About Rome courier. (Rome, Ga.) 1849-18?? | View Entire Issue (Feb. 26, 1852)
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
