Newspaper Page Text
POLITICAL.
From tht Chronicle ip Sentinel
Mr. Stephens’ Letter.
Tfe noed scarcely remark Uiat the subjoin
ed Letter IVom the Hon. A. II. Stepbena, In
reply to ono from a gentleman In the Interior
of the State, and which wo aro authorized to
publish, affords us sincere gratification.
It la just such a letter as wo expected from
Mm, on tho question which It discusses with
eo much point, force and ability, and cannot
fall to command the respect of, if it should
not carry conviction to, all classes of readors.
Washington Crrr, Fob. 7.1882.
My Dear Sir t Your esteemed favor of the
2d instant was received yesterday. You ask
What 1 think of tho lato movement of our
friends in Mllledgcvlllo. In reply, I say,
briefly and plainly, that so ttir as it may bo
considered ns indicating tho expression of an
opinion in fhvor of sending delegates to the
Baltimore Convention, ,/om utterly opposed
to it.
Tho first and second of thO Hcsolutlons of
that mooting have"my cordial approval. The
first reaffirms tho principles of tho Constitu
tional Union Party, and reiterates a determi
nation to adhere to them. Tho second pro
vides (br tho call of a convention In tho State,
at some suitable timo hereafter, to tako into
consideration tho subject of the Presidential
eloctlon, and to adopt such course In relation
to Itasdnty and patriotism may then dictate
as propor. This Is all right. And while I
cannot concur with somo in bcltoving that tho
third resolution was Intended by those who
adopted it to bear tho construction which has
been put upon it—to wit, that its object was
to commit the Party, in advance, to send Del
egates to tho Baltimore Convention,—still I
mean simply to say, that if such was the in
tention, lam unqualifiedly opposed to it.
Tho now organization in Georgia was called
into existence upon an extraordinary crisis in
our public affuirs. That crisis lias nut yet
passed by. Tlioso who think so draw differ
ent conclusions from the signs of tho times
from what l do. 'Elio present (apparent) calm
is but a temporary suspension of the danger
ous clemonts widen then raged so furiously.
That party was formed upon the principles
sot fbrth and embodied in tho action of Hie
, Stale Convent inn in Decombor, 1860. Those
principles I need not repeat to yon. They
were such as a largo majority of tho people of
Georgia then thought, and as I still think es
sential to tho malntonauco of tho rights of her
peoplo and tho union of tho States. Tlioy
wore, moreover, not sectional either In thuir
character or objects. Tlioy were, and are, ns
broad ns tho Union, and as wide ns the limits
of tho jurisdiction of tho Constitution,—and in
the very organization or that imrty, which
was formed by an abjuration and renunciation
of all old party names and affiliations by all
who entered Into it, wo oflercd to unite will!
any and all men, Irrespective of past party
distinctions, in every section of tho country,
whether in tho South or North, who would
make theso principles a cardinal point In their
creed. The sarao position wo still hold,
jret, no party at the North lias given any such
assurance. Tho Baltimore Convention lius
not been called with any such view or object;
so fbr from ft, many of our bitterest assailants,
at tho South os well as at the North, have al
ready been duly appointed member^ of it.—
Could any idea bo more preposterous than tho
project of sending delegates to a convention
of our opponents, for (bar that they may not
conduct their proceedings according to our
liking! Buell would certainly be a novel
course In political tactics.
If those members of that Convention from
the Boutb, who wore lately so loud in their
denunciation of all men at tho North, and who
wore so particularly censorious of our position
at homo, shall acknowledge Iholr errors and
put themselves upon our princ pies, and shall
purgo that body of its Free-Soft elements—
and shall, also, present to the country a good
candidate for tho Presidency—it will bo time
enough for us to connect ourselves with their
action after they shall have given us tlioso ev
idences of their being entitled to our confi
dence and co-operation. A good candidate,
standing on our principles, and put forward
by an organization standing upon the same
principles, is all wo want.
Whether that Convention will como up to
there requisitions, is ono ofthoprobloms that
filture developments only can solvo. My ap
prehension is, that it wi’l not. Upon what
indications others found more favorable ex
pectations, I am at a loss to conjecture. Is it
frQm tho fact that Col. Polk’s resolution was
rejected in tho congressional caucus at tho
beginning of tho present session 7 Is it from
tho fact that Mr. Bartlett, whose naino appears
as ono of tho committee who called that con
vention, was elected to tliu scat lie now holds
in tho House of Representatives as an o|ien
and avowed Free.Sailer 7 Is it from tlio fact
that Mr. llantoul, tho champion and defender
of that-most unprincipled of all coalitions in
tile annuls of political profligacy in Massachu
setts, is ono of the-merabers of that Conven
tion? Or, is it from tho fact that the "Union'
newspaper in this city puts down the most
ultra men of the South and the most rabid
Freo-Soilers at the North, now in Congress, ns
all good Democrats aud equally entitled to
membership and fellowship in the great party
of which It professes to be tho sole organ 1
If soi I have only to say, that these mid oth-
or indications which I might mention, have
quite a contrary effect on mo. That conven
tion, therefore, so called and so constituted,
as well as all other Nutlonul Conventions,
Whether Democratic or Whig, must be put
right on tho record as a condition precedent.
before looking to mo for any support or coun-
tcnanco. I speak only for myself. Tho Con
stitutional Union party can speak for itself
when its Convention assembles. But con nny
one doubt that tho moral power aud influence
of our position upon the action of the Balti
more Convention would bo much greater out
side than inside of its deliberations 1 Would
they bo loss likely to comply with our de
mands from fear of our defiance in case of re
fusal, than’ to' bo controlled by our wishes
ra voluntary' surrender 1 If we go into
CBzatlon without the condition prcc-
fa recognition nnd endorsement of our
IS, sha'I wo not be in the condition of
is, beguiled and betrayed unarm-
amp of the enemy 7 Tiro idea of
i insisting on terms ia simply
i may be allowed to teg fbr
heard of them dcihand-
his the time for our
thus speaking, aro hut repeating their croak-
tngs of twelve months ago 1 Then wo were
told, as now, that tho now organization was a
failure, hccauso it did not meet with favor
from tho political intriguers of this city.—
Somo went so far as to say that tho party was
dead, and could not ho galvanised into exist
ence.
