=llE====
_. ~ `~~
=Et
cagalL.-Yr3 =ZEQ
IOWANDA:
ctiat bati iiiorninn, annitst 21, 1852.
BLILEN, to SENATOR CIIASE
y tit ass letter. dated July 15th 1532.
Is , she p r orrle,S pof nonthaattag a third
ggrafitTEate for the Peceidenspy.
•
New You; July . 3l, 1852.
pear Sir : 4 have read, with care the public let
-2,'7a,e,1 to me by you, in the columns of the
v ew York IPraid, 'of the 20th inst. It reached me
asue en4 igedn proparing fqr an intgrtanl case,
the argument of which was commenced on the
:lg. and only c onc!thlea yesterday.
i team from ibis communication that you find it
withcat doing violence to your . cnnvic
and duty, to Eupport the . candidates
jt,„,eu and' Vice -President of the United
; ,NT.l•xe ,l by the Democratic. Convention
lateic 1a.;,1 tisitmore. You think the slavery
ra /a :inn r miporated in the platform ot that Con
rea,n
1 -7et.o;tel'.t'ole with the resolutions adopted,
aie ,leclara tom made, in August, 1848, by
Conveititon, ot which you were a
vartvr : and you th hi k, also, that Gen Pierce and
y, K. the presq democratic candidates, are
, ~.%. cornoirle,i to the support of the . plat"
1, 1 "4i .. loll!' by the Convention which nominated
thth4bly identified with the inter-
~.e S. , ire Powej, that they cannot, "
, inconsistency," be supported by those
71 , !: - 0. 1 in irie free-soil movement of 1348, r.nd
, such of this class as, like , yourself,
3 part in the Ilufialo Convention. You
:le't lore, resolved to vote against these can
! by '• independent action," personal
.I,•eit with Others, to do what you can to
c'ection.
ili,tinCtly speak of the call lately
;,:er Itie signaivre of Hon. ,S.antnel
•• the Ftee-sod Democracy" to send
, a convention !n be..ttekt at Pinsburg
II • Angnst, for the purpose of nomina-
(Jr PresiLleot aad rice-President of
s , atec ; but the lime chosen by you fo r
vi n ol your letter, as won as from its
4 ,rinol but Infe r that it is ilesizned to la-
,
mov,:ment /nut you propose to attend, or,
r.r. way, In be represented in the coming
P;O:.r4 Convention ; and that to this assemblage
for the organization, and for the candidates
ri :be alependeni democracy with which you
rr , po‘e to act
Bcfure the public•'ation of your letter, the -free-soil
:ernorrair of New York—whose organization was
.te since merged in that of the re-united state de•
r 4- .1 ;u. I o hi) were thus represented in the late
cenvent ion—had, by uniting with other
raritication meetings, and in various
Baer generally accepted the nominations of
:ra , Driver on and expressed their determination
re nominees their cordial support. The
:,Le determination had also been expresied by that
a of the democratic press of the state, which,
iqs.supported the principles and candidates of
•. F De:tociacy. This course does not, it ap.
e. wi ii your views of policy or duty,
Du have s:ateil at large the grounds of your
tlr.hut now mopping to notice them in detail, it
‘ulficient in this place to say, that the free-soil
,enireTwii nt New York having been represented
! ' • .ro cunrenlion, and having, by the
•t < tu r ,da L'elegates, united in
• P:erce ;did King, it was not to
• • , f",• repudiate thee nom
- .• -• •: y might disl,ke, or object to ,
- . : and that _the support of
0 • . I. l ::nient of those represented
• • • ••• • I'd as a pcl‘'ical duty, but
, 7 ' 1.1 ther ccmmended to their minds
ley th.• impress nn prevalent among
1 4. , n,crat, of bo:h the lale secnons, that
P: itch the disputes and divisions
ca d 4.j exist, and by a desire, equal
-~io redeem this state and the onion tram
re-wlt on'y to 6e accomplished, as
• ;,'=c-!::•heir unitel exertions in behalf of
• ,kot..-state and national. tt;
tn.i,ti, -, wr; to ynn, that individuals 84
sta.e, connected in 1 1- 848 with the
L.:‘cy, have in several instances accom .
ti'lf acceptance and support of the presen t
- ct:.•:c candidates with protests, more or less
a.z.t.tt,t that part of the platform which re•
You refer to this fact, and while
Es )sl.o.erv.,
ant. own inability to see the proprie
!once of this course, and the " lieen
- - e ‘.‘ai. \‘!,l( h you have wilnessed it, you yet
, r 3 , -..7self and for others sharing with you
" - e that you will not " question the rno
'!4 :•he G Vi:y to their own convictions," of
'`‘),) have taken it.
