Year: 1862

We have received from friend in New Haven
letter written three-quarers of a century ago,
by Benjamin Franklin to his sister, and which
will be found from its allusions to the COnstitu-
tion Uhen just perfected.) as well as to the sub
jec. of war and its evils, to possess peculiar
interest at the present time. This letter is not
to be found in the published works of Franklin,
and we doubt if it has ever been seen by many
persons, at least OF the present day. Although
the date is obliterated, it is evident from the
writer's alusion to the Convention which finish
ed on the 18th instant" that it was written in
September, 1887. Immediately after the Conven-
tion which framed the Constitution of the United
States.


The Convention, he saJ s. had difficulty in iorm-
ing bond of union that should accommodate
all the different interests and views" the insti
tuition of negro slavery" being one of the pro-
minent subjects OF this difficulty then. But he
adds ave have, however, done our best, and it
must take its chance" In that masterpiece OF
human wisdom applied to practical statesman
ship. the spirit OF its trainers was spirit OF toler
ance, friendship, justice and compromise. 1t
aimed to accommodate all the different interests
and views; and it did this in the only practical
manner by which Il friendly, true and prosperous
Union could be formed by admitting the equal
rights OF each and all of the States, jealousy
guarding and preserving the rights Of each indi-
vidual State, delegating only limited and clearly





created by the States, and observing the rule of
strict and entire justice to all interests and sec
tions


The noble instrument thus formed by the high
est human wisdom, and which has remained a
tower OF strength to the glorious Union and
subject Of wonder and admiration to the world, is
now being tested by the severest ordeal to which
it could be subjected. This is its trial-hour.
Let US hope that it may be saved-that it may
pass through this furnace, ''seven times heated
without being devoured in the flames. Upon the
preservation now depends our continued existence
as a Republic Few too few, we ear-seen to
realize the imminent character of the danger by
which our country is threatened or to be aware
of the progress which Is making towards another
and more centralized form of Government
Among the worst signs OF the times is the absence
in the so called free States to arrest this general
progress, and preserve popular liberty


Had the spirit and teachings Of the Consttu
tion and the patriot sages who framed it, been
better headed in our day, these troubles would
not have come upon us. We should have been
peaceful, united, great and invincble nation
among the Powers of the earth The sectional,
"geographical'' spirit of party against which
Washington in his farewell address 50 impressive
ly warned his countrymen, mas led to this terrible
civil strife. with its interminable train of horrors
Yet we to-day such evidence warrants the
belief that Il ma jority OF the people of New
England are. in the face of these fearful realities
following political leaders Of The school who CON
demn Washington und jefferson; politicians who
hesitate not TO declare that mere sectional
party platform" is OF more value than fifty
Unons;" and who proclaim that the Constitution
was "a covenant with death and an agreement
with hell''--in the making of which Washington
and his companions committed grevious SIM
The following is