But what have wo not accomplished sinco
then 1 Georgia has spoken, with a majority
never before known. So has Mississippi.—
And Alabama has shown that her people aro
not to ho bound by tho shackles of party
when principle-) aro at stako. Has a single
olectlan been lost where tho Issuo was mado 1
But not only this—last winter tho Georgia or
ganization mot witli nothing but opposition
from tho two great parties, as tlioy aro called
hero. Theso parties have since both keen
brought to a pause. Tlioy want nothing now
so much as a truce. Their opposition has
been changed to a modest request, that " by
gone may be bygono.” Shall wo grant them
even a trace? Will they not thoreby bo ena
bled to rally their disorganized forces!
this tho time then for us to disband 7 Should
wo desert our standard when tho onomy eve
ry whom is in flight before us! Should wo not
rather hold our ground until our triumph is
complete in forcing an acknowledgment of our
principles! Tills attempt to create the im
pression that tho now organization nas tailed
in its objects, and that every body must tall
back Into ono or tho other of tho former linos
of division, is but’ tho last appeal of tho old
Priests of tho defiled temples of Party, who
feci that tlioy aro about to lose thuir liveli
hood in making Images of Ihiso deities for the
people to worship. Honca tliotr lusty shouts
of “Great is Diana of tho Ephesians;" “Groat
is tho power of Party;" and great is tho vir
tue of old Issues!
Tills cry lias been unavailing in tliopnst nnd
it will be unavailing in tho future, wherever
the qustlon shall bo made and met. Let our
friends not doubtloo soou. No occasion lias
yot arisen fur an appeal to tho wliolo peoplo of
tho United States upon tho principles of our
organization. Whether such un occasion shall
nriso, may depend upon tho action of thlsBalti-
more Convention. Alabama lias already called
a National Convention on our principles,
nssomblo in tills City after the Baltimore
Convention. To tills latter Convention wo
kIiouUI- not full to oeml dolcgalus. Should such
a stato of things then exist ns to render a now
national organization nocossnry and proper,
carry out our principles, I tael assured that
tho into results In Georgia,. Alabama nnd
Mississippi, aro but proofs of ivbat may bo ex
pected in other sections oftho country, when
similar cilbrta may be mado (br similar obJ<
And in tills connection I will add Hint tlio idea
of reorganising oltliur of tlio old parlies in tills
country upon sound national principles, Is
tuy opinion, a result not to bo looked for witli
much confidence. As organizations, tlioso par
ties aro both effete nnd corrupt. Tlioy botli
iiiuko professions in “platforms” which tlioy
never carry out in practieo. Tlioso platforms
or programmes havo become nothing but art-
till devices, by which demagogues arc enabled
to doludo nnd client tlio people. “Now wino
is not to bo put Into old bottles, olso they
burst." And Iftlio effort to inlhso now nnd
sound principles Into either oftliosc worn out
parties should bosucccssthl, n Ilka result may
bo expected. It is quito improbable that it
should bo otherwiso. For tho elements in each
aro discordant, conflicting nnd hostile.
IIow, for instance, can tlioso men in Georgia
who looked upon tho eighteen thousand ma
jority against them in their own Stato at tho
lato oloctlon os untrustworthy upon tho
question ofSoutlmm Rights, bo oxpected to
act In harmony witli the Wllmots, tlio Rnn-
touis, tlio Preston Kings nnd tlio Van Burcns
attlio North 1 Tho very Idea of such a pos
sibility is suggostivo of Infamy. 1 tako it for
granted then, that harmonious action amongst
men holding such antagonist leal opinions and
principles, is out of tho question. And it
should bo borno in mind that Mr. Rantoul
declared the other day in House, that if he
wore not a good Democrat, there was not
one in Now England But apart from consider
ations growing out oftho present condition of
tlio slavery question, nnd other questions of
domestic policy, on which there Is equally as
wido n difference of opinion between tlio two
great wings of tlioso old parties, there are still
other nnd new questions arising, upon which
most prubablystill widordifforonccs of opin
ion will exist. Tho question of interfering
with and taking part in European polities, will
soon bo upon us. “Coming events east their
shadows before." At tills timo wo soo a man,
of unusual address nnd great ability, travors-
ihg tlio Northern States of tho Uniou, nnd
urging upon tho peoplo tho abandonment of
tlioso principles which havo been coeval with
tho vurlous monarchies and dynasties oftho
old world. Ills object, evidently, is to implant
in tlio public mind, tbo principle, that it is
our duty to join inn general crusade for tho
liberties of mankind. Tlioso wild and dlsor-
orgamzing doctrines havo boon embodied in
.resolutions and adopted witli enthusiasm by
large and respectable mootings in divers places.
Tbo day is not distant when tlio questions in
volved in those doctrines will becomo prac
tical issues. Tlioy will present subjects of
vast magnitudo and momentous importance
for tlio consideration of tho American people.