N'i].s. you lave bat obeyed your own sense of
n"! youfusual modesty find can
• L..e 1. ~letnuetats, distineoibhed for their
''-:e"ce and honor, of other slates, as well as of
-7
'k• di.senting from, and protesting
• iva of the Baltimore Convention,
I .itekr.toter,tion of supporting its nomi
ti,le you claimed, for yourself, the right
1 • 3 tici•or.ltng to your on•o convietionA, in
a‘ijilow far, you should go, in man
,' you ! own disapprobation of the elaiery
;":'claimed at Baltimore you could not;
—a;-t n.a9, deny to others differently eircum
ugh! of deciding, for themselves, the
che.t on ; nor as a man conscious of his own
',,y, ven'llte to allirm, that these decisions
e.e Lot Lui , est,,aild possibly as Wise,
as. your
The nutter being one of public concernment,
grave impottanee, it is not surprising that
33u 6,261 desire to place before, the public your
:enoris for rejecting, not merely the exceptionable
part of the Baltimore platform i but the nominees of
_fie convention, and for the hostile movement An
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which yon.are_about to engage. To, selforth these
reasons ; to remonstrate with Free soil democrats
(and especially With` these belonging to this state,)
who have, decided Ito_ support Pierce, and Xing,,
and to induce ; , if Yon can, democrats who acted
with you in 1848 •to act with .• you now—these I
take to be the Main - objecte of jour fetter. • , Yde .
have ziddiessed it not" hecause f r had
taken ground in favor of rhei.l3altimore
for this, hitherto, t have,notsdone--Imfi es staled bY
yourself, 4 ( because we were'co.laboremin dierifei
paration of the:plafform psronatifgatett by* the 13Uffa' ?
lo Convention, and afterwards connected _missy fa
!aliens to the convention and its. nominees ; -end
because, alsd,'we bothprofess the'sam'e dernoe , mt:
is faith, and desire the st;ccesSol the same deMo,:
cmtio measures." lioweves_l may l regret nee. ;
essity under which your letter has Jail me, of corn.
ing . before the public with a lengthened reply, 1
cheerfully admit, that in the
have mentioned, you had good Warrant, if yon had:
thought proper to use it, for giving to your address
to the public the form of an address to me.
So far as yonr letter is designed to' explain anti
to vindicate your rejection of the'slavery resplution&
of the Baltimore Convention, ft expresses substan
tially, my own convictions, and receives my entire
concurrence.
The main purpose for which that Convention
had been assembled, was to nominate candidates
for the re-united national democracy—for a party
which, though numbering in its ranks a large ma
jority of the electors of the United States, had, in
consequence of dissentionwand divisions, origina
ting in the necessity of legislating for the territory
of Oregon and for territories expeCted to be wink.
ed, from Ataxic°, and turning on the question of
slavery in those territories, lost its ascendancy in
in the Union, as well at in several of the United
lEMM
In the meantime, the question of slavery the
territories had been practically settled by a series
of legislative acts, some of them, in their natnre, it.
repealable, and others of them 'obnoxious alike—
though for reasons diametrically opposite—to.Frec
soil democrats in the north and .to many demo.
crats in the south. In this state of things, what was
the dictate of prudence, as well as of comity and
justice ? Obviously, that while the convention re
affirmed the leading and distinguishing- principles
of the 'national democracy, in which all its mem
bers agreed ; and while it declared, the -known
news of ite constituents, upon questions of political.
policy, in respect to which the democracy, 4a a par.
ty differed from their opponents, it should eithei
carefully abstain from topics connected With the
visions of 1848
,or, it allusion wae made to them et
all, that it should be in the terms so broad arid tole+
rant as to enable democrats of the -South and of
the North, the East and the %Vest, whatever might
be theirparticular opinions on the topics referred to
—however diverse—however extreme—to sustain
them with freedom, with a just self-respect, and
with a fraternal regard, to the equal rights of
others.
Wise and disinterested democrats, in every
quarter of the Union, 'has desired and expected
the Convention to act. It was only in this way that
the wounds of 18-IF could be effectually healed ;it
was only in this way, that the lessons taught by the
conflicts and reverses of that year could be turned
to good account. For the first and most important
of them was, that democrats, in every section of the
country, should be permitted, with entire freedom,
to hold, at:il in all constitutional ways, to express,
their particular opinions on any question of the pub
lic policy within the power of the federal govern
mint, witholo being placed under the ban of politi
cal excommunication. So much, at le-ist, was tn.
illy implied in that ie-nnion of the party which se
cured its unbroken representation at Briltimme.
