
OF our people entertain feelings of hostility
towards the people OF the South Their eff
forts are directed against the institute of
slavery, TO effect its overthrow, at any cost 10
those directly interested in it, whom they
would consider as in the predicament OF per
sons losing their property by reason OF an uu-
lucky speculation or bad investment. am
speaking of the sentiments of the peonle in
this region. Maine, am sorry TO say shows
no disposition to recede from her position mn
on that cunningly devised scheme of aboli-
nonism, the Chicago platform. We have not
begun TO feel III any considerable degree,
owing to our pursuits and isolated geographic
cal situation, the disastrous effects of dis
union. With the exception of the navigating
interest we live among ourselves. Probably
we should never feel very sensibly in our ma
terlal interests permanent disruption of the
Union, save in the event of a consequent civil
war. Therefore, Maine will be slow TO re-
trace her steps. For my own part, l despair
of the Republic. The Union with all its
memories and high hopes, is, l fear irreyoca-
bly, gone. People of such diverse views upon
matters OF vital importance where unanimi-
ty OF sentiment is absolutely essential. cam
not, and perhaps ought not, 10 try TO live to-
>gether in one family. But enough of this. /
am not giving you advice You know better
than do what the South have reason to ex-
pect from other States. pray that YOU NAV
nnd good reason for believing that they are
disposed 10 be more just in their views and
determination, as 10 the rights of the South
thah can conscientiously say our people are.
L pray, also, that you may exercise the high
est human wisdom in the responsible posi-
ton you have the honor to I'LL Be good
enough to write to me when you have leisure.
and believe me, as ever
Yours, very truly.