And upon them, as well as upon those other
kindred questions to which I havo alluded,
men iu all sections w)io think alike, must or
ganize and act together without respect to
past differences of opinion on other points, or
an early doom will be our destiny, instead of
that lull measure of true greatness whiclt it is
our real “mission” to attain, nnd which noth
ing short oftho united patriotism of tlio whole
country can secure.
This is no timo, therefore, to look to old
issues with a prospect of reorganising parties
n;x>n them. But I havo said much more than
I intended. In conclusion,! will add thatour
policy is to hold our position. IVo should
unito with no party that fulls as a condition pre
cedent to incorporate in its creed tlioso prin
ciples which wo consider ns essential to tho
maintenance of onr rights and tlio preserva
tion of tho Union of tlio States. Wo should
stand aloof from ull parties that (lo not purge
themselves from ull affiliation, association witli
Freesoilism. Whatever may ho tlio courso of
future events we should stand by our prin
ciples wherever they may lead us, “through
woo" os well as through weal,” and maintain
thorn now and always if need bo until tlioy,
wo, and tho Republic, perish together iu a
common ruin. Yours, respectfully,
' , Alexander H. Stephens.
which may bu held will bo productive of tnls-
chlefakmo. All tho States which are likely
go Whig at all—Including Kentucky nnd
Tennessee—will nominate Winfield 8cott by
Stato Conventions, If necessary, and chooso
Electors to voto for him. And no matter liow
tho Delegates to a Whig National convention
may bo chosen, It will nominate Gen. Scott
fbr President. Such a convention may do
sundry foolish and mlchiovous things—tilings
calculated to embarrass tlio party A) tlio pend
ing canvass and reduce Gon. Scott's majority
—but no convention can bo got together of
which a majority will voto to run tho ship on
tho rocks when they might just as well carry
her gallantly Into port with tho signal of tri
umph streaming at tho mast-head.”
of
From the Columbus (Git.) Enquirer.
The Conventions and our friends.
There appears to ho somo diflbronco
opinion as to what shall ho tlio courso of tho
supporters of tho Coinpronilso measures in
tho South, as connected witli tho approaching
canvass for tho Presidency. Tho movomont
which took place InMIllodgovillo, during tlio
sosslon of the Legislature, and tho resolutions
adopted by a public racoting of a portion of
tbo members, liavo been regarded by a largo
portion of tho press, nnd wo think by a still
larger portion of .tho peoplo, as prematura
and unwiso. roium solves, wo are not muen
In tho habit ofcaptiously differing witli our
political friends ns to more matters of party
cxpodioncy, but when on tlio evo of a great
strugglcjfur tho highest offico of the Ropublic
a movo Is made which may plnco us in n
wrong position, in rcforonco to that struggle,
it bccomos our duty to look closely to tho
probable consequences of such a movomont
Calmly, considerately and for a length of
time have wo endeavored to contemplate tlio
subject befor. u«, in nil its branches, in order
tonscortain Ifpossibio what courso, on tho
part of our friends, would most likely tend
to tho general interest of tho wliolo country,
and tlio special wclltaro oftho South and her
people.
Our reflections liavo brought us to no hasty
conclusions. If, In tho oxorciso of onr host
judgement wo nro compollcd to differ with
our political friends, for tviioso opinions wo
lutva tlio highest respect, it shall bo in a
spirit of kindness nnd wo trust of mutual for-
kcarancc. It is unnecessary for us to say that
wo did not, nnd do not, approve of tlio policy
recommended by tho pubiM mooting which
assembled at tlio Capitol of the Stato during
tliopvlntor, Wo saw no good Hint was likely
to result from mixing up tlio friends of tho
Union in tlio South, with tlio motiy group of
restless dangerous nnd disorganizing spirits
which wore likely to composo tlio Baltimore
Convention. Wlmt wore tvo likely to gain by
venturing tlio hopes and interest of tlio Soutli
in a strugglo whore dfsunloniats ofovory con
ceivable sliado, abolitionists of every ima
ginable variety, and (llsorganlzot-s of danger
ous fuitli all arrayed under tho rcspcctablo
name of democrats, would ho powerful enough
to control nominations, ami base enough to
demand submission to nn acquiescence in
tliuirdocision 1 Wo havo no idea that the
abolitionists will attempt at this timo to run
a candidate of their own. Van Burcn, Halo,
Sumner, oml tlio other leaders of that des
tructive party liavo adcuporund more danger-
ousgamo to ploy. Thoy will go to tlio Balti
more Convention, clothed in tlio regalia of
nncicntbrotlicrhoodjn numbers strong enough
to control its deliberations, and influential
unougli to palm upon tbo peoplo candidates
known only to themselves ns friendly to nil
their dangerous schemes. Thoy may not
seek or aim to nominate such as aro univer
sally known nnd rocognizod os abolitionists.
This might defeat their object.
Butthoroaro many wolves in sheeps cloth
ing, ninny nmhltious aspirants ready and wil
ling to piny into their hands when in power,
and plcdgo lliomsolvcstodoso in considera
tion of thoir political support. Such men will
bu most likely to receive tho nomination, and
wo oftho South, having boon represented in
tliu Convention, will be called upon and ex
pected lo support tho nominees. Is it not
safest then tar the Constitutional Union Par
ty to liavo neither part nor lot in tlio Conven
tlon to which wo liavo alluded I It appears
so to us.