Instead of pursuing this course, the Convention
—under what circumstances I cannot stop to inquire
—passed the three slavery resolutions recited in
your letter. I agree with you in thinking them ir
reconcilable with the Buffalo platform. I was as
sociated with you in the preparation of that dock
ment. As chairman of the committee, I reported
it to the Convention ; and to it, ! in what I believe to
be its true sense and spirit, I yet hold, entirely and
without reserve. I, therefore,concur with you, in
our rejection, on this ground, of the resolutions in
question.
Butt have other and higher reasons for rejecting ,
these resolutions, than their repugnance to the Buf
falo platform.
Not to dwell on the had logic or worse morality
of affirming, as does the second of series, }}tat the
preceding resolution, originally adopted in 1840
ti covers and was intended to embrace" not only
such slavery agitation as existed in 18-10, but al-o
the whole subject as it now exists, in Ouch man
ner as to apply it to questions which have only aris
en since the dale of the war with Mexico—these
three resolutions as they now stand, mug be under
stood to rose: and as intended to embrace every
kind ot discussion—whether in or out ot Congress
—however constitutional in its form and object, and
however moderate in its terms, uportany topic con
nected with slavery. Arid this interdict is not only
to apply to any such discussion in respect to sla-
very in the slave states, where the Federal Goiern
ment has no power to touch it,but also in respect
to slavery in the district of Columbia, or other pla.
ces under the exclusive control of that Government.
Tiiis attempt to stifle free public discussion,
seems lO me a most dating and dangerous violation
of the Constitution, and of the first principles of cm.
il liberty,
By the first amendment to the Constontion of the
United States, Congress can " Make no taw abridg
ing the freedom of speech or of the press -yet
here we, in the case before us political con
vention doing, or attempting to do;•this - very thing
and this ;smelt cinfrie4#ll'nf thecglit and 'utter,.
twee is rendered' doubly thinderiitis by the tact, that ,
it has been substantially seconded and followed up
by the Whig Conventiciit. • •
The ; two Consentioni representing constituencies
UIMM:=
`,
ME
~.PDB. L jaIIAD EVERY SATURDAY :AT .TOViANDA; BRADFQRD'Count 01,(EAILI.GOODRICIL
%Oa a part as the poles, mutton tit:tenth:moot prim.
cipter,aral policy, deserting, each, the first great du
ty of political parties-"— : that of watOltitig each' . othel
and` takiAg•care that the.repOlio receive no .detri.
ment—set themselves to therasit• bf subverting a
right, seemed, indeed, by the Constitution, but , nht
45Rake4,ttiropgh not' from any pther . human
char.ter..!one„ ot , Ahose-original.. and .aalumE sight%
for the.preservatiort of whfelygmrettlnient insii•
thteri and ivhiCh is iiself.deciareiby Jeflitiion And
Mitt)ison, in the very documents .reterred,e by
the DemocratioConventtoni as one the sources
ottita phliticarpieeiVirlhe'onli . effectual Otaillin
erevitrY, other right rf g ; • , •
T7retopiaeminentlptfeserren a kill and •leastese
ditensegon 'Otuthnt i 'in - this pine . e, ;Chit
"iri opLes iauei g iPa4O
tequinid - kmother.tn*Unts.z.t , • ~
Nor>siiait t oesiionreat)ir yoarttightla takeitir
lheprcprictyi,of .
Pierno,ana King, the extreme step on which- you
have ilecided. Yoe were it is trim; with other Ohio
dernoCratl,..reprosenteif in the "'f!ahimore VoMfen
tion,i and , your 4141'm0 concortetl in making the
nornimitions. ,Soeh relation, mder ordinary air
entrunanees, impose on the Constituent the duty of
support, or at least, of refraining from active oppo
sition. This is the common law of party associa
tions.
The reasons assigned in your letter • for rejecting
the nominations and for actively opposing the nom
inees, are, I doubt not, conscientiously entertained ;
and being satisfactory to your own mind, should of
-course, be obeyed by you. Their influence, be.
yond yourself, must, however. entirely depend on
the force with which they strike the minds of
others.
Before your letter reached me, most of the points
so elaborately discussed by you had occurred to
me, and. in the course of my reflections, had beep
considered and dibposed of.
The slavery resolutions Ot the Baltimore platform
rejected prom ply and without reserve ; and as
I was resolved, on the one 'hand, not to conceal
on any occasion when candor should .call lor them,
my opinions on this and unwilling cm the
other, to obtrude them Where the frank and-Intl et.
pression of them mighthe deemed 'by any a trey,
pass on the proprieties of the occasion, f determin.
ed to abstain ovum attenditig apy of the public meet :
lags called to ratify the nentitiatllsns, or, do promote
the election olthapernowtiecandidatea, it, how-.
over, seemed-to see, on the most deliberate' 'and
comprehensive survey-; was able toinate of the
eendltion4riti relations, preettnt and ptentective, of
tha.wholet countly, that.l should best promote all
its great interests—and among these f include what
yet remains OnaccorripliShetrOttbeineatures'
enu
meratel.iritie utfaia platfenp—by casting my
vote for these candidates; end this.—with only the
reservation necessary to ivard 'against posrible,-but
moil improbable, contingencies, which, should
they occur, might demand achange of views—l ac
cordingly resolved to do.
The following, are among the reasons which led
to this conclusion :
The Executive branch of the federal government
will have been, on the 4th of March next, for f n nr
years, in the hands of the• Whig party. During the
first part of the term, this party nearly Mvided the
House of Representatives. From this fact, and
from the influence which a Whig Executive will
always exert on the action of Congress, even though
there may be a nominally democratic majority in
each Rouse the legislation of the country, especial.
lit in respect to financial matters, has been gradual
ly becoming mote and more unsound. No one
know; this better than yourself. The evil tenden
cy of this slate of thing; has been hitherto kept in
check by various causes--amuse others, by the
mere want of time for the ordinary business of
legislation.
The next Congress will be under less restraint in
this respect than the last two; and, with the tide of
prosperity now louring upon the country, it needs
no •prophet to foretell what will be the character of
its legislation, if the Executive department shall be
in the hands' of the whig party. It seemed to me
all important to prevent such a catastrophe. From .
the known character and principles, personal And
of the democratic nomiuees, I think they
are well qualified to.bring back the administration
to that limited construction of federal powers—that
equal and exact justice to all sections of the country
and to altclasser--that caution in imposing, pnblie
burthens--that frugality in public expenditures— and
that simplicity and moderation in the general
working of the government—wnich constitute, in
respect to these most important topics the essence
of the Jeffersonian democracy, which you and I
both.desire to tee predominant.
It seemed, also, to me, that while all the other
interests of the country imperatively demanded
the restoration of the democratic ascendency in the
federal gove-nment, the interests of human free
dom would at least be as sate, for the next four
years, in the hands of the democratic party—a
party whose original principles are identified with
freedom and progress—as in the hands -of the
modern whig party, of whichynu truly declare that
it is " marked by devotion to the intereeks of pro
" perty ratter than to the rights of man."
The condition and interests of the state of New
York had also much to do with my decision. As
one of tire consequences of the dissensions by
which the New York democracy was divided, the
state fell into the bands of the whigs, who soon
entered upon a course of financial polio very dare
germs to the credit and prosperity of the state, and,
as lately adjudged by our highest tribunal, directly
in the teeth of the constitution. Out though the
constitution has, been saved by the firmness and
fidelity of, the judiciary, yet within the. acknOir.
'ledger] timite of consfitptional'poiyertheieisimple
room for .; largo ariiiiutii of reckless legislationipind
-'&4l Vir_tlitua ROselatrons of,December-21•4798..
draivii -bphladison the ..Kentucky. Resolutions 'or
November •iB, /7913, drawn by Jefferson t• and Mad-i
iSODIS repOrt of 1800.
EOM
. I •l‘zsannt.tss OP DizcimotsTiozi Azir ques=t?
OMNI
mattem-have been kept by oupteamt wbig Meng
in such a state uto enable (head, should thei ex
coed at the' orning, election, to enter . ' Utrie, npati
careetihey had commenced.. - ,
Considering the vast vitagreitadeld the Interests
invoiced in the coining elertion, - 1 . Was unwilling
to contribute in any de ,, ree; however ' siigtit~;to file
Success of the whig patty in this istate, Opposition
brFseo soil deuroerateof New York to Pieree.and
Fitt; arcnlld givereitl
_and einem; In this elate to
that patty , and' inch "eid r etiii conibittl .co u ld not,
consistently with my sense of _duly, as the matter
then appeared-tome, by ;my meansextenti.
Since
, the reeelpt Of ; ontir letter t ':1 have' , teCom•
i
6 . 16 91 e : tp . p: - i4joi,, - ,j13 (liejiiht ot the fads and
!sip° go,cantained in ,it,,tml.withcnit Amling.any
suffici Poftwon ,, for , abantioiting; these -views es
ehaiVi the;reaolvir towhiSfithetletf.' ,
Yon Iltink - lfhtftf,ls if \ itiplikatrincensistettay in
prolessingio ItiddActihmßollato platform, and yet
supporting Pierce and King rand-yea have stated,
at letiggi;lhe hrtittedi 'Cif your 'Opinion..
From ifs very ft &fiat the.caie ie \ pnel.pt judgment
—of cantwierice. it is a cprestionotot of fact, or
science, bat of rodent's and morality, which re.
tem itself to the private judgment of two indivi
doals,re. ml to which each of them desires to give
a 'rank and honest answer.