Tho question hero presents itself, will itho
prudent or sata for our political friends to
sund delegates to any of tlio National Conven-
lions that may assemble to nominate candi
dates tar tlio Presidency nnd Vice Presiden
cy 1 Tho remarks wo liavo nude in reference
to tlio impolicy of mingling our fortunes
with tlio decision of tho Baltimore Conven
tion are in our opinion applicable in their gen
eral bearing to tlio Convention that tea; as
semble in Philadelphia. Tito samo danger-
ous elements may and doubtless will ho
tauim in both. Shall our friends sit silently
by and take no linnd in tho selection of tlio
highest officers of tho country ! By no man
ner of moans. Wo pretend not to dictate
our advice is all that wo can offer, and wo of
fer that with more than usual diffidence.—
Let us await tlio action of wliut are usually
termed tlio National Conventions, and see
wlmt manner of men they respectively place
before us tar our support. When this Is done,
let us call a convention of our friends at tlio
scat of tlio Stato Government and let that
convention deliberate and decide which of
tlio candidates is most worthy of tlio confi-
dcnco and support of our political friends.—
If neither of tile candidates are deemed to bo
thus worthy, let tlio convention select somo
prominent citizen known .to he friendly to
flnul settlement of the slavery question on tho
basis ofthc compromise measures.
Already have our friends in Alabama dis
tinctly indicated tlio courso which we have
ventured thus imperfectly to recommend.—
Wo regard this as tho only safe courso that
can bo pursued underexisting circumstances.
It is worse than useless to send delegates
any oftho old party conventions with instruc
tions to make peremptory demands, nnd
come home if thoir demands aro not granted.
Our opiuton is that wo should keep clear of all
such conventions, and hold our strength in re
serve to rally and do battle under tlio flag
the leader who shall honestly inscribe on his
banner, tlio Union, the Constitution, nnd the
Compromise, and whoso life for tho past will
give assurance for tho frituro that ho will en
deavor to continue in peaco with nil nations,
forming fio entangling alliances witli any.
tliu Senate of tho United States. It crushes
‘‘nullification,” and must hasten an abandon
ment of 'secession.' But tills dodges tho
blow) by confounding tho claim to scccdo at
will with tlio right of seceding from intolera
ble oppression. Tho forraor answers itself,
boing a violation without causo of a taltb
solemnly pledged. Tbo latter is another
namo only for revolution about which thoro is
no theorotlo controversy. Its dotiblo aspect,
iicvcrAieloss, with tho countononeo received
from scrtaln quarters, is giving It a popular
currency hero, which may influence tho ap
proaching oloctions both by Congress and for
tho State Legislature. It has gained somo
advantago also by mixing itself with the ques
tion whether the Constitution of tho United
States was tarmed by tlio peoplo or by tho
States now under a theoretic discussion by
animated partisans.
" It is fortunate when disputed tlioorios can
bo decided by undisputed fheta ; nnd hero
tlio undisputed fnct Is, that tho constitution
was made by tho jiooplo, but as imbodied in
tho sovoral States who were parties to it,
nnd, thorclbro, made by tlio States in thoir
highest authoritative capacity. Thoy might,
by the samo authority nnd by tho snmo pro
cess, havo converted tho confederacy into a
mere lengflo or treaty, or continued it with
enlarged or abridged powers or liavo irabodl
ed tlio peoplo of thoir roapectlro States' Into
ono peoplo, nation or sovereignty, or, as thoy
did, by a mixed form, make thorn one peoplo,
nation, or sovereignty for certain pnrposcs,
and not so for others.
Tho constitution of tlio United States bo
Ing established by a corapotont authority—by
Hint of tlio sovereign peoplo oftho several
States who wore parties to it—It remains on
ly to inquire what tlio constitution is, and
hero it siwaks for itself. It organizes n gov
ernment into tho usual logislativo, oxccutivo
and judiciary department; invests it with
specified powors, leaving others to tlio parties
to tho constitution. It makes tho govern
ment like otlior governments, to operate di
rectly on tlio peoplo, places at its command
tho needful physical menns of executing its
powors, and finally proclaims Us supremacy,
and that oftho laws mado in pursuance of it,
over tlio constitutions nnd laws of tho States,
tlio powers of tlio government boing exorcised
a iii other eloctivo and responsible govern
ments, under tho control of its constituents,
tho peoplo and tho legislatures of tho States,
and subject to tho revolutionary rights of tho
peoplo, in extreme cases.
" Such Is the constitution of tho United
States iInjure and de facto; and the namo
whntcvor it bo, that may ho givon to it can
mako it nothing more or less than what it
tics during a Presidential contest. Is there
tho remotest prospect that tho Union party
can becomo a national party boforo tho noxt
Presidential election! And if not, how can our
principles ho (bit unless they aro adopted, and
we not With that party that does adopt them
in good fhitlil Andean you toH me which of
tho two will bo most likely to adopt our prin
ciples as a part of thoir creed! If thoro is
twonty Intelligent and well Informed individ
uals In tliissoctlonoftho State, tlmtentertain
tho opinion Hint tho national Whig party will,
undor any circumstances, adopt our princi
ples, I frankly confess that I havo never
known thorn. Tho truth is, that no ono here
at tho Bontli beltovos that the natiohnl Whig
party are reliable and sound on this issuo.