Each is bound fairly to consider the argument of
ths&ther ; but as the decision of each mast be upon
his own responsibility, iszeh, as an honest man, is
bound to abide by his own matured convictions.
I have already stated by what considerations and
motives I was ted to give. a different answer to the
question before us. 1 have
, also stated that, I have
found in your letter, after careful consideration no
sufficient cause for reversing my decision, I can
not give tip my convictions, merely because they
differ from yours; you would despise me were I
capable of such an act.
With entire propriety might I here close this
reply. For though your letter is in some sense, an
appeal to the public, on the point ol difterence - be
tween us, it is an appeal to a tribunal which can
only pass its opinion on the comparative strength
of onr respective positions, and upon our probable
sincerity; but which Can make no decision , forcing
the conscience of either of us. It may, however,
be more satisfactory, not only to yourself, but to
the public, that I should slate my vteirs upon the
matetial points of your argument; itr.d this I will
now do: . .
. „
The point - ot differencetetWeen neiefates to the
nature and extent,of the action Contemplated, and
of the Pledges given by the Buffalo platform,
NV..ilgtaft-jc!-ftt!elitY, protested and actual, to
these pledges •we agree - vin -rejecting the slavery
resolirtiOnsl4e Wel tierneevatie Convention ; bu t
we differ as totheinest4ll; whether democrats like
cuirselves, Who cordially united in the guflalo plat
form, and who yet faithfully hold to it, are, by its
true sense anti spirit, forbidden to vote for, and
bound by, independent action, to oppose, the Dem
ocratic Nominees! In support of your view of the
case, you dwell upon the Buffalo platform; the
character of the convention by which it was adopt
ed; the earnestness and enthusiasm with which
the assembled thousands pledged themselves to
abide by and maintain it; and you especially rely
on the cermluiling resolution of the platform, in the
following words: " Resolved, that we inscribe on
"our banner Free Soil, Free Speech, Free Labor,
"and Free Alen, and under it will fight on and
" fight ever, until a tnemphint victory shall reward
"our exertions."
To give additional point to your argument, .you
quote the language of distinguished New York
democrats, (some of whom did not anew] the
Mad° Convention.) who, in wads of their own,
pre.se,l the like determination to do battle with
,he Slave Power, for the principles and objects
named in this resolution. Extracts of this sort, and
comments on them, and on the recent course of
some of these parties, occupy a considerable po:-
Li on o f your letter; but as you have expressly dis
claimed any invention- to -impugn the motives o f
others, I am spared .he necessity of volunteering
any remark "Von these . inotatioes or comments—
the more especially sislhey have no legitimatebear.
ing upon the question now at issue - between 3ow
and myself.
I have no desire to explain.away or qualify any
of the plecigetV of the-Zuffalo platform. They bind
its to opposition, permit:fat and uncompromising, to
the encroachments of the ; Slave power, end to Nin l
ceasing efforts an,. , ‘lree.soi4, fiee..epeech, f ree .
abor, and free men." Bin through what particular
organization this porpetual•ooposiiiort mid these on.
ceasing efforts were to be °ide, is.'not determined
by the platform. It was left by the convention to
the discretion of its members, to decide for them
selves,.and according to their respective c teem
stances and relations, when, where, and how they
were to render these services to the cause of Gee•
dom.
It was from the ne cessity . of the cavil th at this
large discretiou was left to each individual. For
the convention did not represent, nor attempt to
renrisent, any ntrticulat constituency. It had no
conetitnency, it was emphatically a mass conven
tion. It had no permaneneorganintion ; no Paver
of self-perpetuation. All its officers and corn.
minees, all its arrangements and proceedings, in
its organized capacity, were limited to the time and
place, when and where it was assembled. The
earnest and warm-hearted men, who composed it,
had been drawn together by the sympathies and
feelings appropriate to an emergency which de•
mantled instant and vigorous action, to be perform.
ed in their collective capacity, so long as , they
should be together—in their individual capacities,
or in other connections , so seen an they she* be
separated: 'I.
Whaklhese otherCemocciiont should bit,lbe Pon?,
ventiony.wkoa it separated, could not, in , respectaw
any of its members, certiinly know ; tint it tih~
authorized to eipeoi, troin the 'aiuranees giveS bj
the frersoil 'democrats of New •York, who-took
Span in its proceedings, Met they Would tsseturbk'd
=
throwah itritilifiginiTation, then in e x istence,
to see re Po the fruit*" lispioff , * the 40Prori of
the ridierifdemocradY.
These assnranees were, as yow a/Imi% liOnoMaY
redeemed. tit a Y • 41( 11F
Tdo not perceive, in your lettei, any censu.o of
the tree democracy of New York for their Willing:
ness to reunite With their' tarmer aisociates.. If the
reunion elinid"beve been e ff eetect "an ferrite proper,
and honorabte, you wonljtpot have obji4;lcd to it:
The approbation with which yon.spialt:of the corwl
Melo-union eeeited , iftoecintilti eni Ve4monl;
and - of ttm'partial,rittion-effaed jtr'Obin 'AO !hi
11Ia - ssac' bow that titonitisr / iiiitsell, provid
ed it were obtained on just tarms,you had no ob
jections. Tbis sentiment was very decriyelymank
feateil Ia your own actiOn,. inuvem , ber, 1851,
when you _publicly declared- your.-appjnixatiott, of
the platform ndopted- by the regular-!democrafic
Convention' of the stale iat . Ohiii=thatby - Wthiclf
Goirernor Wood was renominated for te glee*
—and your adhesion, on the prmeipies of that plat
form; to the democracy of Ohio. 1 take no ex
caption whatever to , this action on yonepart;'' on th e
contrary, I thought it, at the time, wise and panics-,
tic. I submit, that rt necessarily concedes the two
points-above stated—the right of every person who
took fart in the proceedings at Buffalo to decide
for himself how, and in what political connection,
his efforts in behalf of the principles there pro
claimed were to be made; and the expediency, in
the case of every democrat concerned therein, of
his making such efforts—supposing the opportuni
ty to be fairly presented—in his former party con
nection, rather than in any new one—in the old
democratic party, as organized before 18.18, rather
than in the free-democracy formed in that year.—
You must also, in fairness, concede, that if a re
union was ever to occur, it could only be by some
concession on each side.
Neither section'ef a pally so nearly equally di.
vided could be expected to accept, without some
modification, the former doctrine of the other.
In the same spirit, in the concluding part of your
letter, you distinctly avow .your own readiness to
remain in the National Democratic organisation—
in which, as a part of the Ohio democracy,• yeti
were represented—provided the candidates and
platform of the Conventiodhad met your approba
lion. " Had a liberal and tolerant spirit," these are
y our words, prevailed in the Baltimore Conven.
tion; had no new tests, incompatible with'
" ocratic principles; been. imposed; s had the . norm
" nee& represented that spirit, and the ideas .of, re:
"form, progress, liberty and economy embodied
"in the original platform, no division need have ,
"occurred. The Convention Is responsible rot; !lie
"division. The Convention l .Wbiah. arganize ' d a.
"compromise democracy upon: new testa, created
"the netessitylor a radical and independent dens=
er oeracy."
The division to which, in this.passage, you twat,
is not the division produced by the Convention.ot
184 S, but a new division produced by the Conven :
lion of 1852. Ile necessity for a radical and in
dependent' democracy, to which you allude, is, in
like manner, a necessity growing out of the action
of the Convention of MR. It is, therefore, not for
the reassembling of the free-demriCracf Of 1818,
but for a new organization in 1852, of a new free
democracy, that you call. You inform us that you
think it demanded by the action of the late Con
vention; and no one that knows you will dotibt the,.
sincerity of this statement. But froth the very
nature and necessity of the case, each of your tate
associates must be permitted to decide for himself
whether the organization of a new pasty be neces.
sary.
Even were it =Win thatthe rt in'ilipendent ac
tion," in Which you propose to engage, could be
limited rery obj.cts and measures set forth
in the Bullalo platform, I should, therefore, for the
several reasons above stated, feel myself constrain
ed to decline any participation therein.
But it is certain that it waffle( be so limited.
Several new questions connected with the sub
ject of slavery—all those, for example, growing
out of the enactment of the several compromise
art; of 1850—have arisen since . lB4B. No one of
these questions was or could he then knesecn, in
the precise form in which it is now before us--
most of them are absolutely new.
Some of these questions are, no doubl i embraced'
within the principles of the Buffalo platform; hut
before 1 ran be required to unite with you or wherry
In taking ground upon any new question, not anti
cipated at Buffalo, i mast be permittEat_tn eadmine
into its character and merits, and to decide for my
self as to the course I should pursue.