I acknowledge with pleasure, that Millard
Fillmore is a Northern Whig, nnd tho South
ern peoplo, with ono accord, give him credit
for fidelity to tho constitutional rights of tho
South, connected with the Institution of sla
very, as tho President of tho United States,
It is conceded, also, that Mr. Webster is a
Northern Whig, and tho South, and tlio whole
country owo him a debt of gratitude tbr ills
unexpected and timely support of tho com
promise measures, in tho most critical period
of thoir passage through tlio forms of legisla
tion. But while wo enmmond tlioso two dis
tinguished Northern Whigs for thoir fidelity
to theso measures, wo must not, if wa aro
wise, shut our eyos to the ihet, now notorious,
that botli of them liavo destroyed thoir In
fluence with tho Whig party at tho North,
their former and present political associates,
for tho patriotic aid nnd support which thoy
were constraiucd to glvo to tlioso vory com
promise measures. Undor theso circumstan
ces, how can any sensibio man indulgo tlio
hope, that tlio Whig pnrty, composed of such
materials, will affirm tho efficacy and finality
of tlio compromise measures. But on tlio
other hand, wlmt is tlio attitude of tho na
tional Democratic party townrd tlioso samo
measures! A majority of that party, lead
Is.
"Pardon this hasty offlision, which, wholh-
or precisely according or not witli your iduas,
presents, I am atvaro, nono that will ho new to
on.
" With grcatostccra and cordial salutations,
JAMES MADISON,
"Mn. Webster.”
ROME, GEORGIA.
Thursday Morning, February 26, 1862.
TUI COURIER.
Mr. Madison on Scocssion.
In Mr. Eveuett’s biography of tho Hon.
Daniei, Webster, tho following letter, now
first published, by Mr. Madison* to Mr. Web
ster, soon after tho celobratod
For the Courier,
Mr. Editor:—1 am a Union man, nnd I fool
deeply for tlio welfare of tlioso principles
tlmt induced you and myself, nnd thousands
■e stli—u, ta. lUt-o... afitao, fop tho timo boing,
tlio old party names by which wo had always'
been known. And I now propose to address
myself to tlio sound reason of Union mon
who foci dfsposod to sacrifice ovory thing for
tlio success of tlioso principles.
Tho Union party was formed for tho pur
pose'of pulling down ultralsm and fhctlonists
at tlio Nortli and tho South: our first efforts
were directed ngainst tlio movements
Southern dlsunionlsts. It is well known to
you nnd tlio wliolo couutry, that thoro wore
mon in our vory midst that uvuiled themselves
of tho pretoxtaffordod by tlio passage of tlio
compromisa measures, to mako an cflhrt to
carry out thoir long cherished designs of dis
solving tho Union. Wo havo encountered
thorn undor tlio bannor of Southern Rights,
contending for resistance to tlio law
of Congress. And more recently, wo
imvo prostrated tho samo party wlion advo
cating tlio lamceubio right of a Stato to socedo
from tlio Union, either with or without Just
cause. Tlioso succcsslvo defeats havo pros
trated and disbanded tills resistance, seces
sion and disunion party at tho South. Indeed
thoy have becomo so anxious to bo rcliovcd
of tlio odium of thoir former positions, that
thoy havo attempted a re-organization undor
tho national party namo of Democrat, and
lmvu disclaimed most of their former princi
ples, and affirmed tlioso advocated by tho
Union party. Wo imvo not only defeated
them, but tee have convinced them that our
principles and line of policy is for the best in
ternal interest of the South and the Union.
Our labors, although thus Ihr triumphant and
successful, aro not yet half finished. Ono
part of our purposo was to induce tho Soutli
to nhido by tlio compromise moasurcs of last
Coligross. Dut another and still more impor
tant object of our Union organization was, so
toactas to compel tlio Northern people to ex
ecute tlioso measures, nnd especially tho fri-
gitive slave law, iu good faith. How can this
bo accomplished! has become a vory impor
tant question with tho Union pnrty. I admit
that thoro is somo discussion among sound
Union men on this subject; and wo ought to
weigh, calmly and dispassionately, all the
reasons and determine tho question accor
dingly.
Tlio Union members of tho Legislature havo
advised, that wo make arrangements nnd send
delegates to tho Baltimore Democratic con
vention, With tho view of incorporating tlio
principles of tho Union pnrty on their party
platform, nnd thus forming n part of tlio na
tional Democratic party, that wo regard as
most likely to sustain our principles, A ma
jority of tlio Union newspapers liavo urged
us to remain in our present party organiza
tion until after tlio two national conventions
shall hnvo acted, and afterwards dotcrmlno
which of tho two wo will support, or can
support consistent with'our principles. Agree
ing to support eithor the one or tho other that
may present a sound political creed, and a
sound man, pledgud to its support, and to sup
port neither, if our principles nro not openly
and boldly affirmed. Somo of our promin
ent Union men have favored ono lino of policy,
and sonto with equal ability and patriotism
liavo declared in favor of tho other. If it is
important that our principles should bo folt
in tho next Presidential election, and bo
maintained triumphantly in tho measures
and policy of tho 'next administration, tlio
way to mako them so Is dear to my mind, to
Make an alliance with oue-or the other of the
It is worso 1
on by Cass, Foota, Cobb, Buchannan, Dick
erson, Bright and Stockton, aided, it is true,
by Clay, Webster, Fillmore, and a mqjority of
the Southom Whigs, voted ibr, and passed
theso measures. Under theso circumstances,
it it not reasonablo tlmt wo should look to a
national ulllnnco witli tlio Doraooratlo party.