This is due to every member-of the convention
of August, kB4B. It is especially doe to the Free r
•Soil Democracy of New Y9rk : for, however it
may have been as to others, the Buffalo Conven
tion, Instead of being a starting-point, or a resting
place, was, with most of them, the place 'of ter' ,
mica:ion in this particular path of public duty. -
Now, on one st least of the new questions refer- .
red to—and, as it happens, the only one likely
soon In become the snhject ol ' an ima , ed controversy
the Fugitive slave law of 1850—my opinions ace
entirely different from yours ; and, if I may judge
from the public prints, from those of slf others, who
are likely to take part in the proposed convention
You deny the power of Congress to, legislate on
the subject, and therefore hold the law -of 1850,
and that also of 1793, to be unconstitutional and
void. For this reason, and also because of its'ob
jectionable features, you are prepared to urge, triad.
if Icorrectly understand your views, think it your
duty to ume, not merely the amendment of these
laws,•but their unoonjitianit repeillo
...--
1 1italovor1 might have thotight as te Ate cutl et
teiional pocrerof Congress. to legislate in this rocs:
half, tradlthe point arise!) for the firsti
emisidet'the power Mar ffillilrestatilated; by 'the'
‘akci s ilesCencti.ef the ‘ - iihoN'lthitan in , the
1799,;14 by the thweiitinnof The judicial tribunals
tor tag-nowt datum he:lineation therefote,-A
regarded, tithlaitorfishiiiiiteaild regnsi . ,lhe enact-
t.ri` Z :
=II
, - „r4 I i . ,...1.') 1",;_::
IMIM
1 -1:1 , trli a vtli
MU
meet, by the American Congress, .10 fhb *fatl - ,
die Iliilh.:rienitty;. tire 'nisi- Tegidyeafiria
more ifilingent fulthigoions irs. its provisions ' , dm*
the act frinVt•the istetedinreerifury wbip
lisvegy.exisre in three-foirifis Of the siateri # ,lstairl
V e r atlr iZff f Ai 4 PeP liv a - Y -411 1 1 0 1 , 0 1, 60 ;lni.il-04ritit l it
filners ll s ) 1 1 t° *lTltTreP!rlitV,leifttrifilb.4 l l4W
ail -. been; for , ye,tls-ijoipt:Filed.irt- . 4
free_atates, and there liMiiid by doni`eit iliariaiiii
fel a t i a n it zinle_ s !4AlitA°4 l 949?- 1 1 8 A4Alt 'flamer ,
in tie assertion of his rights., had perhaps enabled
them to enter —a liittotetittly ifificient in apropri•
ateiSiiirtilierifilfor;ll4,,iitieWititin ga me :Qat
color, of whom,•fit theltaul 0 - IxosViactment, there
were over 400,000iMihevfree-ratates,—a law, re-
Mgf ) 34: ill. Da v!rti-ralZtelll6Z.l/1 !!.[her r
northern men--eveu, of. those most ronscrons of the
duty of fulfilling the camoitutinnal provision it was
designed to niiiifitliiii-t/lia tiA 'A • )11Tii(org which.
pb0a1VC4.4 , 64414eik1. nii`,%. , ^lare
r f ir.eWt jriilt" re WV 4 . ,,f 91 A fig NITM
ineinstilatibVi otThelireti istiles; ; andVithriPtiuk
onietteictqinYo the rightl'a lala'rgiitiiatifSiiiiiikii
clisd'ef tree mentLata‘v i'litiretilve'tiftilti# •4t-2
itibatig 6r, .wise and eoriialtliitit legtdaiiM,Of;
mniflOinstify 'the belief that ii inosirai4lieen,tiet
signealftnitle"So for the very iiiiiPOSO - 61 1 6:A . freii
oPpositiOn at the north, it - ni th'Us gii4ng,'ln dflit
unionists in the south neiv'eause Ot'pOroviaintiiii
agitation ..-=while, therefore, thasfe teriaril titli flq;
ever since its passage,' and sill! re:tard it; itie to'
filet on the lekisktion of my country,' I' bSVO itev , re
1
yet loubt'e,d Ili constitutionality f
, - •
I should be most happy to see this law's° ainen r cl r -'
ed, is to make it Consisteot with the`jalee''Of,
and the elairotof li_Obaji:hy • aljAll,..agoThea'cli l t i
unite in any,wiseituuf.tuspefut that to abut in such
amendment, But I,caortor consent ? totaae part,ip a
political cry.anization, fu miter in Itostil4' .
continuance of 'law rn
s IlterelVes, even ttiOniti
amended, on the sta;Ute.b . ooil-. The rea,..oOs fOr 11)1.4
opiniOn cannot be stateirhere'';' bet don
iey seem to Me,
to be perkily Con;isletil' with" at! tire 'plisdi4Mali
al Buffalo:
When; iTtereferec m •atidAtt to tft,e
Lions bdfore mentiovied, it is 'farther manifest that
he pmposed . actio . 'n "is 'likely trve"
m race,
,riot
gixtted to emb7ace,'objeCts and measures poi natp•
eil : in the
my. ttilEtleilaijorro:—.ebjecis' "iind._rueAtjesj
wtiicft convictions wall not permit nrie to . prol
ruote-Ihe veas , ittts against mYbeccOrtliig,'itgar); to
it are, as trit,sl you will lave the Candoi to ie.'
knowledge, absolute!l" u ble
tit rn P.-P-r.a,
intimaielLby yory many . diiisol:Fala Fla
toitiip . ati inT'i e'rce-sac}inoverqe!lt of •j 119.
ready to_taite par(. n to te I:ik?, , moverkeot A noT.. 7A
Your n eank oTjt z novideagitt are ro4irtitettiefAt%
but)mine : 'itutess'lli4.Ve en, rin:is yid ence,ir stßk
oety,part Oct he tonvirt--ti a ters!,
is no 'retch . if i tcsitiou a to ms knn.~'lrtlge~
the democrats of Ne'W York. to ibis respect 4 1118
whole condition of 'things istotallY diterent from
that 'Whiehexisted in . 1 . 848 , and unleamke pled
61;idi us to disregard the most obvious 'A - idea"' of
political prudence 7 e, hd such, I, thialc k FapoA be i's
true interpretation—there Wou'ltl seem itolitte' . no
good reason for, but al least one very ,good, leasm?
against, the movement yott propose viz :Au! lc*,
do no possible good, and may do laud!' harm ' to
• •
the interests you desire to promote.
Your personal objections to Gen' Ifiere
e anti rStT
Bing Seem to me at-:olly insufßeietit io4uslify op ! ,
positiOn to them as candidates. 'Tom adroit 11 tha s
• yeti have no word to utter in di.tparagement Of" the
just claims of either to respeet and honer teti theft
private virtues and public services:'' . The object ;
ions
ions ara, that each of thesegentlemenlis aft eNret r uis t
supporter or sla'very . ; that each tit; t r r . sw.
soil democrats with haolerance and Aleut - Jolt:id'
them in terms of harshppas and severity ; and' that,,
in their let era of eccerfonce, th;eY' dec!ared dig! .
decided approval of the
f regard the-e'thinis as to recojrutieit`ditio ;of )
the canaidalei, I canool;witluSui ipeurikng , triysi4
the guilt of intolerance, rriltinilyittern ground
of tliac~ualiC:cation. They haVel;iit q
esercis /1, 7
the way d'ooble.s.;itafe
t hat freedom of thonglit, of utteratiCe and ot - acitort,
which ; as it seems - to me, those who prepared' (tie'
Buttalo platlafin ifibuld'be the'la'ii to dept
rittge:
You inquire, at the
fotli tlemoct atz,_ who"suppiVil ceiiiprOPS‘
tieftet, Williee` in Wei-di 'ti , Vetitillttn;
except tic gain for 'll4edon't' or fa' frOi:
soil deMitc.44 r ,
you a-k, that fiee.s.oll ilem.netri' will ,
" the patrona;te,,,cii rarlii4nea - ee
" nitaistratipa r For onel'l
all: And WhateN4r:ani ;gip
giii;an r io'llia'liekt a - iileat - sa0(41; l eta . dtlef the
publication of this letter I 'shall hope' lo be acquit= '
ter' of entertainini any such esPecta•ion:
sou soggiest, that General I'ierce, in the eves' or
hits election, will - feet himself st4 - ei it 11 Co
gnatd the slave interest NO tar as relates to eeitier
C'EE WEST PAGE 1
• The meetings for appninilog .deregatee to* thip ,
proposed Pittsburgh- Couvention,, whose, .ptoceetl•
in ;s havo•callen under my eye, generally curicwt.in_.
treating the immediate and tbial - repeal of the hot,
of IfltO. as - one rif i the main Objects of theUrtioreivi
lion. 4,i ;ono .of 'these tneetiags stateri.--by the.
newspapers, tottsve been held in the Third cop.!
gressionai Distrlet of this state, in 'the early pars
ufviiia month, ft woohf seem tbet seTerat persona,
of whom 'l - ' , #as - named as one, wr re rocomme dad ,
-to represent the state at-large" in the proposed
Convention. J. , knew, xtothinai of, tbe meeting.
except from the newspapers ; no notice has ever
been - tiven. to: me. by any of its officeraJof the
atlxged recommendation, which, wait:node witbant.
my conseot, knowled;e or approiAtion. ,
- •
t That part Of the tfith section which provides.;
that n, record, mule op in one state, to prove. tha
qtan i tlien actually
. otniciled in another moot., end
'lib notice of the proceeding, riser s
service or labor Ito - the pa ny vitro preattresq art
record to be so made-up; shall be conclusive evi.
deuce thereof: is ituthand'voitt, hecatssedmiliari to
t,hp. first prippiplea of civi heed. jurisprodenrasi tow,
it is not, property speaking. anconstituifonal.
however. illustrates the character Or tli:a