In tlio language of tlio Union members of tlio
Legislature, will thoy not ho most likely to
adopt our principles as a part of thoir politi
cal creed! It has been suggested that this
party 1ms frccsollcrs within its ranks, such as
Rantoul, Chnso, Wilmot, and others from tlio
Northern States, and tlmt McDonald, Quit-
man, Joff. Davis and Rbott, of Nashvlllo con
vention memory, also claim that they are
Domoorats, and entitled to tho frillost consid
eration as such, and that wo cannot consis
tently with our principles act with thoso who
entertain and propogate such heretical doc
trines. Admit this to be truo, and tho terms
on which we proposo to act with tlio national
Democratic party, does not mako us oitlior
frccsoilors or secossionists. It Is known that
our party was formed os a means of putting
down both of thoso factions; and it will ho
known tlmt wo only proposo to act witli the
national Democratic pnrty, upon condition
tlmt our principles are plainly and distinctly
adopted; and whenever that party adopts tho
princlplea’ortho Uulon party, that vory mo
ment thoy condemn freesoilism and dlsunlon-
lstn, whether from heresies originating at tlio
Nortli or tho Soutli.
Admit, if you plcaso, tlmt tho Democratic
party are divided between conservatism and
ultralsm, and tlmt tlio Union party have power
sufficient to settle this contest, and mako tho
controlling inlluunco in tlmt- organization in
Ihvor of thoir Constitutional Union principles,
would we be acting in good fuitli tb those prin
ciples', to stand aloof in such a contest, until
tho question might possibly bo settled against
our principles, anil against the pcacejlmrmony
and integrity of tlio Union. It is within our
power to remain out of tlio Baltimore Con
vention, and to continue, even afterwards, tho
Union partyasasoperato and distinct political
organization, hut egu wo oxpect to hare any
influence in the approaching Presidential elec
tion! Cun apy person draw any sensibio and
rational distinction between tho Union party,
under such circumstances, nnd tlio sectional
organization that wo lately opposod and de
nounced under tho namo of Southern Rights!
It will cortainly ho confined to a very few
Southern States, and will not imvo tlio ascen
dency in nny single State, and I now venture
this prediction—and 1 claim to bo no prophet,
nor tlio son of n prophet—tlmt the Union
party in Georgia would, in loss than twelve
months, bo acting with tho State of South
Carolina in favor of oo-eporation. For ono,
I Urn uncompromisingly opposed to any mere
ly sectional organization; and it is not more
accoptablo to mo under tlio name of Union,
tlmq it was "undor tho namo of Southern
Rights. !Vhon L consent to act knowingly
with anyscctioual organization, it will bo as a
means to accomplish an end; aud that end I
will proclaim openly, to ho tlio dismember
ment of tlio Union. Away with sectionalism.
M. A. N.
PUBLIC MEETING.
The Union Party of Floyd
county aro requested to meet
at the Court House, in Koine,
on Tuesday next, for the pur
pose of selecting delegates to
attend a Union Convention to
be held in Milledgeville, for the
purpose of taking some action,
in reference to the approaching
Presidential election. As it is
desirable that the views and
feelings of the Union men of
Floyd should be fully aiuLfair-
ly represented in that impor
tant body, a general attendance
is solicited.
Lf^Tho advertisements of Messrs. Cun
ningham and Linton will attract tho attention
of our rondure, particularly our Agricultural
fr tends.
I'yScvernl communications crowded out.
Tlioy will appear next w;ook.
I^'-Tlio reason tvo Imvo givon our renders
so little Congressional is because Congress has
done littio thus far hut mako speeches about
Kossuth. _
J3?*Wo nro tndobteil to tho Hon. R. F.
Stockton for a copy of his able speech upon
tlio question of Intervention, delivered In tlio
United States Senate.
Also, to tho Hon. James Johnson of tho
IIouso for public documents.
carrying this decision into effect, how much-
hotter would it ho for tlio two branohes to un-
unite, and thus avoid tlio neccssliy. of-it divi
sion ofproporty. Should tho laity bo allowed -
n propor share in tlio management of tlio con
cerns of tho Church, wo do not doom a reunion -
Impossible or even'improbable,
The fact of a decrease in the membership
oftho Methodist Church North, sinco tho re
paration, is shown by thojinnunl returns. At •
tlio snmo timo tlio membership of tlio South
ern Division lias much Incrchsod. So-with
tlio Presbyterians; the Old School Branch, -
which 1ms let tlio slavery question nlono, is •
vory nearly as largo in point of numbers, as
tho wliolo Presbyterian Church was before
tho separation. On tho contrary, tlio Now
School Branch, which befbro tho separation
was cmtnontly prosperous, 1ms but littio more
than held its own. So.it is, and so it ought
to ho, that thoso churches, of whntovor'namo,
wiiich bare boon fed with Abolitionism Instead
oftho Gospul, imvo languished, or at least
been chpokod in their progress, white tlioso
which imvo kopt steadily on in their propor
work, havo been greatly enlarged. Wo boro
speak of churches in their denominational
capacity, and not os local organizations. In
respect to tho latter tho remark might admit-
of exceptions,
Rome.
As many of our farmers at tills season pf
tho year goto Romo for tho purposo of selling
thoir cotton, nnd supplying thomselvcs with
goods, groceries &c., we desire once more, to
call their attention to tho cards of our friends
in that city. Before making purchases lot our
friends rend over carefully tho " Rome Dir-
ectorv,” found in another column, and then
they will bo enabled to know w-lio is willing
and ablo to givo them good bargains. Don't
think of going into tho house of n man who
does not advertise—turn from him as you
would from a lepor, for rest assured tlmt ho
wil stia you to the red if you givo him a chanco
If a rnau really desires your custom and is
willing to do woll by you, he will ho euro to
let you know where ho Is and in a liberal
spirit will advertise in your County paper; hut
ifhc conducts his business upon tho narrow,
contracted, selfish, ignorant policy of refusing
to advertise and trusts to. providence for his
customers, you may rest assured ho will not
do—pass him by—keep out of his clutches,
and let somebody also bo ids victim.
IVo repeatagnin call on only thoso who show
by thoir cards thoir willingness to plcaso and
nccommodntc you.—Jacksonville Republican.
Immigration into Texas.
Day after day it comes in unceasingly.—
Whonovor we stop to tho doors or south win
dows of our offico, looking out upon tho square
wa soo trains of wagons, halted until supplies
aro purchased and inquiries mado about tho
country and tlio roods. Upon the southern
lines of travol ihrough-the State, as wo hear,
Road and Digest
Tho able tetter of Hon. A.II. Stephens in
to-days Courier; also (ho article from tlio
Columbus Enquirer. Tlio editor of that pa
per was an influential membor oftho Senate,
in the lato Legislature.
{^•Jesse Reneau, Esq., 1ms retired from
tho Atlanta Republican, and tlio editorial
department of tills sterling Union paper, will
bo undor tho control of tlio Rov. Russel
Reneau. IVo wish tlio retiring and rcinnin-
ing editor all possible success.
t3TThe hints of our worthy correspon
dent of Codar Valloy are wortiiy of profotiud
attention. Much of tlio whoat wo nro indu
ed is Injured by the soverlty of llio winter,
and it certainly stands every funner in hand
to prepare his ground Ibr n liboral pro\ ifion
crop. Witli cotton at 7 cents and bacon at
IS, somebody Is obliged to suffer.
Reform Oommeneed.
A gentleman from Morgan County, who
had just been up to Chuttanouga to purchase
provisions, was in our offico last wock, ami as
sures us tlmt every exertion is now being
mado by tho diflhrcnt officers upon tho Stato
Road, to put tilings to rights, and furnish the
necessary facilities for sending forward cotton
and othor produce to its pro|icr' destination.—
Tho presence and supervision of the now Su
perintendent, 1ms inspired confidence in tlio
public mind, and in duo timo, undor tho cn
lightened administration of our now Execu
tive wo may hope public expectation will bo
fully realised. Wo are nlso gratified to learn
that tho different branches which connect
witli this great thoroughfare, nro lending a
helping hand, by furnishing engines and cars
for tlio purposo of reducing tho amount of
freight now at Clmttanoogu and other points
upon tlio road.
Tlio efficient agent nt Chattanooga, wo are
plcuscd to learn, in view of its perishable
character, has vory properly determined in
forwarding freights, to givo corn and other
grains a piefferenco. The great scarcity of
corn and also ofoats for scud, iu tlio counties
below, renders it very desirable n-id even
philanthropic to send forward witli all possl
bio despatch these important grains, before
thoy shall become damaged. Wo trust there
tore tlmt a spirit of libral accommodation will
characterise tlio operations of nil our rail
roads, in the transportation of such articles as
tho necessities of the people will demand,
Tho Press—Its Offloe and Duty.
At acrisis like tlio present, when, upon the
evo of a great political strugglo, party leaders
are arranging tlio weapons of their warfare,
preparatory to a florco and sanguinary Presi
dential conflict, which is destined to shake the
very foundations of tho Republic, it is not
strange that tlio spirit of enquiry and solici
tilde, to an unusual degree, should ovory
where pervade tho public mind. And wo
are glad that it is so. Tho security and per
manency of our froo institutions, and tho ex
istence of rational liberty every where, de
pends upon the desire nnd ability of tlio people
to know their rights, and a stern detcrnihm
tion to defend them. Unscrupulous and un
principled demngogues may occasionally
mislead and betray them ; concealing for
time their ulterior designs and-selfish purpo
ses uuder loud professions of patriotism, but
a day of retribution is sure to overtako such
and they finally faHiuglorlously into tho pit
their own hands lmd prepared for others,
In emergencies like tho present, a great aud
solemn duty devolves upon tho political press
oftho country. It stands as a sentinel upon
tho watch-tower of liberty. Its appropriate
duty is—to instruct and warn the people—I
guard them ngainst foes within and from
assaults without. It is not to be either tlio
toy or tho tool of political gamesters or trick-
store, hut tho advocate of great and vital
principles and moasurcs, upon which nro
based tho prosperity and security of the coun
try. Tho mere triumph of pnrty is nothing
unless it secures with it tlio public weal.
With tlicBO viows of official duty nnd re
sponsibility, as tho humble conductor of an
independent press, wo shall ever stand ready
to co-opcrato and labor with those and for
thoso who will most llrmly staud by the Con
stitution and tho Union. Wo shall respectful
ly and llrmly advocate tlioso measures and
support thoso men tlmt are likely to promote
best tho dignity and prosperity of our com
mon country.
The Division in the Methodist Ohuroh.
In regard to the unhappy division between
the M.'E. Chtlrdhi North, -tho ‘Now York
Northern Whlggory.
The. Washington correspondent oftho Now
York Tribune ,a rahbld and influential free soil
organ of Northern Wlilggery, speaking oftho
position of southom wliigs in requiring a
pledge ofacqulcsccnco In tho finality of tlio
compromise, from their northern brethren,
uses tlio following significant, and no doubt,
truthftal language
Now so long as tlio Southern n lilgs hold
on to tills conviction, just so long thoro can bo
no union orNorthern Whigs on n Presidential -
candidate nnd or courso, considering tho po
litical complexion of tlio Houso, there can bo
no election ol'n Whig President. -And thus
it comes tlmt tlio Fugitiyo Slave law stands In
tho way of that result."
“ And so It becomes a question solely for
Southern Whigs to docldo whether or not wo
shall imvo a Whig Presidout at tho noxt -
election. If they insist upon incorporating
such a new and ridiculous test lute the code.
of'tlm Whig party ns (not adherence ■ to tlio
Constitution, not ndlicrcnco to a proper Fugl-
tilo Slave law even,) tho support of n cortnin -
ipccillc, existing, defective, repulsive law,
hen it is Inovltnbljrthat the Whig party Is •
sundered niul defenUd. And wlmt Is worso
.than tlmt, it is equally Inevitable that a great
sectional parly will rise upon Its ruins. And -
so, on the contrary, irtjiu Whig pnrty Nortli •
nnd Soutli will consent to discard all such »
ridiculous, temporary issues ns tlio ouo al- -
luded to, nnd will rally to tlio support of Gen. -
Scott ns they did to tho support of Goii.
Taylor, standing upon their ancient null *
well-known doutrines and tliu well-establish
ed character of tacit candidate, then will
they preserve the unity and the nationality of ■>'
the party i mol if they cannot, by reason of
the composition of Congress; slrnpu tlio policy
ol'llie couutry on domestic questions, tliuy
will nt least hold tlio reins ns to tlm foreign
policy of tlie Government, nnd net ns a certain
check to nil vicious leglslution, and preservo
a pure administration ol'otir national affairs."
Herb then wo Imvo presented to us tho -
veal and it would seem tlio only obstacle
in tho way of the success ola whig candidate
for tlio l’residency. If southern wliigs aro
willing to support Gen. Scott, or somo othor
nomiuco who Is tastcfril to tho north becauso
lie is either-opposed to, or mum upon tho
finality of tlm compromise—if Southern wliigs
willing to go into tlio campaign with their
oyes bandaged nnd their months sealed in
imitation of tliu IVco-soll standard-bearers, 1
this writer presents to them a most hopeful
prospect ofsucccss. As we arc no whig, and
ns there is no whig pnrty in Georgia, it cannot
bo expected tlmt w e shall say what Southom '
wliigs will do in tills delicate matter,—but- if
tho election ol'n whig President in hinged up
on tlio contingency presented by tills writer,
then is lie likely to ho disappointed. Of ono
tiling lie may nt least he satisfied ; and that
Is, tlmt the Union Party ofOeorgla, Alnbaius,
and Mississippi, will give i s support to-no •-
man who dees net plant himself llrmly and
squarely upon lira compromise. -To tho froo
soil wliigs and democrats of lira nortli who-
wish.to mako political capital by keeping tip -
sectional agitation, this position wo nro aworo>- -
Is very annoying. Yot tho South, If truo to •
hoi-seif will maintain it. Nor will Sira bo in
timidated by threats of it sectional organiza
tion upon tlio slavery question. Indeed, tlio -
sooner tho free sailers attempt litis Hie better. -
We sh.-WI then know- tlio worst anil lie prepare
ed to meet it. By'such a movement,- tlioso -
who are the real friends of tlio Constitution -
nnd tlio Union nt tlm Nortli, who now-hang
loosely upon tho old rotten and vitiated, and':
denationalised whig and democratic pseudo n
National parties, would bo cut untiroiy loose,
nnd rallying with tho Constitutional Union '
men oftlio South, would form ft great and .
glorious National Republican Party, against ;
which the fury of fanaticism could not pro- •
vail. In lira two old political charnel lious- •
es, wlmt Ims tlm Soutli to expect 1 Wlmt has. ■ v
tlio Constitution to hope for undor tlio hlglior
luw auspices of Martin Van Burcn ami \Y.
it. Seward! What lias Webster, Dickerson,
Fillmore, Cass, Cobb, Foot orally other friend
of the Constitution to expect whilst thosa
gentlemen, rocelvu tlm slightest countenance^
111 the Whig National Convention, Webster,
Fillmoro, Crittenden and otliors will bo.-
thrown asido because they aided in tbo pas- •
sage oftlio Compromise. Iu tho dcmocratio •-
Convention, Cassr.nd Dickinson will be thrown ,
over board for tho saino reason. Mark tho •
prediction. For ourselves, we care not how
soon lira match is applied to both of tho old "1
parties, though wo believe tlioy will soon ox— ,
plodo without sucli patriotic interference.
■ m
_ ; •
For the Courier. ;
Rail Road Mooting at Cavo Spring:-
In obedienco to a previous call, tho citizens,
of Cavo Spring and vicinity mot at tho "Ho-- • *j|
llio IIouso," for tho purpose of considering tho • '
propriety of constructing n Rail Rond from.-, '
Rome to Jacksonville, via Cavo Spring. The V
meeting was organized by calling Dr. I. N.
Culberson to tlio Chair, and appointing 0. P;
Fannin Secretary.
Tho object ofthc mooting having been stat- “
ed, tho following resolutions wore agreed to)
Resolv'd, That a Committee of Dvo bo ap
pointed to correspond with, nnd invito such
citizens of Rome, Cedar Town nnd Jackson- j
villo, as feel an interest in common with US,)
to meet with us at this placo on Saturday 28tt
Inst., for the purposo of taking propor stop
the contemplated Road. H
Resolved, That notices of our J
28th inst., ho given in tho Ro
vlUe papers.
Uuder fijst resolui